What do you do when your senior cat stops eating?

What do you do when your senior cat stops eating?

The most important step you can take to help your cat is to see your veterinarian as soon as possible. There is often much that can be done to support and sometimes cure medical ailments of older cats through the use of medication, nutrition and supportive therapies.

Why has my elderly cat stopped eating?

Dental problems and gum disease can be common in older cats, and these are frequently accompanied by a lack of appetite. Infections, pancreatitis, cancer, and intestinal problems are all issues that your vet will want to rule out as they examine your cat.

What can I feed my elderly cat with no appetite?

By adding canned food, low-sodium chicken broth, or tuna to dry food and then warming it makes everything smell 10 times better and is more likely to entice your cat to eat. This is particularly helpful for cats who may be stuffy from upper respiratory infections.

How long can an elderly cat go without eating?

Cats can survive for about two weeks without eating but only three days without drinking. The longer your cat goes without proper nutrition, however, the weaker they become, so it’s important to contact your vet if you suspect they haven’t eaten in a day or more.

Do older cats lose their appetite?

“When cats get older, it’s normal for their appetite and eating habits to change with time. Some cats lose interest in the food they once loved, while others want to eat less often than when they were younger.

Why would a cat starve itself?

Cats will starve themselves if they dislike the food. Even missing a single meal can be detrimental because cats are susceptible to hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease). Within 24-48 hours of not eating, cats use their fat stores for energy, resulting in liver malfunction.

What are some reasons why my cat is barely eating?

Here are some possible reasons why your cat is not eating. As in kittens, upper respiratory infections can cause loss of appetite in adult cats. Other nasal diseases can impact your cat’s sense of smell and appetite as well, including nasal polyps or tumors . Tumors affecting the nose can also be painful and therefore make your cat reluctant to eat.

What to do when your cat won’t eat?

While there are many potential reasons for a cat to refuse food, here are some simple tricks you can try to tempt their appetite: Give them some canned/wet food (the stinkier the better — try seafood varieties) Give them some meat baby food. Add some water from a can of tuna or anchovies to their food.

Why does my cat want to eat so much?

One reason your cat may eat too much is simply because food is available. While some cats can self-regulate their food intake and stop eating when they’ve had enough, others gobble up all of the available food even if they are full.

Why does a cat lose its appetite and stop eating?

Problems with your cat’s stomach, intestines, pancreas, or other parts of its digestive system may cause it to stop eating. Your cat may also vomit and have diarrhea or abdominal pain alongside digestive issues. But usually, a decrease in appetite will be one of the first signs of a digestive system problem.