Health Problems That Cause Cats to Refuse to Eat

Loss of appetite, or anorexia, occurs in cats that are unable to eat or do not want to eat. Loss of appetite is a common symptom in feline illnesses, although it can also occur because of stress or dislike of a new food. There are several common health problems affecting cats and their appetite that cat owners should be aware of.

  1. Gastrointestinal Diseases

    • Gastrointestinal diseases in cats often cause inflammation of the esophagus, the stomach or the intestine, says veterinarian Etienne Cote on Pet Place. This inflammation can make eating painful or uncomfortable for the cat, resulting in anorexia. Types of gastrointestinal diseases causing this inflammation include parasites, parvovirus, coronavirus, ulcers, bacterial infections, fungal infections, food allergies and certain types of cancer. Symptoms of gastrointestinal disease include increased salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and sluggishness.

    Pancreatitis

    • Pancreatitis is a difficult disease to diagnose in cats as there is no specific test for the illness. Symptoms include loss of appetite, lethargy, dehydration, fever, hypothermia, vomiting and anterior abdominal pain, according to veterinarian Debra L. Zoran of Harris County Veterinary Medical Association in Houston, TX. Treatment involves aggressive fluid therapy and supportive care. Withholding food and water for two to three days allows the cat's pancreas to rest and regenerate.

    Dental Disease

    • Dental disease is the most common disease in cats, veterinarian Arnold Plotnick of Manhattan Cat Specialists says. Periodontal disease is the inflammation of the tissues that surround the teeth. Osteoclastic resorptive lesions are erosions on a tooth's surface, usually between the gum and the tooth. Dental diseases such as these cause pain when eating, causing a cat to become anorexic. These diseases are avoidable through regular dental checkups with a veterinarian, and teeth cleaning when necessary.