What Do I Do If My Cat Does Not Eat?
When we observe that our kitten has lost its appetite, we quickly ask ourselves the following question: “What do I do if my cat does not eat?” . In fact, this change in behavior requires special attention from the owneris, as it can be a symptom of certain pathologies.
Keep in mind that there are also other possible causes for loss of appetite in cats, and then we will 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, when observing that your kitten refuses to eat or has suddenly lost weight, it will be essential to take him immediately to the vet.
1. When food is not to your liking
Cats are somewhat selective and routine animals in relation to their diet and habits. Therefore, we must be careful when choosing the ideal nutrition for your pussycat and before making any changes to its diet.
The feeding of a feline must meet its nutritional requirements, according to its age, its size and the specific needs of its body. Changing a cat’s food should always be a slow and gradual process.
If we abruptly change the food of our kitten, it is very likely that we will observe a rejection of the new food. This can also cause certain digestive disorders to the feline, such as diarrhea, vomiting or accumulation of gases in the gastrointestinal tract.
On the other hand, if we want to have a cat with a more ‘open’ palate, we must accustom it from puppyhood to trying new flavors, textures and aromas. During their first six months of life, kittens have a more flexible character and form the criteria and preferences of their palate.
If during this stage we present our pussycat with a diversity of aromas, flavors and textures, we reduce the chances of making it a ‘demanding diner’. But if we always offer him the same food, we will probably have problems when changing his diet in adulthood.
2. The heat
On the hottest days of summer, your cat will most likely not have as much of an appetite and will eat less. 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, and then the animals increase their food consumption. For now, it is estimated that your brain associates the decrease in the availability of light with the arrival of winter and the consequent shortage of food.
On the contrary, when the hours of sunshine abound and the food is abundant, the metabolism returns to a more balanced rhythm. Our pet’s appetite is reduced and his behavior is also calmer. Therefore, it is natural for your cat to eat less with the arrival of summer.
3. Problems in the arrangement of your kitty’s areas
When preparing the environment of our kittens, we must pay special attention to the location of their feeding, grooming and physiological needs areas. If your cat’s feeder is near the litter box, or he doesn’t have regular hygiene habits, your cat may refuse to eat.
4. My cat does not eat because of intestinal hairballs.
As we know, cats are very clean animals that usually spend hours grooming themselves. But during its hygiene, the feline can ingest dead hairs, which pass into its digestive tract and can lodge in its intestines.
In the wild, felines should purge naturally to avoid digestive disorders. However, domestic cats will need our help to remove ingested hairs.
If the kitten cannot purge itself, the excessive accumulation of hairballs in its digestive system can cause constipation, loss of appetite, nausea, weakness, apathy, etc.
Other causes of loss of appetite in cats
In addition to the causes already mentioned, loss of appetite in cats can also be due to 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 identify 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.
