People who are lucky enough to have a feline companion in their home are in a constant learning process. While some wonder why their cat asks for more food even though their bowl is full, others are worried about just the opposite: their cat doesn’t want to eat. The fact that cats lose their appetite, partially or even completely, can respond to a whole series of causes. Some of them have an easy solution, while others could hide a more complex health problem.
Cat owners should observe their pet’s behavior to be able to identify as soon as possible if changes in their behavior occur. Especially when it has to do with food. If it is perceived that the amount of food on its food plate is barely reducing, it would be a signal to get down to work and find out what may be happening to the animal so that its appetite has been affected.
In cases where cats stop eating, the reasons differ depending on a fundamental nuance: does the cat not want to feed or is it that it cannot? If it is one or the other, it will be possible to obtain information that allows us to rule out certain reasons and focus on other more feasible ones.
Cats that suffer from inappetence, that is, they directly refuse to feed, usually have two common reasons. The first of them has to do with the food itself, something very common when a change in their food has been made. When they perceive changes in smell, texture and taste, it is possible that this novelty will not be well received and they will refuse to eat. Another common cause is because the cat suffers from stress, due to changes in its environment or routines.
However, there are also causes related to diseases, for example, those of a systemic nature, gastrointestinal, tumors or linked to the central nervous system. Other reasons may be infections, inflammations or poisoning.
On the other hand, cats that show an appetite but are unable to feed usually have pain or difficulty when eating or swallowing. This can be due to dental or nasal cavity diseases, but also to a fracture in the jaw or the presence of a foreign body.
If a cat does not want to eat, it is important to consult the veterinarian, who will be in charge of analyzing the animal’s clinical history, as well as performing an appropriate examination to shed light on the possible causes that may be behind this behavior. Especially when it comes to identifying whether it is a real lack of appetite or if the feline cannot eat even if it is willing. Once the diagnosis is obtained, treatment will be prescribed.
