It's been 2 days. My cat suddenly stopped eating and drinking water. She seemed really tired and just kept on sleeping. She also stopped grooming herself when it's her favourite thing to do everyday. She kept on avoiding food and water. I think there's something wrong with her mouth/throat. Is it possible that it's an issue of hairball? Or there might be another issue? Thank you.
Hello,
Loss of appetite is one of the key indicators that something is wrong. So be sure to pay attention if your cat suddenly stops eating. A number of different conditions may be responsible, including infections, kidney failure, pancreatitis, intestinal problems, and cancer. But it isn’t always serious -- something as simple as a toothache can make your cat stop eating.
A cat's loss of appetite often indicates illness, so you should consult your veterinarian as soon as you notice a change in your cat’s eating habits. The more quickly you respond to the problem, the more able you'll be to do something that will help.
Whether your cat is sick, anxious, or just plain picky, remember that a complete refusal of food can have devastating consequences. So, even if you’re trying to make your cat eat a doctor-prescribed diet, never starve your cat into eating a certain type of food.
If illness is the reason your cat won’t eat, work with your veterinarian to design the best regimen for you and your pet. This may include a change in food type or consistency; some cats may be enticed to eat by offering canned foods when they are unwell. In more extreme cases, veterinarians may prescribe medicines that act as appetite stimulants or recommend syringe-feeding your cat a liquid diet. Or the vet may recommend placement of a feeding tube to ensure adequate nutrition.
Regardless of what is causing the loss of appetite, addressing the issue with your veterinarian as soon as possible provides your kitty with the best possible care — before an underlying medical condition progresses or complications develop.
Prompt care will also help your kitty feel like their normal self again as soon as possible.
Best Regards.