Appetite Loss in Cats

Appetite loss often occurs in all cats from time to time and the causes can be varied, and sometimes obvious such as a painful mouth which causes it to be reluctant to eat or a cat has once vomited on something the previous meal so refuses to touch the next. If a cat has vomited it is usually better to withdraw the next food for couple of hours. A cat that has a loss of appetite could be showing the first signs of illness and this may be accompanied by such symptoms as lethargy, raised temprature,increased heartrate, dull eyes and coat, kidney disease and respitory problems which can cause a cat not to be able to smell food. A cat that cannot smell its food will not eat. A cat recovering from an illness may need to be encouraged to eat as they may be disinclined on their own. Sometimes such a simple thing as a furball could be trapped in the stomach making the cat feel full therefore advice from a vetinary surgeon is advised for further investigation.

It should be noted that cats are highly sensitive and if a cat is distraught or in any flux of emotions a loss of appetite can occur; typically such things include new arrivals like a baby or new pet, building work or decorating, and changes to what has been a normal routine. Some cats are more highly sturng than others, particularly siamese and burmese and usually these problems can be overcome simply with understanding and taking your time with your cat.

Some cats hate to be watched while eating as it makes them feel vunerable, and this is compounded when a person is either new or a stranger or if the cat is a stray, leave them be to eat and then check back later. A cat which has mating on its mind will often refuse food too.