What To Do When The Cat Doesn’t Eat?
When we notice that our kitten has lost his appetite, we quickly ask ourselves, “What do I do if my cat doesn’t eat?” . In fact, this change in behavior requires special attention from owners, as it can be a symptom of certain pathologies.
Keep in mind that there are several possible causes for loss of appetite in cats. Next, we’ll know a little more about them.
My cat does not eat: possible causes
Loss of appetite and weight in cats is a common symptom of many diseases. Therefore, if you notice that your kitten refuses to eat or has suddenly lost weight, it will be essential to take her to the vet immediately.
1. The food is not to your liking
Cats are selective and routine animals regarding their diet and habits. Therefore, we must be careful when choosing the ideal nutrition for the animal and before making any changes to its diet.
A feline’s diet must meet its nutritional needs, according to its age, size and specific needs of its body. Changing a cat’s food should always be a slow and gradual process.
If we suddenly change our kitten’s food, it is very likely that we will see a rejection of the new food. It can also cause certain digestive disturbances for the feline, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or gas build-up in the gastrointestinal tract.
On the other hand, if we want to have a cat with a more “open” palate, we must get him used from a puppy to experimenting with new flavors, textures and aromas. During the first six months of life, kittens have a more flexible nature and form the criteria and preferences of their taste buds.
If during this phase we present our kitten with a variety of aromas, flavors and textures, we will reduce the chances of transforming it into a ‘demanding’ cat. But if we always offer the same food, we will probably have problems changing your diet as an adult.
2. The heat
On the hottest days of summer, your cat will probably not have as much appetite and will eat less food. In addition to the feeling of ‘heaviness’ generated by high temperatures, the increase in brightness also influences your appetite.
When winter approaches, the days are shorter and there is less light, so the animals increase their food consumption. For now, it is estimated that your brain associates the decrease in light availability with the arrival of winter and, consequently, with the scarcity of food.
On the contrary, when the hours of sunshine are many and the food is plentiful, the metabolism returns to a more balanced rhythm. Our pet’s appetite is reduced and its behavior is also calmer. So it’s natural for your cat to eat less as summer approaches.
3. Problems in the areas your kitten uses
When preparing the environment for our pussies, we must pay special attention to the location of their feeding areas, hygiene and physiological needs. If your cat’s feeder is near the litter box, or the litter box does not have regular grooming habits, your cat may refuse to eat.
4. My cat does not eat due to intestinal hair balls
As we know, cats are very clean animals that usually spend hours cleaning themselves. But during its hygiene, the feline can ingest by the dead, which pass to the digestive tract and can lodge in its intestines.
In the wild, cats should clean themselves naturally to avoid digestive upset. However, domestic cats will need our help to eliminate their ingested hair.
If the kitten is unable to clean itself, excessive accumulation of hairballs in the digestive system can cause constipation, loss of appetite, nausea, weakness, listlessness, etc.
Other Causes of Loss of Appetite in Cats
In addition to the causes already mentioned, loss of appetite in cats can also be caused by intoxication or depression caused by stress and anxiety.
As we can see, there are many possible explanations for why a cat does not eat, and it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause in our home. Therefore, the best thing we can do if a cat loses its appetite is to consult a specialized veterinarian.
