Make The Food More Appealing
Lets face iteating the same meal day in, day out can be tiresome. You hate eating leftover meatloaf the third time in a week maybe your old cat feels the same way. Try making mealtime more exciting by:
- Warming up wet food Heating cat food can bring out the aroma and entice them to the proverbial table.
- Hand-feeding Giving your cat some extra praise and attention while feeding them by hand is sometimes enough to trigger the cats appetite. Hand-feeding also allows you to confirm that theyve eaten.
- Switching to a new brand Out with the old, in with the new. A change in flavors or food types might be all you need to encourage eating.
- Making a 5-star meal If you know the human food that drives your feline friend crazy, try drizzling some on top of their usual meal. A sprinkle of fish oil, gravy, or unflavored Greek yogurt can elevate your run-of-the-mill kibble.
If these tricks convince your cat to come back to the food bowl, youll want to make sure the little food they do eat is high-quality. Look for nutritious foods designed specifically for senior cats, as any needed vitamins or minerals will already be present. Doing light research can help you figure out how to choose cat food.
Why Is My Cat Suddenly Not Eating
Youre not alone if youve experienced this problem. Many cats are fussy eaters and might get bored of the same food day in, day out. The trick is to tempt them with something new and different, most probably fresh meat or a tasty treat.
That said, what about when it comes to why is my cat drinking a lot of water and not eating? There are various reasons that can cause your cat to drink water excessively. Unfortunately, underlying medical conditions are the most common of these causes.
If you therefore notice that your cat is behaving this way, rush him to the vet for immediate medical attention. That said, what about when it comes to old cat not eating but drinking water? If you happen to have an older cat and he is behaving in this manner, he could be hyperthyroidism, which is a fairly common problem in older cats.
And when we talk about an old cat refusing to eat but drinking water, what about when it comes to an old cat drinking a lot of water and losing weight? You may notice that your cat is lethargic and has a dry mouth and nose. He will also not be interested in food or treats, but he may drink more water than usual.
Moreover, if you touch his gums, they may feel dry instead of moist and tacky. These are all signs of feline hyperthyroidism. You should take your cat to the vet to get the necessary treatment since failure to do so can be fatal to your cat.
What To Do If My Cat Is Not Eating But Will Drink
Over the last 30 years of being a cat parent to many cats, I have found that cats always have a reason for doing what they do. If your cat is not eating, but is drinking, you win half the battle. Your cat is not out of the woods yet because there still remains a problem that you must figure out. This is assuming that your cat passes its physical exam.
Cats are picky eaters, but never let them go for more than 24 hours without food and seek your vets advice when your cat does not eat. Cats refusing to eat becomes more severe than dogs and other animals because cats can rapidly lose weight. It is vital to respond to this problem as soon as possible.
You May Like: How Much Wet Cat Food To Feed
Warning Signs Of A Dehydrated Cat
Depending on how long a cat has gone without water, the signs of dehydration can range from subtle to more severe, says Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, Rover Dog People panelist and Chief Veterinarian at Kleinburg Veterinary Hospital. If your cat is experiencing any signs of illness that could lead to dehydration, seek veterinary attention immediately.
The Water Is The Wrong Temperature
Just like people, cats have individual personalities and preferences. Some may prefer fresh water from the tap, and others may be content to drink out of any container. Some cats may not be drinking from their bowl simply because the water is too warm or not cold enough.
Obviously, you should never give your cat hot water to drink, but cooler water may be needed to encourage it to drink. Cooler water to a cat often means it is less likely to be stagnant, so an ice cube or two could alleviate the issue.
You May Like: What Shots To Give Kittens
Introduce The New Food Slowly
The food you feed your kitten may not be the same as they are used to having. Always ask the breeder/shelter what food the kitten is having currently. If you wish to change this food, it should be done slowly and gradually over a period of about 7-10 days. Initially place a small amount of the new food into a bowl next to a bowl of the original food. Gradually increase the amount of the new food & decrease the amount of the original food so that your kitten transitions to the new food gradually.
Your Kitten May Be Intimidated By Your Dog Or Other Cats
While many kittens are outgoing and resilient, some shy kittens may be intimidated by other furry family members when it comes to mealtime.
Give your kitten a safe place to eat where they wont be chased or bothered by other cats or dogs in the family.
If your kitten wont eat for more than a day or two, call your veterinarian to schedule an exam. The sooner you determine the cause, the sooner your little one will be back to normal.
Don’t Miss: What To Feed A Picky Cat
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Almost all cats will catch a respiratory virus at some time in their life. The Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery surveyed 740 cats, finding respiratory viruses in 82% of them.
The symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections are more commonly linked to the common cold. Cats with a respiratory infection will cough and sneeze a lot, usually releasing discharge. The cat will also likely endure streaming eyes.
Some cats struggle with vomiting and diarrhea while battling a respiratory infection. This can be problematic as the cat will also lose appetite. In addition to feeling lethargic and unwell, the cats scent receptors will be blocked. The smell is a huge part of a foods appeal to cats.
Most of the common respiratory infections in cats can be treated with rest. Eventually, the virus will run its course. Antibiotics will aid with this and are advisable in the case of senior cats. Older cats have weaker immunity and are hit harder by respiratory infections.
Cats need to eat when feeling under the weather. The nutrients found in their food will boost recovery. Open your cats sinuses with steam. Closing the door in the bathroom and running a hot tap will do the trick. Once the cat breathes easier, it will regain its appetite.
Can Cats Eat Scrambled Eggs
Cats are capable of eating eggs. Eggs are a great source of calories for cats. Eggs are a good source of vitamins and minerals, and theyre also very easy to digest. Scrambled, boiled, however you choose to cook your eggs, is the best way to get the most nutrition out of your cats diet.
Eggs are also a good source of calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, thiamine, niacin and pyridoxine. Egg yolks are rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, as well as vitamin E, folate, copper, manganese, selenium, potassium, sodium and zinc. They also contain a variety of minerals, such as calcium carbonate and magnesium stearate.
You May Like: How To Get Rid Of Cat Box Smell
Why Is My Cat Drinking A Lot Of Water And Not Eating 7 Clear Facts
The cat, science name felis catus, is a domestic species classified under a class of small carnivorous mammals. It is also the sole domesticated species in the Felidae family. The cat is often described as the domesticated cat so as to differentiate it from other wild cats of the family. Furthermore, cats, when tamed, can fall in two categories. Your cat will either be a house cat, a feral cat, or a farm cat.
When we talk about the cat and its character traits, what about when it comes to pet cats drinking water but not eating.
Why is my cat drinking a lot of water and not eating? There are many reasons a cat may be drinking more water than normal, including underlying medical conditions. Cats that do not eat well and those with diabetes will drink more water than normal. Generally, drinking too much water can be an indication that your cat is suffering from kidney problems or diabetes.
Symptoms Of Loss Of Appetite In Cats
Although the clearest sign that your cat is not eating is to observe them refusing food each time it’s given to them, there are other symptoms that can be present that can help narrow down what may be causing the food avoidance. Keep a lookout for any of the following signs, as they can indicate an underlying disease:
- Signs of infection
Recommended Reading: Is Boiled Chicken Good For Cats
How Can I Get My Cat To Eat Preventative Measures
Since youll be worried about your cats loss of appetite and want to get the problem corrected as fast as possible, there are several preventative measures you can try at home. First, especially if you have a senior cat, see if they are experiencing any pain when they are moving around or sitting down. If you notice any limping, see your cat hunched over, or notice they are crying or flinching when trying to eat, youll need to contact your vet.
However, if you dont notice any signs of pain or discomfort, its time to put your kitty TLC skills to the test. To begin with, give your cat a comfortable spot to sit or lie down, such as a pet bed, pillow, or blanket. Next, spend some time with your cat, where you can pet it and talk to it in a soothing voice. Many times, simply being able to reassure your cat all is well will make their appetite suddenly reappear. Once youve given your kitty plenty of one-on-one attention, try tempting it to eat by putting some of its favourite food on your finger and placing it near its mouth. If it licks the food off your finger, try it a second time. If this works, put some of the food into your kittys bowl and place it nearby. If all goes well, your kitty will jump down and start eating, letting you know everything is once again perfect in its world.
Dont Miss: How Many Years Is 1 Year For A Cat
How Long Can My Cat Go Without Eating
Like people, cats can go longer without food than water. Cats can survive for about two weeks without eating but only three days without drinking. The longer your cat goes without proper nutrition, however, the weaker they become, so it’s important to contact your vet if you suspect they haven’t eaten in a day or more. They will be able to diagnose the cause and hopefully get your cat back on track to eating regularly.
Don’t Miss: Why Does My Cat Bite Me When She’s Being Affectionate
What Are The Signs That My Cat May Be Dehydrated
Dehydration is a serious threat to your cat’s health. Cats that don’t drink enough water can quickly become dehydrated. Below are a few ways to check whether your cat may be dehydrated.
- Skin Elasticity – Check your cat’s skin by gently pinching the extra skin between their shoulder blades to form a tent-like shape. Once you let go your kitty’s skin should snap right back to normal in less than a second. If your cat’s skin doesn’t snap right back, your feline friend could be dehydrated.
- Sunken Eyes – Take a good look at your cat’s eyes. If your kitty’s eyes seem to lack focus or appear sunken or dull, dehydration may be the cause.
- Dry Mouth – Examine your kitty’s gums. Your cat’s gums should always be pink and moist. Pressing your finger against your cat’s gums will make the spot you are pressing turn white, but if they don’t return to a healthy pink color within a second or two of removing your finger your kitty may be dehydrated.
- Constipation – Do a little box check. When cats are dehydrated they often become constipated. If your cat hasn’t been passing as much stool as usual, dehydration may be to blame.
- Panting – Unlike dogs, cats don’t often pant. If your feline friend is panting they may be dehydrated.
If your cat is showing signs of dehydration contact your vet right away. Dehydration in cats can be fatal, and once the symptoms above become evident your cat is likely to be severely dehydrated and in need of veterinary care.
Your Cat Might Prefer Running Water
Leading on from our last point, cats have excellent hearing and can often hear objects or moving entities before they can see them. Why do you think they come running when they hear the can opener?
This also translates into running water, as cats in the wild would look for running water sources. Not only can they hear a brook or stream, but they can also identify running water as less likely to contain bacteria , so this preference may stem from an innate survival behavior.
You May Like: Kittens For Adoption For Free
Check Your Cat’s Teeth And Gums
Theres no NHS for pets. Veterinary care can be eye-wateringly expensive and most pets will need treatment for an illness or injury at some point in their life. Its difficult to think about your animals being hurt or unwell, but you need to ask yourself: what would you do if you were faced with a vet bill for hundreds or thousands of pounds?
Most cats will carry on eating no matter how painful their mouth is. However, looking at the teeth and gums is an essential part of checking your cat over, especially if theyve stopped eating, suddenly prefer a different food, or have changed how they chew.
If your cat allows it, try opening their mouth to look for broken teeth, areas of gums that are red or sore-looking, and teeth that are coated in grey-brown tartar. The molars, the big teeth at the back of the mouth, are the most likely to cause eating and chewing problems, so it’s logical to start here. You should also check for lumps on the tongue, a foul smell, and fleshy red spots on the teeth. These are signs of a painful tooth condition in cats called feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions .
How To Deal With Cats Who Wont Eat Or Drink
– To get rid HL of your precious fluffy pal, you will need the help of various nutrients. In other words, if your cats body is too weak to ward off HL, youll need to refuel him with lots of water and food. Specifically, plenty of protein-contained food so that his body will have enough energy to metabolize.
– Try not to move your bossy felines stuff around too often, or he might take offense and develop an unwillingness to eat. If this approach is carried out and still, you could give him a change of scenery by taking him out to meet other cat fellows in the park or to your neighbors house.
– Spoil your feline fella a bit with wonderful-smelling things like sprinkling cheese or dried chicken meat. However, because cats avoid regular intake due to the want of being fed yummier food, you must cease to let he have what he wants as soon as your picky cat resumes eating again.
However, if you ever need to change your picky friends food, you should do it gradually.
– You shouldnt mix the pills into your cats food too regularly. Certain medicines whose smells are too pungent will drown even the most tasteful aroma of food. Such results in your cat may never try said food again. Instead, you can apply medical treats and never forget to carefully wash the cats bowls thoroughly before feeding them.
– Last but not least, if you see any strange behavior of your cat, you should visit a vet.
Also Check: Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Cat
What Happens If A Cat Doesnt Drink Enough Water
Unfortunately, cats sometimes suffer from kidney disease and urinary issues, partly due to how their bodies process and concentrate urine. Because cats typically get a lot of the moisture they need from their prey, they sometimes dont feel the urge to drink.
This can cause dehydration, which is dangerous enough on its own, but it also concentrates a cats urine, which can cause a much more painful and fatal problem to arise: urinary stones and blockages.
Uroliths, or bladder/urinary stones, are tiny stone-like crystals composed of minerals. These stones, along with more mucus made by the body as its tissues are irritated by the stone, can block a cats urethra.
When this happens, the cat cannot urinate, and urine backs up, causing them to build up toxins. The kidneys can then fail in a matter of hours. While it may seem trivial to give your cat a different bowl or leave an extra glass of water out for them, it could prevent all sorts of tragedies.