Healthy and fast cats usually have a fairly good appetite and are often curious when it comes to food. But what happens if your cat suddenly has a reduced appetite or has stopped eating? Poor appetite in cats can occur for a variety of reasons – and as a cat owner it is important to keep an eye on your cat’s eating habits as this can be an indication that something is wrong with your four-legged friend. In addition, a reduced food intake over time can lead to malnutrition. In this article, we look at some common causes of poor appetite in cats and give our best tips on what to do.
Table of contents
Possible causes of poor appetite in cats
Illness or health problems
First of all, it is important to distinguish between whether the cat does not want to eat or whether it cannot. Appetite is regulated, among other things, via the gastrointestinal tract and the nervous system – and there are a number of organ-related and systemic diseases that can affect appetite and lead to nausea. Other health problems that can lead to poor appetite are infections, digestive problems, dental problems, inflammation of the intestine, pancreatitis, parasites, liver or kidney disease, or other.
Ingestion of foreign body
Sometimes it may happen that the cat has eaten something that gets stuck in the stomach or intestines (foreign body).
Change of feed type or routine changes
Some cats are creatures of extreme habit – and when their food changes (smell and consistency), they may refuse to eat. Cats can be picky – and if you change the type of food – it should be done gradually to avoid food refusal. In addition, for example, moving to a new home, adding new pets to the household or changes in daily routines can affect your cat’s appetite. Make sure you give your kitty time and peace to adjust to new surroundings.
It is therefore important to pay attention to the cat's appetite
It is essential that your cat maintains a healthy and normal eating pattern to stay healthy and fit. Sudden loss of appetite or complete cessation of food intake can – in addition to malnutrition – lead to what is known as fatty liver. This occurs when the cat consumes less food than it burns and ends up in a negative energy balance. The body will start to deplete its fat reserves – and fat is transported to the liver for conversion into energy. Unfortunately, cats often lack sufficient enzymes to handle this process effectively. As a result, the fat accumulates in the liver – and fatty liver develops. This condition is extremely serious and can progress rapidly – especially in cats that were already overweight.
Diagnosis and treatment
Both your cat's medical history and a thorough veterinary examination will help determine the cause of your cat's poor appetite. Given that loss of appetite is a symptom with many potential causes, further investigation will depend on the information that emerges from the examination.
Diagnostic methods that we can use to examine the animal include dental x-rays, chest or abdominal x-rays, ultrasound, blood tests, urine samples, endoscopy, CT or MRI examinations.
What happens after the examination?
Treatment depends largely on what is causing the loss of appetite and any underlying medical condition. It is crucial to make an accurate diagnosis so that the underlying condition can be treated properly.
If the loss of appetite persists for a long time, it may be necessary to admit the cat to a veterinary hospital for further monitoring and treatment. Here, the cat can receive intravenous fluid therapy and – if necessary – be tube-fed by having food fed into the stomach through a tube. Fortunately, cats usually tolerate this procedure without major problems.
The prognosis improves depending on the specific underlying cause of the anorexia. Early diagnosis and correct treatment play a decisive role in the cat's recovery.
When should I contact the vet if the cat has a poor appetite?
As a general rule, you should always consult a veterinarian if you notice that your cat has a poor appetite – whether the change is sudden or gradual. It is important to question why your cat is not eating – especially if it has been more than a day since their last meal.
If your cat won't eat its regular food – it might be a good idea to try something else that you know it likes. Does your kitty still refuse to eat even though you offer its favorite food? Then we recommend contacting a veterinarian immediately for further examination and treatment. At our clinic in Larvik, we always prioritize emergency patients during opening hours – and on Saturdays we have our own emergency service from 10 am to 15 pm. You can also easily book an appointment online with us.
