How to feed a cat if it refuses to eat

Any pet owner may find it concerning when their cat stops eating all of a sudden. Although cats are known to be independent animals, alterations in their eating patterns are frequently an indication that something is wrong. It’s critical to take prompt action in order to identify the cause and assist your feline friend in getting back to their regular schedule.

A cat may refuse food for a variety of reasons. It might be brought on by stress, disease, or even just a simple distaste for a certain food. Finding a solution that benefits both you and your cat starts with determining the cause.

This post will discuss common causes of cats losing their appetite and provide helpful advice on getting your cat to start eating again. There are things you can do to make sure your cat stays healthy and content, such as changing up their diet or attending to health issues.

Need for food

Age, body weight, and certain breed-specific traits are taken into account when determining the ideal daily dosage.

Cats are not naturally prone to obesity

1. For an adult animal, the norm is 40 g of natural food per 1 kg of body weight.
2. The total amount of food should not exceed 250 g per day.
3. For inactive, older, obese and neutered cats, the portion size is reduced by 20%.
4. When compiling a diet, you need to take into account the fact that cats eat more than cats. The daily energy requirement of a male is 80 kcal / kg, and a female – 60 kcal / kg.
5. Since the feed of super-premium class and holistic are characterized by high energy value, the daily dose should be no more than 20 g of feed per 1 kg of weight.
6. If the diet is based on several varieties of industrial feed, the share of dry should be 75%, and a moist – 25%.
7. Daily Norm of feeding the kitten:

• 8 weeks – up to 150 g, the number of feedings – 6;
• from 3 to 6 months-up to 240 g with 4-razed diet;
• from 6 to 9 months – up to 250 g, the number of feedings is 3;
• from 9 to 12 months-up to 200 g with a 2-rack diet.

The infant switches to adult feeding mode after a year.

It is crucial to pay attention to how wet and dry food are balanced.

An adult animal needs 6 g of animal-derived protein per kg of body weight each day, whereas a kitten needs 10 g. Regardless of age, 3 g/kg of carbohydrates and 2.25 g/kg of fats are required.

Reasons for loss of interest in food

A robust appetite is regarded as one of the indicators of excellent health. For many diseases, the loss of this physiological mechanism can be the initial sign. Finding the cause of the animal’s dietary refusal is essential to preventing the emergence of harmful pathologies.

The majority of the time, appetite issues affect kittens younger than six months old.

Any form of anorexia

In addition to being one of the disease’s clinical signs, loss of appetite may also be the cause of the issue. Anorexia progressively worsens. The first stage is characterized by a slight reduction in food requirements. A total refusal to eat is typical for the later stages.

The cat eats with pleasure and all bodily systems are operating normally.

Constant stress

• rearranging furniture;
• too bright lighting;
• renovation;
• lack of attention from the owners;
• loud noise;
• appearance of a new pet;
• heavy movement in the room;
• moving;
• quarrel between family members;
• too strong negative or positive emotions;
• changing the location of the food bowl.

Furthermore, stress may indicate that a chronic illness is getting worse.

Cats are regarded as delicate pets.

Sexual instinct

When mating season arrives, animals tend to completely ignore their hunger in favor of following their instincts. This is particularly valid for neighborhood pets. A week before or during estrus, a female may occasionally refuse food.

Availability of an alternative food source

A cat can obtain food from the street if he walks frequently. Small birds and rodents are the main sources of food for animals living in yards. When the pet gets home, it can only consume liquids.

Cats that eat by themselves don’t require extra feeding.

Present diseases

1. Viral and bacterial infections accompanied by a runny nose. Due to partial loss of smell, the animal loses interest in food. The most common pathologies are panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis and peritonitis.
2. Brain damage. Any traumatic brain injury and stroke affect the ability to perceive smells, which automatically affects appetite.
3. Diseases of the digestive system. Most diseases of the pancreas, esophagus, liver, stomach and intestines lead to refusal to eat.
4. Oral pathologies. Dental problems also affect appetite. If a cat has a toothache, it will not be able to eat food even with a good appetite. Periodontosis, the presence of a foreign object in the mouth, tartar or jaw injuries are fraught with exhaustion of the pet.

An increase in blood pressure, kidney disease, skin cancer, and eye diseases can also lead to a decline in appetite.

Fasting day

Just like humans, cats also regularly clean their bodies. They can only take in fluids during the day in order to keep their intestines clean. Picture 6. Sometimes, women who are pregnant or nursing forget that they should eat.

Pregnancy and the postpartum period

• toxicosis;
• postpartum stress;
• eating more than one placenta after birth;
• unwillingness to leave babies unattended for the sake of eating.

The body requires time to heal after birth as well. The animal typically doesn’t eat during this time.

Sometimes a newborn cat will not eat while recovering.

Increased sensitivity to weather

Cats are highly responsive to variations in the weather. Strong winds, a lack of sunlight, and gloomy skies have a detrimental emotional impact and cause appetite loss.

Take medications

Losing interest in food can be a side effect of taking certain medications. This is particularly true for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and medications used during chemotherapy.

One side effect of taking medication is refusing to eat.

Consequences of anesthesia

Many physiological processes in the body, including the need for food, are slowed down by anesthesia-related drugs. The animal might not be interested in eating for a few days following the procedure.

Neurological disorders

A cat loses interest in both itself and its surroundings when it becomes apathetic. The animal loses its appetite in addition to ceasing to play and adhere to personal hygiene regulations.

Cats often experience depression

Allergic reactions

Furry pets frequently have food allergies. When therapy is not received in a timely manner, cats lose interest in food due to their diminished sense of smell.

Cats with food allergies

Features of nutrition

• sudden change of food.
• abundant overeating.
• use of low-quality products.
• frequent feeding of hard-to-digest food.

An animal suffering from food poisoning might not want to eat.

You must show your pet to the veterinarian and begin force-feeding if it refuses to eat for more than twenty-four hours straight.

Fatty liver disease can develop after just one day of fasting.

Reasons for refusing dry food

An animal’s reluctance to consume industrial products can occasionally be linked to its refusal to eat. The cat may, nevertheless, be in perfect health and exhibit a voracious appetite.

1. The composition is not suitable.
2. Expiration date has expired.
3. The product has absorbed foreign odors and moisture.
4. Bored of monotonous food.
5. Feeding stale food that has lost its aroma.
6. Dirty dishes.
7. Lack of drinking water.
8. Transition from natural to industrial food.

Loss of appetite and refusal of dry food are caused by different mechanisms.

The age component is also important. Because they have trouble chewing, kittens and older animals should not eat this kind of food.

It’s critical to first determine any potential causes of your cat’s refusal to eat, such as stress, disease, or dietary changes. To stimulate their appetite, you could try serving a variety of foods, such as moist food, reheated meals, or even special treats. See a vet to rule out any underlying health concerns if they continue to refuse food after a day or two.

5 stages of weight

Understanding the stages of obesity and thinness will help you determine when it’s appropriate to force-feed your pet.

Table 1: Primary weight stages

Obesity results from consuming mostly dry food in one’s diet.

Reasons for refusing water

Pets with fur rarely drink water, even though animals with warm blood cannot survive without it.

Cats drink little at all.

Table 2. Reasons why a cat neglects water

Provoking factor	Description
Wet food	Spiders reduce the need for drinking.
Hunting mice	If a cat eats caught mice, the need for drinking water is significantly reduced.
Replacing water with other sources of liquid	Frequent consumption of milk and broth can discourage a cat from drinking water.
Development of diseases	One of the most dangerous diseases leading to hydrophobia is rabies. In addition, the feeling of thirst is affected by urolithiasis, decreased protective functions of the body, internal injuries, pathological conditions of the oral cavity.
Season	In late autumn and winter, the animal"s need to absorb liquid decreases.
Dirty dishes	Since furry pets love cleanliness, they do not drink from unwashed containers.

Water should not be substituted with milk or other liquids.

How to make a cat drink

1. Buy an artificial fountain that no curious cat will pass by.
2. Turn on the tap in the presence of the animal.
3. In emergency cases, pour water with a syringe.

Expert feline caregivers advise against setting a water container next to the feeding bowl.

Cats do not drink water near dead game in the wild. A genetic code in certain domesticated pets causes them to ignore water left next to food.

One efficient way to encourage the sensation of thirst is by creating an artificial fountain.

Tips	Description
Check for health issues	If your cat suddenly stops eating, it could be a sign of illness. Visit a vet to rule out any health problems.
Offer wet food	Sometimes cats refuse dry food. Try offering wet or canned food to encourage them to eat.
Warm up the food	Heating the food slightly can enhance its aroma and make it more appealing to your cat.
Try different flavors	Switching to a new flavor or brand may help if your cat is bored with the usual food.
Limit treats	Too many treats can fill your cat up, causing them to ignore regular meals. Try reducing treats to spark their appetite.
Fresh water	Ensure your cat has access to fresh water at all times, as dehydration can cause a loss of appetite.
Feed small portions	Offer smaller, more frequent meals to make it easier for your cat to eat.

When a cat declines to eat, it’s critical to respond calmly and promptly. Long-term meal skipping can have negative health effects, so try to identify the source of the problem. Stress, environmental changes, or health issues could be the cause.

To begin, offer a variety of foods, both moist and dry, and observe if this piques their curiosity. Adding a little tuna juice or warming the meal can also be beneficial. The safest course of action to make sure your cat is healthy is to see a veterinarian if these remedies don’t work.

Keep in mind that each cat is unique, so what suits one may not suit another. Keep an eye on how they behave, and if you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask an expert.

Video on the topic

The cat refuses to eat 🐱/ Reasons and What to do / Bio-Vet Veterinary Clinic Network

How to make a cat eat if it refuses to eat

The cat refuses to eat? This is dangerous for cats!

How to properly force-feed a cat.

What to feed a cat (dog) during illness?

Force-feeding an animal😽

HOW TO FEED A CAT IF SHE DOESN"T WANT TO EAT OR DRINK. ADVICE FROM A VETERINARIAN. ULTRASOUND AND X-RAY OF A CAT VITEBSK.