REASONS FOR DECREASED APPETITE IN CATS

Cats are known to be picky eaters, and it is only fair for pet parents to get worried if their cat stops eating. If a cat refuses to eat, it can be an indication of an underlying disease that needs medical attention. Let’s take a look at the different reasons why cat has lost appetite and what pet parents can do to help them feel more comfortable.

Why is my cat not eating? 

Here are some common reasons of decreased appetite in cats: 

• Health issues
  Refusing to eat can be a strong indication of something being wrong in your cat's body. If you suspect that your cat is losing its appetite, start paying close attention to its eating habits. Cats can lose their appetite because of numerous health conditions, such as infections, pancreatitis, kidney, failure, liver, failure, intestinal problems, and cancer. In fact, something as small as a toothache can also make your cat stop eating.
• Environmental factors
  Cats are creatures of habit. Just like us, they have a set routine, and they love to follow it. In case there has been a change in your cat's routine, it can surprisingly lead to loss of appetite. Especially if you’re traveling with your cat, motion sickness is a very common reason why cats refuse to eat while aboard a car or plane.
• Dietary factors
  Just like we discussed, cats are picky eaters. Sometimes your cat's appetite can be influenced by what they’re eating. They have a keen sense of smell and can instantly tell when there’s something wrong with their food. It could be something that they do not like or maybe the cat food that it has been given has expired. This is why you must check the expiry date on all cat food packets and also make sure that you do not switch any food flavors suddenly.
• Behavioral reasons
  Your cat may stop eating because it has recently learned that by not eating its meals, it gets more attention. It is crucial for a pet parent to spot these behavioral patterns and try to correct them to keep any sudden lash-out at bay. Cats are their own bosses and may sometimes just stop eating because they do not like the food, they’ve seen another pet in the house, or they just want some more attention.

What to do if my cat doesn’t want to eat?

Here are a few things you can do if your cat has no appetite:

• Check their environment
  Look for any changes in your house that could be making your cat anxious or even scared. Make sure that if you have another pet in the house, you are giving all your pets enough space to adjust. You should also wash your cat’s food and water bowl regularly to remove any odor or taste that might be affecting your cat's appetite.
• Check the food
  Your cat has suddenly stopped eating? Check the cat food package for the expiry date. If the food has not expired, smell it to check if it smells how it usually does. If the food is fine and your cat is still not eating it, you can try to experiment with different types of foods. Wet food, dry kibble, treats, and other snacks can be used to see if your cat will take to any of them. You can also slightly heat some wet food and hope that its aroma convinces your cat to eat food.
• Monitor and encourage eating
  Sometimes a little love is necessary. If you think your cat is sick, try to hand-feed it and offer some cuddles. Another reason why your cat may not be eating could be that it is overwhelmed by the portion of food served to it. In that case, you can start giving it smaller portions throughout the day to make it easier for your cat to complete its meals. You can also speak to your vet about safe appetite stimulants and other nutritional foods that may help your cat's condition.
• Try alternative feeding techniques
  If your cat is not eating any solid food, you can try feeding it some wet food. Try giving it some SHEBA® wet cat food or SHEBA® treats to stimulate its appetite. 

Tips to prevent cat losing appetite

Let’s learn how you can prevent cat losing appetite issues for your cat:

• Maintain a consistent routine: Make sure that you give your cat its meals at the right time, every single day.
• Monitor food, freshness, and quality: Always give your cat fresh food and check for the expiry date of packaged items.
• Create a stress-free mealtime environment: Create a stress-free environment during your cat's mealtime and keep any distractions away.
• Schedule regular veterinary checkups: By scheduling regular doctor check-ups, you are making sure that any underlying medical conditions are spotted and treated at early stages.
• Provide a balanced diet: Be disciplined when it comes to giving your cat some food. Your cat must eat food that provides it with the right nutrition in the right proportion.
• Encourage hydration: Always keep your cat's water bowl filled with fresh water.
• Keep feeding equipment clean: Clean your cat’s food and water bowl every single day to get rid of any unpleasant odor or residue.
• Understand your cat's preferences: many cats like wet food while some like dry food. Understanding your cat's preferences will help it easier for your cat to finish its meals on time.

A cat's health is an important indicator of its overall well-being. If you notice that your cat has no appetite, it can stem from a variety of medical factors. With regular monitoring, maintaining a consistent routine, and taking it for regular checkups, you can make sure that your cat lives a happy and healthy life.