Cat parents quickly learn the art of food bribery. Even the most aloof cats come running at the sound of an opening can. Occasional treats are nice, but using food isn’t the best way to vie for your feline’s attention. Cat obesity continues to increase in the U.S., and leads to diabetes, joint pain, and cardiovascular issues. You can probably guess my most common dietary recommendation-don’t overfeed your cat!
There are times, however, when dietary concerns don’t stem from signs of overfeeding. Instead, it’s the lack of food being consumed. If your cat is leaving its food in the bowl, it’s important to find out why. It could be a simple upset stomach, or indicative of something more serious. Here are a few reasons why your cat may have stopped eating:
Dental Issues
Poor dental health can create a barrier between your cat and its food. Your cat may have stopped eating due to a toothache or mouth soreness. Like humans, cats can develop cavities, gingivitis, and mouth ulcers.
Practice consistent dental care to prevent mouth disease. Routine habits like daily teeth brushing can reduce the chance of your cat developing oral complications. Getting your cat accustomed to brushing will take practice and patience. Start slowly and never use toothpaste made for humans.
Talk to your vet about the best methods for keeping your cat in good dental health. Annual check-ups can help detect early signs of dental issues before they become more complicated. Your vet may recommend a professional cleaning or suggest a good at-home cleaning kit.
Anxiety or Depression
Your cat could be experiencing a bout of anxiety or depression. Either can occur due to a sudden household change, discomfort, or a lack of mental stimulation. If your cat exhibits a loss of appetite, lethargy, and more disinterest than usual, talk to your vet.
Digestive Disorders
If your cat ate something it shouldn’t have, it’s likely the source of the problem.
Spoiled food can cause your cat to have an upset stomach. Typically, this type of issue is resolved quickly. Be mindful of expiration dates and storage recommendations.
Other issues caused by food like pancreatitis, colitis, or inflammation in the intestines are more serious and can cause long term damage. Pancreatitis and intestinal inflammation affect cats of all ages. Colitis, which affects the colon, typically develops in a cat’s younger years.
Change in Preference
Your cat is probably particular about the food he or she eats. Your pet may go on a hunger strike if there’s a sudden change in diet. New food should be incorporated slowly to give your cat time to adjust.
On the other hand, your cat may have grown bored of what’s on the menu. Try slowly incorporating a different food to get your cat interested again.
A trip to the vet is the best way to know why your cat isn’t eating. Drop us a message or give us a call if you have more questions about you pet’s health. Our CyFair team is here to help.