Cat not eating much? It might be anorexia

If you’ve noticed that your cat isn’t eating much, most of the time it isn’t too much of a cause for concern. However, at what point should you be worried? If your cat has a loss of appetite, can this lead to anorexia? 

In this blog, our experts will tell you all about anorexia in cats and how you can support your feline friends. While it might feel like a sensitive subject, we’ll make sure you’ve got all the right information surrounding cat diet and nutrition, as well as access to high-quality cat food. 

Is your cat not eating much? When to be worried 

You might be concerned about your cat's appetite, especially if you’ve put down their food and they aren’t interested. A loss of appetite can have many causes, and the first step is to consult the vet. They might be able to put your mind at ease and simply say that your cat is a fussy feline, or it might be linked to other health issues. 

There could be several reasons why your cat isn’t eating much, such as: 

• Dental and oral pain 
• Illness and feeling sick
• Stress and anxiety 
• Recent changes to their diet 

Or, your cat might be anorexic. In fact, several of these factors might actually be the cause for cat anorexia, in which your cat suffers from a complete or partial loss of their appetite. You should look out for signs such as weight loss, lethargy, vomiting or diarrhoea, or a yellow tint to their gums or eyes. This will help your vet diagnose them. 

Can cats be anorexic? 

Yes, cats can be anorexic, however, unlike the psychological human eating disorder, feline anorexia is a physical sign that your cat is sick, stressed, or in pain. There are actually two types of feline anorexia: 

• True anorexia - where the cat has no desire to eat because of illness or pain 
• Pseudo-anorexia - where the cat wants to eat, but cannot because of mouth pain, dental disease, or trouble swallowing 

Both result in a decreased food intake, but regardless of whether your cat is dealing with true or pseudo-anorexia, having a decreased appetite is a major sign that something is wrong and it needs to be dealt with seriously. 

The most common causes of anorexia in cats 

• Physical illness - such as kidney disease 
• Inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, and stomach ulcers can disrupt digestion 
• Infections and fevers 
• Respiratory infections - such as a cold or congestion that has blocked your cat’s nose, making them unable to smell their food 
• Cancer - tumours or metabolic shifts from diabetes can lead to a reduced appetite 

If your cat has not eaten for more than 24 to 48 hours, then they are at a high risk of a liver condition called hepatic lipidosis. This is a severe and potentially fatal condition that develops rapidly when a cat hasn’t eaten for this amount of time. Some kittens and senior cats might face an even higher risk of rapid decline, especially if it’s closer to the 24 hour mark. 

Treatments for anorexia in cats  

Before you try and manage the loss of appetite in your cat, your vet should first diagnose why your cat isn’t eating. Once the underlying cause has been addressed, this can influence the next steps:

• Plenty of fluids - a cat not eating will rapidly become dehydrated. Monitor your cat’s levels of hydration, and give fluids intravenously when required 
• Anti-nausea medications - common drugs used include maropitant and metoclopramide 
• Feeding tubes - for extremely severe cases, vets might place a temporary feeding tube that can allow owners to easily administer liquid nutrition and medication at home 

At home support you can provide: 

• Change your cats feeding environment - if your cat is particularly stressed or anxious, try moving their feeding bowl to a calmer area away from noises or distractions 
• Add smelly toppers to your cats food - add a splash of tuna juice onto your cats food - find out what cats can’t eat right here 
• Offer them an alternative food - they might be encouraged by the addition of new foods or be able to eat different textures better 

>> If your cat is still not eating, the bottom line is that an animal that doesn’t eat will get sicker and can ultimately die. Do not try and wait it out or hesitate to call your vet. << 

Support healthy feline appetites with Burgess Pet Care

So, the next time your cat isn’t eating much, keep a close eye on them. Hopefully, with our tips and advice above, you’re now better equipped to look after your cat’s fragile appetite. Remember, if you’re really worried about your furry friend, your vet should be your first point of call. 

Here at Burgess Pet Care, we care about the health and wellbeing of all animals. For nearly 50 years, we’re been manufacturing high-quality products for the UK’s most popular pets. Your cat’s diet is one of the main factors for them leading a happy and healthy life - be sure to read our guide to cat nutrition to find out what they should be putting into their bodies. 

Need more advice when it comes to your beloved cat? Make sure you read our cat care guides, or get in touch with a member of our team.