What Makes a Cat Stop Eating?

When a cat stops eating, it is a symptom of an underlying issue. The cat may first start to show a slight lack of appetite and may progress to completely refusing to eat--even its favorite treats. If the cat goes more than a day without eating, the owner should consult a veterinarian as cats can develop a condition called hepatic lipidosis, which is life threatening. Numerous reasons may exist for why a cat stops eating. The veterinary term for this condition is anorexia. Owners should consult with a veterinarian to help determine the best treatment.

  1. Pain

    • Cats with dental issues (such as gingivitis or tooth abscess) may experience pain when they try to eat, so they avoid it altogether. Injuries or other trauma may also cause pain leading to anorexia in cats.

    Disease

    • Diseases than can cause anorexia in cats include Addison's disease, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, cardiac failure, pancreatitis, histoplasmosis, hypercalcemia, feline diabetes, gastrointestinal disease, neurological diseases, parasites and viral infections. Even general stress can contribute to a cat's loss of appetite.

    Other Causes

    • Sudden changes in a cat's diet may cause some cats to refuse to eat. Ingestion of poison and certain medications could also be the culprit. Sometimes stress is the cause, perhaps a new person in the household or a recent move. Owners should mention any changes to a cat's lifestyle to their vet.

    Diagnosis

    • The veterinarian will run some blood and urine tests to check for metabolic disorders, inflammatory/infectious diseases or neoplasia by running some blood and urine tests. In addition, a physical exam will rule out any possible wounds, abscess or masses that could be the cause. The veterinarian may also check the cat's mouth for issues with its teeth or gums. Various x-rays (abdominal and/or chest) may help find possible obstructions or other abnormalities. The veterinarian may request a stool sample from the cat so he can test it for parasites.

    Treatment

    • Once the veterinarian has determined what the cause of the anorexia is, he will want to treat the original issue. In the meantime, the veterinarian will give the cat fluids intravenously or subcutaneously to prevent dehydration. Some cats may require a feeding tube for nutritional support, or the owner may have to hand feed them. The veterinarian may also prescribe appetite-stimulating drugs. Owners may encourage the cat to eat by warming the food or mixing in some tuna or other enticing treat. The veterinarian may prescribe pain medication if pain is the cause of the cat's anorexia.