No pet owner wants to find their cat refusing to eat their food. In this post, our Diamond Bar vets discuss why your cat may not be eating and when to see the vet.
Why Your Cat May Not Be Eating
There are various reasons why cats may refuse to eat, ranging from not liking their food to experiencing pain and discomfort. Determining why your cat has stopped eating can be frustrating and challenging.
If your feline friend skips one or two meals but then goes back to eating as usual, there's likely nothing to worry about. However, if your cat or kitten stops eating for over a day, there could be an underlying health issue causing your cat discomfort.
Less Concerning Reasons Why Your Cat Isn't 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
- Motion sickness following travel
- Change in routine
If any of the conditions mentioned above apply to your cat, you may notice that it starts eating again within 24 hours and gradually returns to its normal habits.
However, if your cat refuses to eat for more than a day, it is advisable to schedule an exam with your veterinarian to determine the reason why. Regarding your feline friend's health, it is better to err on the side of caution.
Serious Reasons Why Your Cat Isn't Eating
GI Trouble
Common gastrointestinal problems in cats include parasites, foreign objects trapped in the intestinal tract, gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, urinary obstruction, colitis, cancer, or changes in gut bacteria. These issues can make your cat feel nauseous and lose their appetite. Other symptoms your cat may show include vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.
If your cat displays any of these symptoms, it's important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. Gastrointestinal problems can be serious and require urgent medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference in your cat's recovery.
Dental Health Issues
Like in people, tooth decay and mouth infections can be quite painful for your kitty. Your cat may refuse to eat because of the pain caused by inflamed gums, tooth decay, broken and loose teeth, or a foreign object injury to the inside of the 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 thoroughly examine its mouth to check for any oral health problems.
Kidney Disease
Kidney diseases, like GI issues, can cause your pet to feel nauseous and refuse to eat. If your cat suffers from kidney disease, you may notice other symptoms like drinking large amounts of water and frequent urination. Kidney disease is quite common in 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 your 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.