Our Oakland veterinary team knows that cats have a well-earned reputation as picky eaters. So, when they refuse to eat, it can be difficult to figure out why. Here are a few reasons your cat may not be eating and when you should bring them into your vet.
Why is My Cat Not Eating?
There are a number of different reasons why cats may refuse to eat, ranging from simply not liking their food to experiencing pain and discomfort. Sorting our why your cat has stopped eating can be a frustrating and challenging 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 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
- Motion sickness following travel
- Change in regular routine
If any of the above conditions apply to your cat, you may well find that they start eating again within 24 hours and gradually return to their normal habits. If your cat refuses food for more than a day, it may be a good idea to book an appointment with your vet to sort out why. When to comes to your feline friend's health, it's often better to err on the side of caution.
More Serious Reasons Why Your Cat May Not be Eating
GI Trouble
Common gastrointestinal (GI) problems in cats include: parasites, foreign objects trapped in the intestinal tract, gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, urinary obstruction, colitis, cancer or changes in gut intestinal bacteria.
GI issues may cause your cat to feel nauseous and to experience a distinct lack of appetite. If your cat is suffering from a gastrointestinal issues, they may show other symptoms too like vomiting, weight loss and diarrhea.
If your cat is showing signs of a GI issue, it's time to see your vet. Gastrointestinal problems such as those listed above are serious and may require emergency care, early diagnosis and treatment are key.
Dental Health Issues
Just like in people, tooth decay and mouth infections can be quite painful for your kitty. You cat may be refusing to eat because of the pain caused by their inflamed gums, tooth decay, broken and loose teeth, or an injury to the inside of the mouth by a foreign object.
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
Kidney disease, like GI issues, can cause your pet to feel nauseous and refuse to eat. If your cat is suffering 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 Oakland 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.