It's been 2 days. My cat suddenly stopped eatin... | VETSCOPE - RHELP

Cat / Himalayan - Answered 1053 days ago

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.

Patricia

Choco

Himalayan, 2 years old spayed female

7 Answers

Hey How are you!! Have you done deworming of your cat recently? I think this is problem regarding deworming. First approach to deworming then let us know if problems remain continue . Regards Dr Pranaw

Answered 1053 days ago icon0

Hi. Loss an appetite in cats tend to many condition. Intestine parasite, hairball, enteritis, malnutrition, and more. Please check to your vet to get the diagnose and best treatment.

Answered 1062 days ago icon0

Hii, It is crucial to address the loss of your cat's appetite, because 24 hours of avoiding food (as little as 12 hours for young kittens) can have considerable impact on your cat's health. When a cat lacks the ability or desire to eat, the condition is typically referred to as anorexia. This continued loss of appetite is not generally an illness in itself, but more likely a clinical sign that can point to a number of illnesses or other problems. 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: Lethargy Excessive drooling Dehydration Vomiting Diarrhea Weight loss Change in behavior Labored breathing Signs of infection (e.g. pus discharge) Bad breath Red gums Bloated abdomen Causes of Loss of Appetite in your Cats There are several potential issues that can cause a cat to lose its appetite. The causes are usually grouped into two separate categories, psychological and medical. Psychological Dislike of new food Moving to a new home New pet or baby joining the family Travel to unfamiliar location Other stress (e.g. bullied by another pet, hospitalization) Medical Vaccination side effect Parasites Dental issue (e.g. toothache) Oral ulcers Digestive system disease (e.g. stomach, esophagus, liver) Kidney infection or chronic kidney disease Cancer Liver disease Infections Trauma/injury Ingestion of poison Due to the variety of causes of a cat's loss of appetite, a veterinarian will want your pet to undergo a complete evaluation. One of the first things that may be done is checking your cat's weight and temperature, as well as the usual workup of a CBC (complete blood count), a urinalysis, and biochemical profile. The workup can rule in or out specific disorders, like infectious diseases. Also, your vet will perform a physical examination to find things such as wounds or other signs of trauma. A chest or abdominal x-ray or ultrasound will probably be recommended to look for any abnormalities. If parasites are suspected to be the cause, the vet will order a fecal examination. Furthermore, your cat will undergo a thorough oral examination to check for dental diseases. As the loss of appetite can sometimes be psychological, it may be difficult to come up with a diagnosis if lab tests come back normal. You can assist in the diagnosis by keeping track of and informing the vet of any changes to your cat's behavior, as well as what occurred around the house when those changes began. Treatment of Loss of Appetite in Cats Your veterinarian will want to begin treatment immediately as the longer the anorexia continues, the quicker your cat's health will decline. Often, treatment will begin while the vet is still determining exactly what is causing the loss of appetite. There are a handful of different methods to treat the condition. Medication Depending on the diagnosis, your vet will prescribe the corresponding medication to treat whatever illness your cat may have. For instance, antibiotics may be given for a bacterial infection, while medication to treat parasites will be prescribed upon the discovery of the parasite. Any pain present should be controlled. There are also drugs available that will stimulate your cat's appetite while handling some of the other symptoms, such as nausea. Fluid Therapy Either through an IV or through injections under the skin, your vet will deliver fluids to your cat so they will continue to receive hydration. Feeding Tube This method of feeding helps avoid food going through your cat's mouth, which may be especially helpful if a dental disease is the cause of loss of appetite. Liquefied or softened food can be sent directly into the pet's digestive system. It's a method that's also useful for psychological problems with food as the cat won't be able to associate any negative feelings with food being in its mouth, and instead will steadily begin to eat on their own again. A feeding tube is only considered where other treatment options have failed. Feeding Techniques at Home Often, when the problem is directly related to the psyche rather than any physical illness, treatment works best with mixing up the diet or changing the way your cat is fed. You can try giving food directly out of your hand or through a syringe and adding favored foods. Also, warming up the food may prove useful, but always check that it's not too hot. Recovery of Loss of Appetite in Cats It is important that you continue to observe your cat as its appetite increases at a steady, consistent rate. A lack of eating can lead to dehydration and abnormal salt and sugar levels, so be on the lookout for signs of these issues. Your cat may benefit from the likes of electrolyte or hydration supplements, which your vet will be able to recommend. If medication is given, always follow your vet's instructions to prevent the illness returning. If changes at home are to blame for your cat not eating, then you should also address with your vet on how best to manage the situation, such as in the case of bringing in a new pet or even having a baby. Be sure to follow up with your vet to make sure your cat's eating habits are returning to normal, and if there are any indications that the anorexia has returned, take your pet in for another examination as soon as possible.

Answered 1074 days ago icon5

Hi, So if your cat isn’t eating — whether the change happened suddenly or gradually over time — it’s important to seek veterinary care to determine if there’s an illness behind this behavior change. Here are some important things to know if your cat has stopped eating and drinking. What Causes a Cat to Stop Eating? A loss of appetite is referred to as “anorexia,” whereas “Hyporexia” or inappetence means a pet is eating less than normal (although the term anorexia is commonly used to describe both scenarios). There are many possible reasons why a kitty may refuse their food. Here are some of the most common causes: An upset stomach for any reason (eating spoiled food, sweets, or garbage, having a hairball, etc.). Finicky eating habits. A food change. Stress or emotional causes (for example, while boarding, while an owner is out of town, or a change at home). Dental problems that make it difficult to chew food. Pain anywhere in the body. Parasites (like roundworms or Giardia). Infections, especially upper respiratory infections that can cause fever, mouth ulcers, a sore throat, or a temporarily decreased sense of smell. Food allergies, IBD, or other digestive tract issues. Toxin ingestion. Foreign body ingestion (for example, swallowing a string, toy, or other item that could get stuck and cause an intestinal blockage). Medication side effects. An underlying medical condition (kidney or liver disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, cancer, etc.). It’s very unusual for a kitty to not drink enough water if their food intake is normal. If you think your cat isn’t get enough water, though, try a kitty water fountain. Some cats prefer moving water to sitting water, and the noise of running water attracts them to the fountain to drink. Here are some additional tips and tricks. One possible cause for decreased water intake, though, could be a food change. If you start incorporating canned food or another higher moisture content food into your cat’s diet, your pet may drink less water from their bowl since they’re getting more water at mealtimes. This is perfectly normal, so no need to worry. But if your kitty is also eating less than usual, or if you are concerned, go ahead and schedule a veterinary appointment. On the other end of the spectrum, if your cat is drinking more water than usual in combination with not eating, this could be a symptom of a health problem such as diabetes or kidney disease. It’s important you talk to your vet if this is happening to your pet. Treatment for a kitty who’s refusing their food consists of two components: treating the underlying cause and providing supportive care. Directly addressing the underlying cause is important to ensure the loss of appetite is truly resolved (or managed as well as possible in the case of chronic illness). Without treating the underlying cause, anorexia could return after supportive care is discontinued. To determine why a cat stopped eating, a veterinarian will take a detailed history (ask you about your cat’s symptoms, any changes in the home, history of travel, etc.) and perform a physical exam to check your pet’s overall health and look for any abnormalities that could explain the loss of appetite (such as a respiratory infection or dental problem). Diagnostic tests are commonly needed to reach a diagnosis, since these tests give your vet more information about what’s going on inside your pet’s body. Common tests include: A fecal check (to look for parasites). Bloodwork and a urinalysis. X-rays or ultrasound. Tests for infectious diseases. Depending on your cat’s history and symptoms, additional testing may be recommended, such as biopsies or a food trial on a prescription diet. Once a diagnosis is reached, targeted treatment is prescribed. For example, a cat with a bad tooth will be scheduled for a dental procedure to remove it, and a kitty who’s stressed about a change in the home may be prescribed calming supplements. Regardless of cause, supportive care is important to help a sick cat feel better, prevent complications of not eating, and promote healing. Supportive care varies depending on a cat’s needs and symptoms, but common treatments include: Medications for nausea. Antacids or stomach protectants. Appetite stimulants. Pain medications. Fluid therapy (electrolyte balanced fluids administered under the skin or via an IV catheter). Diets for sensitive stomachs or hairball control. Extra measures to increase appetite or make food more palatable, like: Offering canned food or a special treat to tempt appetite. Warming food up to body temperature to increase the aroma. Hand feeding while giving extra praise and attention. If needed, hospitalization and placement of a feeding tube. This is usually reserved for pets who need nutritional support for a longer period of time. Remember: Never give your sick cat medications without checking with your vet first — many are toxic to pets!

Answered 1075 days ago icon6

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.

Answered 1077 days ago icon7

Noting the criticality of the issue, it is necessary you take your cat for check up. The issue could be due to parasitic invasion, enteric lesions or nutrient/hormonal deficiency. A vet will check for all these cases and provide adequate diagnosis before the next step is taken.

Answered 1077 days ago icon1

Hii!! A common sign of illness in cats is a reluctance to eat, eating less, or refusing to eat at all. A loss of appetite is termed ‘inappetence’. Inappetence refers to a lack of appetite, whereas anorexia refers to a complete lack of food intake, where a cat consistently refuses to eat and weight loss occurs. It is very stressful for carers when a cat won’t eat, and it’s a worry when cats refuse food. There are many reasons why a cat may go off its food. Cats can be notoriously fussy eaters, and a change in their diet may lead to food avoidance. Therefore, always introduce a new diet to your cat in gradual stages, adding the new food as a small proportion of its existing diet and increasing this gradually. This may be done by offering the new food next to the old food and gradually reducing the amount of the new food. However, a cat going off its food can indicate that it’s feeling unwell. Many diseases depress a cat’s desire to eat; therefore, it’s always important to monitor your cat’s eating, and remember that periods without food can be very serious to cats. As a species they can develop liver problems if they go without food even for a short time. Conditions such as dental disease, liver problems, intestinal problems, infections, and cancerous processes are just a few that can affect a cat’s appetite.If your cat is eating less than usual, or worse, not at all, you should take it to see a vet as soon as possible. It’s important to get the cause diagnosed and treatment started to minimise weight loss, which can lead to further health problems. If no physical health issues causing inappetence can be identified, then the cause of appetite loss may be psychological. Inappetence can be caused by stress, in which case it’s important to identify the cause of stress and try to reduce it. There may be a trained member of the veterinary team at the clinic who can assess your cat’s environment and routine to identify any causes of stress, or seek the help of a trained behaviourist. See our advice page on stress in cats. In conclusion, it’s important to take your cat to a vet for a health check if you notice a change in appetite, to get to the root of the problem and for appropriate treatment.

Answered 1078 days ago icon6

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