Is your cat not eating? It could be a sign of a serious condition

Cats are generally known for their finicky eating habits, but when a cat consistently refuses to eat or has a decreased appetite, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying health issue.

Chronic inappetence, or the persistent lack of appetite, is a common problem seen in cats and can have various causes, from medical to behavioral.

Medical causes of chronic inappetence in cats can include a range of conditions such as dental disease, gastrointestinal disorders, liver or kidney disease, cancer or even infections. These conditions can cause pain, discomfort or nausea, making it difficult for the cat to eat. For example, dental disease can make it painful for a cat to chew or swallow, while gastrointestinal disorders like inflammatory bowel disease can cause nausea and vomiting.

Apart from medical conditions, psychological factors such as stress or anxiety can also lead to inappetence in cats. Changes in the cat’s environment, routine or interactions with other pets or people can cause stress, which may manifest as a loss of appetite.

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It is important to identify the underlying cause of inappetence in cats, as it can have serious health implications, such as weight loss, malnutrition and dehydration. If you notice a persistent lack of appetite in your cat, it is essential to take them to a veterinarian for a thorough examination and diagnosis.

Treatment for chronic inappetence in cats will depend on the underlying cause. If a medical condition is identified, treatment may involve medication, surgery or a change in diet.

For example, if dental disease is the culprit, your veterinarian may recommend a dental cleaning and extraction of any teeth that are causing pain. Similarly, if the cat has gastrointestinal problems, they may need a special diet, medication, or surgery.

If stress or anxiety is the underlying cause, treatment may involve addressing the environmental factors that are causing stress. This can include providing a safe and comfortable space for the cat, introducing new toys, or modifying their feeding routine. Additionally, your veterinarian may recommend behavioral therapy or medication to manage the cat’s anxiety.

In some cases, a lack of appetite may be a side effect of the medication that the cat is taking. In this case, your veterinarian may adjust the medication or prescribe an appetite stimulant to encourage the cat to eat.

While waiting for a diagnosis or treatment, there are a few things that cat owners can do to encourage their cats to eat. First, ensure that your cat has access to fresh water and a clean litter box. Try offering small, frequent meals of high-quality, palatable food, such as canned or wet food. Additionally, try warming up the food to increase its aroma and make it more appealing to the cat.

In our practice, we use acupuncture with B12 to stimulate the appetite. We also use appetite stimulants like mirtazipine, entyce and elora

If you notice a persistent lack of appetite in your cat, early intervention and treatment can help your cat get back to their healthy and happy self.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Chronic appetence in cats has many causes, and some are serious