The Diseases That Cause a Cat Not to Eat Much

While a cat may occasionally be uninterested in its food, a persistent lack of eating can signal a major problem. A healthy cat is a good eater, if your cat is refusing to eat, there are a number of different possible causes. If a cat persistently refuses to eat, it is important to take it to the veterinarian to figure out what might be the issue.

  1. Feline Hepatic Lipidosis

    • Feline hepatic lipidosis is also called fatty liver disease, and it typically occurs due to nutritional or metabolic imbalance or due to a toxic injury to the liver. Stress can trigger the disease, or it may also be related to diabetes, heart disease or hyperthyroidism. If a cat has feline hepatic lipidosis, it will stop eating, and may need to be temporarily fed through a plastic tube that is inserted into its neck. The condition is curable if treatment is started early enough, and it is more common in middle-aged cats.

    Hyperthyroidism

    • According to the website Pet Education, about 7 percent of cats develop a loss of appetite when they have hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism involves an overproduction of the thyroid hormones and other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and tremors. This condition can be treated through surgery or through medication.

    Kidney Disease

    • The kidneys filter the toxins from the cat's food and when the cat is dealing with kidney disease, food can become something that is actively harmful to the cat. When a cat has kidney disease, the kidneys are not performing their function, which leaves the cat with no appetite and no interest in food. Kidney disease in cats is chronic, but it can be controlled through medication and diet.

    Pancreatitis

    • The pancreas is the organ in the cat's body that metabolizes sugar and produces insulin. Pancreatitis is a condition that occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. This condition may only happen once in a cat's life or it may become a chronic issue. The discomfort caused by eating can cause a loss of interest in food. Weight loss, fever and lethargy are other signs that a cat has pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is treated through medication and changes in the cat's diet.

    Tooth Decay

    • A cat may be uninterested in food due to dental issues. Infected teeth or gums can cause pain when the cat chews, which may make the cat reluctant to eat. Hard food which will remove tartar buildup and daily brushing can help care for cats' teeth and prevent tooth decay, as can regular visits to the veterinarian for more thorough cleaning. Antibiotics can clear up minor infections, but tooth removal may be needed for more severe problems.