If your cat is refusing to eat, it can be quite difficult to know why. Today, our Clarksville vets share some reasons why your cat may not be eating and what to do.
Cat Not Eating
There are numerous reasons why cats may refuse to eat. These can range from disliking their new food to experiencing pain and discomfort. Sorting out your cat's reason for not eating can be an upsetting and frustrating experience.
If your feline friend skips one or two meals but then goes back to eating as normal, there likely isn't anything to worry about. On the other hand, if your cat or kitten stops eating for more than a day there could be an underlying health issue causing your cat discomfort.
Less Concerning Reasons Why Your Cat Won't Eat
The following list includes some of the less serious reasons why your cat may be suffering from a lack of appetite:
- New food
- Stranger in the house
- Recent vaccinations
- Change in routine
- Motion sickness following travel
If any of these conditions apply in your cat's situation, you will likely find that your cat begins eating again within 24 hours, and will gradually return to normal. However, if your cat refuses food for more than a day it may be wise to book an appointment with your vet to have your cat examined. When it comes to pet health, it's always better to err on the side of caution.
More Serious Reasons Why Your Cat May Not Be Eating
Below are some concerning possibilities as to why your cat is not eating. These should be cared for by a vet right away.
GI Trouble
Some common gastrointestinal problems in cats that may cause them to stop eating can include foreign objects trapped in their intestinal tract, intestinal parasites, urinary obstructions, cancer, colitis, and significant changes to the composition of their 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 signs of GI issues, it's time to see your vet. Gastrointestinal problems like those we've listed above are quite serious and may require emergency care. In cases like this, an early diagnosis and a quick treatment plan are key.
Dental Health Issues
Just like people, cats can suffer from tooth decay and various mouth infections. Your kitty may be refusing to eat because of pain caused by advanced tooth decay, broken or loose teeth, and inflamed gums. An injury to the inside of their mouth may also make it too painful for them to eat.
If you believe that your cat is suffering from mouth pain it's time to call the vet. Our Clarksville vets can clean your cat's teeth and do a thorough oral examination of your cat's mouth to check for any issues.
Kidney Disease
Just like gastrointestinal issues, kidney disease can make your cat feel nauseous and refuse food. If your feline friend is suffering from kidney disease, you may notice other symptoms like drinking larger-than-normal amounts of water and frequent urination. Kidney disease is a relatively common condition in cats over seven years old.
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 your Apple Valley vet 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.