Cat Not Eating? Top 9 Reasons Why + Feeding Tips

Many pet parents have been there: Your cat not eating. No chomping, no purring, just...disappointment. Don't worry, this happens a lot! But figuring out why your feline friend has mysteriously stopped eating can help them get back to gobbling up their food.

 

Felines can be picky eaters. But sometimes, there might be a bigger reason for their loss of appetite. In this article, we'll explore 9 reasons your pet might be on a hunger strike. Plus, we'll share some tips to get your cat's appetite back. Whether your furry friend is just a finicky eater or something else is going on, we've got you covered.

 

 

Why Do Cats Avoid Eating?

Cats can be total food flakes sometimes. They may just stop eating for no apparent reason. But there are actually many explanations for why this might happen. Figuring it all out can help you solve the problem fast and ensure your kitty avoids serious health problems. Let's discuss the top 9 reasons your kitty might turn up their nose during mealtime.

 

 

1. Dislike or Disinterest of Food

Cats are creatures of habit. When they get used to certain flavors and textures, anything different can make them lose interest. We call this food aversion. If your cat stops eating after changing their wet food to dry food, you know why.

 

Even small changes in the same food can be a turn-off for fussy eaters. So, pay attention to your cat's food preferences. The more you learn about what they like and dislike, the easier it will be to keep them licking their food bowl clean.

 

2. Change in Environment

Changes at home can certainly affect your cat's eating habits. Moving houses, rearranging the furniture, or welcoming a new family member can trouble your pet. And when a cat feels stressed, they might refuse food.

 

Try to keep your cat's routine as normal as possible, even with changes happening. Feed them at the same time each day and keep their bowls in the same spot. Of course, sometimes life happens, so just try your best.

 

3. Warmer Weather

When it's hot outside, your cat's body doesn't need to work as hard to stay warm. This means your kitty might not be as hungry. You might also notice them napping more and being less interested in food; it's nothing to worry about.

 

Just make sure your cat has plenty of fresh, cool water to drink. A shady spot to relax in is a good idea, too, so your cat can stay comfy. Your cat's appetite will pick back up once the weather cools down.

 

 

4. Dental Problems

Dental issues, such as a broken tooth, gum disease, or dental disease, can cause discomfort and make your cat stop eating. If your furry friend looks uncomfortable during mealtime (dropping their food or only chewing on one side), it might be a sign of bigger problems.

 

Like us, cats need regular dental check-ups to maintain their oral health. These check-ups can help find dental issues early on, so your cat can avoid agonizing surprises while eating.

 

5. Gastrointestinal Issue

Trouble in your cat's gastrointestinal tract, such as an upset stomach, constipation, or diarrhea, can lead to a loss of appetite. A sudden change in your cat's diet, food allergies, or even an underlying disease in their digestive tract can cause these issues.

 

Also, watch your kitty for other signs, such as vomiting, bloating, or inflammatory bowel disease. See your vet immediately if your pet's condition doesn't improve after a day or two. They can help your furry friend prevent serious health problems and get their appetite back on track.

 

6. Underlying Medical Condition

Liver disease, kidney disease, or diabetes can drastically affect your pet's appetite. These health problems can cause discomfort, queasiness, or just feeling yucky overall.

 

If your feline buddy stops eating and you notice other symptoms, such as weight loss, lethargy, or changes in behavior, visit your vet soon. Catching these health problems early on can help your cat feel better faster and start eating again.

 

7. Foreign Object

Cats are naturally curious and love to explore with their mouths. This curiosity can sometimes lead to them swallowing things they shouldn't. If a piece of string, toy, or other foreign body gets into their digestive tract, it can cause discomfort and lead to a loss of appetite.

 

Watch for signs like vomiting, gagging, abdominal pain, and going to the bathroom differently. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian for help.

 

8. Cat Could Be Sick

Cats don't feel like eating when they're sick. Respiratory infections, which can cause a runny nose and difficulty breathing, can make eating a struggle for them. Bacterial infection, fever, or chronic conditions can also lead to decreased appetite.

 

If your kitty stops eating and you notice other symptoms like being lazy, not acting normal, or looking unwell, see your vet. They can figure out what's wrong and help your feline friend return to their peppy self.

 

 

9. Recent Vaccination

Getting shots can sometimes cause your cat to stop eating. It's usually nothing to worry about, just temporary side effects like a mild fever, feeling lazy, or a little discomfort.

 

These symptoms usually last only a day or two. But if your cat won't eat even after a few days, see your vet. They can help make sure everything's okay after the shots and get your kitty back to 100%.

 

 

How To Encourage a Cat To Eat

We've talked about all the reasons why your cat might stop eating. Now, let's get them back to happily gorging on their food. In the next sections, we'll explore some tips and tricks to tempt your cat's taste buds and make sure they receive adequate nutrition.

 

Try Canned or Wet Food

Many cats love wet cat food because it smells way stronger and is nice and mushy. It's also more moist, which is important if your cat isn't drinking or eating much due to illness. Wet food comes in various flavors and textures, so you can try a bunch to find your cat's favorite. You can even mix a bit of the new food with their usual dry food to make it more tempting and get them to start eating again.

 

Keep Feeding Dishes Clean

Cats are superb sniffers. They can tell if their bowls are icky and unclean. To keep your cat's appetite up, wash their food dish and water bowl regularly with soap and water. Stainless steel or ceramic dishes are better than plastic ones because they don't trap smells as easily. Remember, a clean eating area equals a well-fed kitty.

 

 

Explore CBD Options for Cats

Some cat owners find that CBD (cannabidiol) can help stimulate their cats' appetite and make them feel less jittery. Products like HolistaPet's CBD Cat Treats, CBD Calming Chews, CBD Capsules, and CBD Oils can help felines relax and potentially improve their eating habits. CBD is famous for its soothing effects, which can make mealtime more enjoyable for skittish kitties. Always consult your vet before introducing CBD to your cat's routine to ensure it matches their needs.

 

Try Adding Tuna Juice to Their Food

Tuna juice in your cat's food? Trust us, it works! Tuna's strong smell and taste can stimulate your cat's appetite and encourage them to eat. Just drizzle a small amount of tuna juice over their regular food to enhance its flavor. You can use canned tuna packed in water, not oil, to avoid giving your cat too much fat.

 

Give Nutritional Supplements to Your Cat

If your cat isn't eating much, supplements may help them get the nutrients and energy they need. These products can come in yummy gel form or as a special liquid diet. They make it easier for your cat to get adequate calories, plus all the good stuff they need to stay healthy. But remember, always talk to your vet before giving your cat any new supplements to make sure they're a good match for your furry friend.

 

Try Gently Warming the Food

A little heat goes a long way. Heating up your cat's meals can make them smell even yummier, which can tempt your kitty to eat. Just pop their food in the microwave for a few seconds, making sure it's only lukewarm, not hot. Stir it well and check the temperature before serving, so your cat doesn't burn their mouth. This trick works especially well with wet food.

 

Provide a Stress-Free Environment

Cats don't like drama during dinnertime. Loud noises or a busy household can negatively affect your cat's eating habits. Try to keep their feeding area calm and quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of the house.

 

If you suspect that home stressors are affecting your pet's appetite, consider our calming products. We have high-quality CBD Cat Treats, CBD Calming Chews, and CBD Oils to promote relaxation and overall wellness in your feline friend. With your vet's approval, give these directly to your cat and see them feel calm and ready to devour their meals in no time.

 

 

How Long Should You Wait Before Going to the Vet?

If your cat ditches dinner for more than a day, it's time to see your vet. Cats can get sick fast if they don't eat for a long time. Other signs to look out for are rapid weight loss, lethargy, vomiting, or changes in behavior. Remember, some health issues can get serious fast, so don't wait long to see your vet. They can help figure out what's wrong with your cat and get them the treatment they need to feel better again.

 

 

Tips for Adjusting Your Cat to a New Diet

Updating your cat's diet need not be a daunting task. Here are some helpful tips:

 

• Slow Down. Start by mixing a small amount of their new food with their current food. Gradually increase the proportion of the new food over a week or two.
• Observe. Watch for issues such as vomiting or diarrhea. Slow down the switch even more if needed.
• Add Variety. Offer different flavors and textures to identify your cat's preferences and make the shift easier.
• Be Patient. Don't rush your cat. Give them time to adjust to the new taste and texture.
• Ask Your Vet. Check with your vet before making big changes to ensure your cat's new diet meets their needs.

 

 

Final Thoughts - Cat Not Eating

Cats refusing food can be scary, but there are reasons why this might happen. By figuring out what's wrong and following our practical tips, you can help your feline friend get back to feeling happy, healthy, and ready to lick their bowls clean again.

 

For additional support, consider HolistaPet's range of cat products designed to promote your pet's well-being. From CBD treats to calming chews and oils, our products can help with your cat's loss of appetite and beyond.