Your cat won't eat? A guide to dealing with a lack of appetite
Top » Column » Is your cat refusing to eat? A guide to dealing with a lack of appetite
Since cats cannot communicate their discomfort in words, loss of appetite may be a sign of something.
Here we'll cover a wide range of topics, from the possible reasons behind your cat's reluctance to eat to practical solutions that will help.
Let's take a look at some tips to help protect your cat's health and help him or her live a healthy life.
Bow Wow Place offers a wide selection of carefully selected, additive-free cat foods.
Find the cat food that your cat will enjoy eating and use it to help maintain its health!
1. Understanding your cat's loss of appetite
Don't miss your cat's signs
When our beloved cats don't show interest in eating as usual, we can become worried. However, this lack of appetite may be one of the important signs our cats are sending us.
In this chapter, we'll lovingly explore the possible reasons behind your cat's refusal to eat.
Common causes of loss of appetite in cats
■ Stress and environmental changes: How environmental changes affect your cat
Changes in your cat's environment can have a major impact on their delicate mind and body. Even changes that are often overlooked, such as moving, changes in family structure, or even rearranging new furniture, can be very stressful for your cat.
■Types of environmental changes and specific examples
1. Moving and a new home
Moving to a new home forces your cat to adapt to an unfamiliar environment, which can cause a temporary loss of appetite.
2. Changes in family structure
The arrival of a new family member or the absence of a loved one can make your cat feel uneasy and lose interest in eating.
3. Rearrange your furniture
Cats are sensitive to changes in their environment, and rearranging the furniture and other changes to their living space can be a source of stress.
■ Stress your cat feels and its symptoms
When cats are stressed, they may exhibit behaviours such as hiding, excessive grooming and aggression as well as a loss of appetite.
Keep an eye out for these signs and pay attention to your cat's emotional state.
How to restore a cat's sense of security
1. Providing a stable routine
It's important to maintain consistent meal, play and rest times to help your cat feel comfortable and adjusted to its new environment.
2. Find a safe hiding place
Provide your cat with a safe, quiet hiding place where she can escape when she becomes stressed.
3. Loving touch
Active communication with your cat and gentle petting will give it a sense of security and reduce stress.
Summary : Understanding and supporting your beloved cat
Loss of appetite due to a change in environment can be overcome with proper care and response.
We will patiently support your cat and help him get used to his new environment.
Your kindness and understanding are key to your cat's health and happiness.
2. Loss of appetite due to health issues
◆ The close relationship between health and appetite
A lack of appetite in your cat is often the result of a health problem.
In this chapter we'll discuss some common health issues that may be linked to your cat's lack of appetite and how to recognise and treat them.
Dental and oral diseases
1. Gingivitis and periodontal disease
Gingivitis and periodontal disease are common oral diseases in cats.
These conditions can cause pain while eating and lead to loss of appetite.
2. Mouth ulcers
Mouth ulcers are an inflammation of the mouth that can cause severe pain when eating.
■ Digestive system diseases
1. Gastroenteritis
Inflammation of the stomach and intestines can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
2. Intestinal obstruction
Intestinal blockages caused by ingested foreign bodies or tumors can cause significant pain and loss of appetite.
Endocrine system disorders
1. Diabetes
Diabetes in cats can cause appetite fluctuations due to abnormal blood sugar levels.
2. Hyperthyroidism
Excessive production of thyroid hormone can cause weight loss and loss of appetite.
Kidney disease
Kidney disease is a common health problem for cats, causing symptoms such as loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, and increased drinking and urination.
Liver disease
When the liver does not function properly, toxins can build up in the body, causing symptoms such as loss of appetite and jaundice.
Other health problems seen in cats
1. Cancer
Cancer can cause a decline in general health and lead to loss of appetite.
2. Viral diseases
Viral diseases such as Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) and Feline AIDS (FIV) can also cause loss of appetite.
Summary : Early detection and appropriate response
If your cat has stopped eating, it could be a sign.
If the loss of appetite continues it is important to seek veterinary attention immediately.
Proper treatment and loving care are the keys to restoring your cat to health.
3. How to make meals more appealing
Rekindle your cat's interest in food
When your cat loses interest in food, it may not be due to a health issue, but it could also be that the food just isn't appealing enough.
In this chapter, we'll show you some ways to stimulate your cat's appetite and get them looking forward to mealtimes again.
◆ Enrich the taste of your meals
1. Reassess the quality of your ingredients
Encourage your cat to take an interest in food by choosing fresh, high-quality ingredients and, if possible, providing a wide range of options.
2. Pay attention to temperature
Cats tend to prefer hot meals.
Sometimes simply warming cold canned or raw foods slightly can increase appetite.
◆ Innovate ways to serve meals
1. Adjust the frequency of your meals
Offering small meals several times a day helps keep food interesting rather than one large meal.
2. Try changing the position and type of dishes
Changing your tableware or changing where you eat can help you approach your meal with a fresh feeling.
◆ Make mealtimes special
1. Make time to spend together
By spending time with your cat during meal times and watching them eat, you will let your cat know that mealtimes are enjoyable times.
2. Combine play and food
Combining meals with a form of play or training can help strengthen motivation to eat.
◆ Try ways to stimulate your appetite
1. Use scent
The smell of food is one of the most important factors that stimulate your cat's appetite.
You can also heat fish or meat slightly to intensify the flavour and add interest.
2. Use supplements and nutritional supplements
Adding small amounts of supplements or nutritional supplements to your meals can add variety to your taste and improve nutritional value.
Summary: Your cat's happy mealtimes
Diet is an important part of your cat's health and happiness.
With a little ingenuity, you can make food more appealing and help your cat live a healthy and happy life.
Your loving care can make mealtimes more enjoyable for your cat.
4. 3 recommended foods for cats with poor appetite
Let's take a look at some commonly used foods to accommodate environmental changes and food preferences.
This is a recommended food for cats who are suffering from temporary loss of appetite or have picky eaters, so please give it a try.
◆ Ziwi Peak series
This is a highly nutritious, ultra-luxury food created with health and longevity in mind.
"What cats would normally eat while hunting in the wild." In other words, this food is made with plenty of high-quality meat from New Zealand and is based on a recipe that takes into account the eating habits of cats. Nothing unnecessary is added, and the natural ingredients are concentrated in their natural state.
In addition, 96% of the food is made from fresh raw meat and 92% of the wet food comes from free-range, grass-fed venison and lamb.
Another feature is that by pursuing food that is tailored to the digestive system and physiological functions, an incredibly high digestibility has been achieved.
It is also very nutritious, so you can get enough nutrition with just a small amount compared to regular cat food.
Sprinkling it on top of your regular meals can add variety to your daily meals.
◆ Lily's Kitchen series
They are very particular about the ingredients they use, so quality is guaranteed.
There is a wide lineup of wet food. It is divided into three types: for kittens, adult cats, and senior cats, so you can choose the one that suits your cat.
Our food is created in collaboration with veterinarians, nutritionists and taste testers to ensure it contains plenty of the nutrients needed for growth.
Lily's Kitchen
(Lily's Kitchen) series product page is here
◆ Origen series
This product is made by Champion Pet Foods, a Canadian company, and uses high-quality fresh, raw ingredients.
Our food is produced with a focus on "biologically appropriate nutrition," and all of the nutrients your cat needs, as they are naturally carnivores, are provided in "whole prey" form, in proportions that match the diet that carnivores should consume. It is made with the conscious intention of using raw ingredients such as meat, fish, and other animal ingredients, including heart, liver, kidneys, and small amounts of bone, to support the healthy growth of your cat.
It is characterized by its use of the latest science and by the efforts of experts such as nutritionists, food scientists, and veterinarians to conduct research to maintain and promote the health of pets.
Using the finest ingredients, including pasture-raised livestock, free-range poultry and wild-caught or sustainably caught fish, we offer a range of cat food options perfect for your beloved cat.
The serving size is slightly smaller than regular cat food, so it should put less strain on the stomach when digesting, even for cats with small appetites.
Click here for the Origen series product page
Summary: For food to combat loss of appetite, head to Bow Wow Place!
In addition to the products introduced here, Bow Wow Place also offers a wide range of additive-free, safe and secure cat food.
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