What to do when your cat won’t eat?
Every caregiver has experienced a lack of appetite in their cat at least once in their life. What can be the reasons for a cat’s loss of appetite, what to do when the cat doesn’t want to eat? In today’s article, I will try to dispel any doubts as to why and when cats do not want to eat. In addition, you will learn what to do in such a situation.
Why isn’t my cat eating?
There can be many reasons for a cat not eating food. In fact, it is the guardian who has to assess the situation well and determine whether everything is fine with the cat or if there is something wrong with it.
When a cat loses its appetite, we should first analyze all the factors that may affect it. Not eating food by a cat is one of the first symptoms of the disease, which is why the correct assessment of the situation in which the cat found itself is crucial. When lack of appetite is due to a disease, it can often be accompanied by:
- apathy and lethargy,
- increased body temperature,
- reluctance to interact with humans and other animals,
- hiding in different corners of the house,
- irregular, shallow breathing.
However, it should be noted that the lack of appetite may have other causes. A cat may also not eat because of:
- heat period,
- expired food or aversion to a given type of food or meat,
- hot weather,
- too much feed,
- allergies,
- environment, such as a food bowl placed near the litter box.
What to do when the cat is not eating?
When we notice that our cat is not, then we need to make an observation. When we notice that our cat is lethargic, avoids contact with household members and is apathetic, we should contact the veterinarian. In the meantime, we can measure the cat’s body temperature. We do it rectally, or rectally. The normal body temperature of adult cats is between 38.1 and 39.2°C. Attention! In small kittens and adolescents, the body temperature can be less than 38 ° C!
If the temperature shows around 39.5 ° C and above, then we can talk about a fever. Therefore, if we do not have the ability to measure the pet’s body temperature, and he has a lack of appetite and apathy, we should immediately contact the doctor!
If the cat behaves normally, is cheerful, maintains contact with other household members, then the lack of appetite is probably due to a different cause. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze whether the cat sometimes does not like the food or the food served in the bowl. If the reason for not eating is a grimace to the food, then it is worth checking whether the cat is tempted by a treat. In such a situation, the guardian is forced to change the served meal, e.g. change the type of meat served to another, or change the food.
In addition, cats lose their appetite during estrus and during the summer when it is hot outside. This is normal animal behavior. Cats in the summer do not have a high demand for energy, and thus their appetite decreases.
Finally, when we notice that our cat does not want to eat, the first thing we need to do is observe and evaluate our cat’s behavior. Each owner knows his pet best, therefore he is the best judge of the cat’s behavior. But in addition, it is worth analyzing all the factors that may affect non-eating. Remember! Never panic when your cat won’t eat. This may only be temporary. But it is always worth consulting a veterinarian or breeder when we notice that our pet is not eating and is apathetic!
