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!
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