Our Groton vets know that cats have a well-deserved reputation for being picky eaters. So, if your cat is refusing to eat, it may be difficult to find an obvious reason. Here are a few of the most common reasons why your cat isn't eating and when you should book a vet appointment.
Cat Not Eating
There are a number of reasons why cats might refuse to eat, ranging from disliking their current food, to discomfort or pain that is affecting their appetite. Sorting out your cat's reason for not eating can be a challenging and upsetting experience.
If your kitty skips a meal or two but then returns to eating like normal, there probably isn't anything you need to worry about going on. On the other hand, if your cat stops eating for longer than a full day, there may be an underlying health issue that is affecting your kitty's appetite.
Less Concerning Reasons Why Your Cat May Not be Eating
The following are some of the less serious reasons why your cat may be suffering from a lack of appetite:
- New food
- Recent vaccinations
- Stranger in the house
- Change in regular routine
- Motion sickness following travel
If any of the situations above apply to your cat, you will probably see the regain their appetite within 24 hours, with it gradually returning to normal. If your cat continues to refuse food for long than a day, however, it may be wise to book an appointment with your veterinarian. When it comes to your pet's health, it's best to err on the side of caution.
More Serious Reasons Why Your Cat May Not be Eating
GI Trouble
Some common gastrointestinal issues in cats ca include foreign objects trapped in their intestinal tracts, parasites, pancreatitis, urinary obstructions or disease, cancer, colitis, gastroenteritis or changes to the general health of your cat's gut bacteria.
GI issues can cause cats to feel nauseous and experience a lack of appetite. If your cat is suffering from a gastrointestinal issue, they may show other symptoms such as weight loss, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea.
If your cat is showing any symptoms of gastrointestinal health issues, contact your vet. GI problems like those that are listed above can be quite serious and may even require urgent or emergency care since prompt treatment and diagnosis are key.
Dental Health Issues
Just like people, our cats can suffer from tooth decay, gum disease and a variety of mouth infections. Your cat may be refusing to eat because of pain in their mouth caused by broken or loose teeth, a dental abscess or an injury to the inside of their mouth.
If you believe that your cat is suffering from mouth pain it's time to call the vet. Your Memphis vet can clean your cat's teeth and do a thorough examination of your cat's mouth to check for any oral health problems.
Kidney Disease
Just like gastrointestinal issues, kidney disease can make your cat feel quite nauseated and refuse to eat. If your feline friend is suffering from kidney disease, you may notice symptoms like drinking large amounts of water and frequent urination. Kidney disease is a relatively common health issue affecting cats over the age of 7.
Kidney disease can only be diagnosed and treated by your vet. If your cat has stopped eating and is showing other symptoms of kidney disease contact a veterinarian to book an appointment.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.