You may be worried if your cat isn’t eating for days on end. This inappetence can occur along with minor or major illnesses, and it can be a sign of a fatty liver or a weakened immune system. But if your cat’s inappetence is prolonged, it’s important to get it checked out. Listed below are some treatments for inappetence, which may include dietary changes and a trip to a vet.
Treating a cat that isn’t eating
If your cat isn’t eating, you may want to see your veterinarian. In many cases, a simple change in food type or consistency can help get your cat to eat again. Some cats may even be enticed to eat when offered canned food. In other cases, a veterinarian may prescribe an appetite stimulant, syringe-feed your cat a liquid diet, or even place a feeding tube.
While your cat may be fussy and not eat, you may not be able to find the food your cat craves. You may have noticed your cat stealing food from other cats in your household or even begging your neighbours to feed your cat. A cat’s lack of appetite can be a sign of a serious medical problem and should be treated immediately. Anorexia refers to a severe lack of appetite. Your cat may have a chemical irritant or acid reflux that has caused the problem. Other common health concerns include hiatal hernia or continuous vomiting.
Treatments for a cat with a fatty liver
Lack of appetite in cats is often a sign of a fatty liver. Loss of appetite can occur due to primary disease or because of an entirely different lifestyle. The absence of food in the bloodstream causes the cat’s body to use its fat stores for energy. The resulting mass release of fats can lead to a range of health problems, including hepatic lipidosis and liver failure.
Force feeding is an option for a cat with a fatty hepatitis. The veterinarian may force feed the cat in the hospital or teach owners how to force-feed the animal at home. This treatment often doesn’t reverse the disease and can be stressful for the animal. It is also difficult to get enough food into a cat with this disease, so a feeding tube may be necessary.
Treatments for a cat that isn’t drinking
While your cat might be eating a dry kibble, you may want to consider making it a little wetter by adding a little water. Even if your cat enjoys canned food, adding water to the bowl will make it more appealing. Some cats prefer the soupy consistency of water. Ice cubes are a good way to add moisture to the water, but you may find that your cat does better with room temperature water.
If you’re concerned about your cat’s lack of appetite, the first thing you should do is check its mouth for any broken teeth or sore gums. A grey-brown tartar on the molars may be the culprit. A swollen tongue, lumpy gums, and fleshy red spots on the teeth may also be cause for concern.