While we humans have three basic necessities – food, clothing, shelter – animals have only one, which is food. They can survive without clothes and shelter, but not without food. Feeding your adult cat one meal a day might be enough. But if they’ve not eaten in more than a day, it could indicate that something is wrong with them. In this blog, we’ll discuss the possible reasons behind why felines might be losing their appetite and what you can do to help them.
Is Your Adult Cat Not Eating? Possible Reasons Behind It and Their Solutions
If your adult cat is suddenly acting strange around food, here are some possible reasons:
Have you changed their food recently?
Being creatures of habit, cats tend to resist change. The same is true for their food; if you purchase a different kind of food for them, it’s possible that they just don’t want to try it.
Revert to their familiar comfort food and see how they react to it. If they’re still not eating and after a food gap of over 24 hours, you can rule this possibility out.
They could be suffering from a digestive issue
Studies show that loss of appetite is one of the primary symptoms in cats who are suffering from digestive issues such as colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or even minor constipation.
Observe them for symptoms like abdominal pain, dehydration, vomiting, gas, or diarrhea. If you spot any of these in your kitty, book a vet appointment right away.
Other changes in their environment that could cause it
It might come as a surprise to new cat parents but even minor changes like an arrival of a guest at home could be a stressful change for your pets. And when these creatures feel stressed, they often react to it by forgoing food.
Such behavior could also be triggered if you’ve shifted to a new place or are visiting friends or relatives. If you feel like stress is the cause of your cat’s unwillingness to eat, talk to your vet about relaxation techniques you could use to help them overcome it. If the situation is serious, contacting a cat behaviorist can be a more effective solution.
Is Your New Kitten Not Eating? Possible Reasons Behind It and Their Solutions
As opposed to a fully-grown cat, a kitten could have many reasons behind not eating properly or at all.
Are they teething?
The process of teething in kittens is not all that different from that of human babies. Kittens start growing their baby teeth at the age of 3 weeks; about 6 six weeks later, these teeth fall out and are replaced by adult teeth.
Around this period, gum or tooth pain is quite common and could result in the unwillingness to eat. If your teething kitten is not eating, it’s best to schedule a vet check-up.
The stress of adjusting to a new home
If your little pet has been brought in from a shelter or breeder, it is natural for them to struggle with the transition. In some cases, this transition becomes too difficult, making them feel stressed and lose their appetite.
To help your little pet with a smoother transition, giving them a piece of something from their old home is a great idea. A reminder of familiarity and comfort can make the entire process much easier for them and might even result in regaining their appetite. And if that isn’t possible for you or doesn’t seem to help, you can ask a pet expert for help as well.
Are they feeling unwell?
As you might already know, a kitten’s health is fragile compared to adult cats. A wide range of health issues, ranging from an upset stomach to a parasite infection could cause them to lose their appetite.
If you’re new to having pets or cats, in particular, it might not be that easy for you to read your furry friend right away.
Cats are considered the most temperamental pets and are often known to act out when things don’t go their way. However, if they’re acting out by not eating, it could be a serious problem and it’s best to consult a vet.
