Sudden changes in diet, summer heat, poor hygiene or a depressive mood can affect the appetite of cats.
In cases where you have noticed that your cat has lost its appetite, we are sure that you asked yourself: "What should I do if the cat does not eat? "In reality, this change in his behavior requires special attention from the owner, since it can be a symptom of some pathologies.
Keep in mind that there are also other possible causes that cause loss of appetite in cats. So let's try to understand what needs to be done if the cat doesn't eat.
The cat does not eat: possible causes
Loss of appetite and weight in cats is a common symptom of many diseases. Therefore, when your cat refuses to eat or has suddenly lost weight, it will be essential to take it to the vet immediately.
1. When the food is not to his liking
Cats are selective and routine animals, especially in relation to their diet and their habits. Therefore, you will have to be careful in choosing the right foods for them, especially if you want to make changes to your diet.
The feeding of a feline must satisfy its nutritional needs, based on its age, its size and the specific needs of its organism. Changing food to a cat should always be a slow and gradual process.
If you change your cat's food abruptly, it is very likely to waste the new food. This can also cause some digestive disorders such as diarrhea, vomiting or gas accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Cat eating
On the other hand, if you want to have a cat with a less selective palate, you will have to get used to it as a puppy to try new flavors, textures and aromas. During their first six months of life, puppies have a more flexible character and form the criteria and preferences of their palate.
If during this phase you present a great variety of aromas, flavors and textures, you will reduce the chances of transforming it into a capricious cat from the point of view of food. But if you always offer the same food, you will probably have problems when you decide to change your diet as an adult.
2. The heat
On warmer summer days, your cat will most likely not have so much appetite and will eat less. In addition to the feeling of "heaviness" generated by high temperatures, even the increase in light hours will affect your appetite.
In winter, on the contrary, the days are shorter and there is less light and therefore the animals increase the consumption of food. It is thought that their brain associates the decrease in the availability of light with the arrival of winter and the consequent lack of food.
On the contrary, when the hours of sunshine are abundant and the food is abundant, the metabolism returns to a more balanced rhythm. Your pet's appetite is reduced and his behavior is also calmer. Therefore, it is natural that your cat eats less with the arrival of summer.
3. The position of the kennel and bedding
When preparing the cat kennel, you must pay particular attention to the location of their areas of food, hygiene and physiological needs. If the cat's bowl is near the litter box or has no regular hygiene habits, the cat may refuse to eat.
Cat and litter
4. The cat does not eat due to intestinal boluses
As you know, cats are very clean animals that usually devote hours to the toilet. We also know that during their hygiene, felines are used to ingesting dead hair, which passes into the digestive tract and can settle in the intestine.
All cats can suffer from hairballs, however these types of problems are generally more frequent in long or semi-long haired species.
In nature, felines can naturally eliminate hairballs to avoid digestive disorders. However, domestic cats will need our help to eliminate ingested hair. Here's what to do if the cat doesn't eat.
If your cat is unable to defecate hairballs, excessive accumulation of these in the digestive tract can lead to constipation, loss of appetite, nausea, weakness, apathy, etc.
Other causes of loss of appetite in cats
In addition to the causes mentioned above, loss of appetite in cats may also be due to intoxication or depression caused by stress and anxiety.
As you have seen, there are many possible explanations for why a cat does not eat and it can be difficult to identify the exact cause. Therefore, if you want to know what to do if the cat loses appetite, it is best to consult the veterinarian.
The best cat food for proper nutrition.