Cats are usually picky eaters, but it can denote an underlying health issue when your cat refuses to show interest in the food they once enjoyed. Although lack of appetite concerns all pets, the case can be riskier in cats. When cats don’t eat enough, they often rely on their fat reserves for energy. A stored fat must be processed in the liver in order to be utilised by the body. However, excessive weight loss can reduce a cat’s protein supplies, thereby affecting the liver negatively.
Your job as the owner of a four-legged friend is to always monitor their eating habits. Since cats are naturally good at hiding their own illnesses, any sudden changes in your cat’s appetite can give you some clues as to how they are feeling. There are many reasons why a cat stops eating. It could just be a sign that they simply don’t like the food you serve. Sometimes, it’s an indication that something’s stuck in your cat’s intestines, which affects their ability to eat. Or, a cat that stops eating can be a symptom of a specific disease or any health problem that’s inducing a sense of discomfort.
No matter what the reason might be, an entire refusal of food can have devastating effects on your cat’s overall health. Fortunately, there are natural ways to help entice your cat to start eating again.
Diversify your cat’s diet options
Similar to humans, cats like diversity when it comes to food selections. Experiment with their feeding regimens by adding different flavours, textures, or even shapes of food to their bowls. Take note, cats are usually sensitive to certain textures and shapes when it comes to kibbles. While some of them like round shapes, others find triangle-shaped kibbles more interesting.
Also, try making cat food from scratch. You can feed your cat with human foods that are equally nutritious, such as fish, meat, rice and fruits like berries, bananas and cantaloupe. If you’re keen to support your cat’s optimum wellness, it might be ideal to try CBD-infused products, such as CBD capsules https://alphagreen.io/supplements/capsules.html, oral tinctures or treats for your cat. CBD (also referred to as Cannabidiol) is a naturally occurring substance derived from hemp, often used as a supplemental pet food ingredient to help promote holistic balance in some animals. Since our pets also have a complex endocannabinoid system, CBD is thought to indirectly interact with this system, providing many potential benefits. However, make sure to discuss the introduction of a new supplement with your vet.
Try a different bowl
If you’re using plastic pet bowls or dishes, it’s time to replace them with something made of stainless steel, ceramic or glass. This is especially useful for cats that might have skin sensitivities to plastic, causing feelings of discomfort while eating. On top of that, plastic bowls can emit an unwanted smell when warmed in a microwave. Some cats hate such smells, which can affect their appetite.
Let your cat get a little bit hungry
Sometimes, cats won’t eat because we tend to leave their food open and accessible all the time, causing them to lose interest and never get hungry. At the bare minimum, do not serve your cat with one heavy breakfast to avoid possible “scarf and barf” throughout the day. Let them have at least 2 to 3 meals a day for a certain duration. Pick up their food between 6 to 12 hours, which should be enough to let them feel hungry and be in the mood for eating.
Take your cat into a steamy bathroom
This solution applies to cats with no appetite due to a stuffy nose. A cats sense of smell is essential to their eating habits. They use it to determine whether the food is worthy of eating or not. If cats are congested, they are less likely to smell their food and decide if they will even try it.
Keeping your cat in a steam-filled bathroom for about 10-15 minutes may allow them to breathe the moisture-laden air that helps clear their nasal passages. Once your cat is able to smell their food, it will be easier to get their appetite back.
Seek professional help
You can’t trust your instincts if a certain illness is what keeps your cat from eating. Contact your vet immediately once you notice some significant changes in their eating patterns. Your vet can diagnose your cat’s disease and help you design the right regimen for your pet.
This is a collaborative post.