When your cat stops eating, it is one of the first signs of illness. Finding the cause is the first step to treating your cat appropriately and getting his health back on track.
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About anorexia
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Anorexia is not a disease in cats, but rather a symptom of some underlying condition. Anorexia may start as merely a decreased appetite, and eventually the cat may refuse to eat. If your cat continues to reject food for more than one day, consult your veterinarian.
Causes
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Some causes of anorexia include mouth pain (such as an abscessed tooth), gastrointestinal disease, kidney failure, ulcers, diseases of the liver, feline infectious anemia, heartworm, intestinal obstruction, a viral infection, pancreatitis, ingestion of poison, feline infectious peritonitis, some medications, Addison's disease, change in diet and general stress. Sometimes a cat will refuse to eat when a new person or animal is introduced to the household. Keep track of any strange behavior your cat may be exhibiting along with the anorexia and report those to your vet. If anorexia is accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, breathing difficulties, drooling or lethargy, call your vet immediately.
Treatment Options
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Because anorexia has so many possible causes, your vet may need to perform a variety of tests for a diagnosis. Your vet may require a fecal exam to check for parasites, an oral exam to check for damaged teeth or a foreign body, blood counts and urinalysis, abdominal and chest X-rays, and a general physical exam to check for wounds, growths or masses. Treatment for severe anorexia will begin with IV fluids to help treat and prevent dehydration. Nutritional support may also be needed via a feeding tube, appetite stimulants or hand-feeding. Depending on the root cause of the anorexia, your vet may also administer antibiotics (for a bacterial infection, for example), or even surgery if your cat's condition requires it. In some cases, a vet may recommend a feeding tube. Feeding tubes can be used to give blended foods and medications to that cat. The tubes can be left in for extended periods but will need to be replaced every two to three months. Your vet will give you specific instructions on how to care for a cat with a feeding tube.
If your cat is refusing to eat because of a behavioral issue (after all physical issues have been eliminated), try warming his food to encourage him to eat. If you have recently introduced a new diet, try mixing it with the cat's previous food to help him make the switch easier.
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