Cat owners will often notice that their feline seems to be finicky about food. A cat that has been happy with the same brand of cat food either eats less or refuses to eat at all. Even changing the brand or hardness of the food may not budge the cat. If your cat seems to lose her appetite for an unusually long period and starts losing weight, you will want to consult your veterinarian. Here are some possible explanations for why a cat may stop eating.
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Worms
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Cats tend to lose their interest in food if they are infested with roundworms, hookworms or tapeworms. A cat with worms will display other symptoms as well, such as diarrhea or bloody stools.
Upper Respiratory Infections
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Yes, cats do succumb to the common cold. The common cold will usually not result in anything worse than a runny nose. As with humans, the common cold is not a serious health issue. If your cat has an occasional sneeze, chances are it is the common cold or allergies. However, if the cold-like symptoms do not go away after a day or two and the cat is having difficulty breathing or is very unresponsive, she may have a more serious upper respiratory infection. These infections include the herpes virus, calicivirus, chlamydia and feline distemper. All these upper respiratory infections could cause a decrease of appetite in your cat, and they call for a veterinarian's immediate attention.
Intestinal and Stomach Issues
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Sometimes a loss of appetite in a cat can be due to intestinal problems such as a twisted bowel. Only a doctor can diagnosis this. Additionally, cats are subject to stomach viruses that reduce appetite. Stomach ulcers, which are extremely rare in cats, can cause of loss of appetite. The ulcers can occur when human food has been introduced into a cat's diet.
Medications
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If your cat is on medication, a side effect could be loss of appetite, just as happens with humans. Check the instructions that came with the drug or ask your vet.
Feline Leukemia
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Ideally, your cat has been vaccinated against feline leukemia. If not, signs to watch for include a gradual loss of appetite and paleness in the tongue and mouth. Additionally, note if your cat appears lethargic and less playful for a prolonged period of time. Feline leukemia is an extremely serious disease and highly contagious to other cats who have not been vaccinated. If your cat displays these symptoms, consult a vet. Early treatment is the best chance for your feline to make a full recovery.
Feline Diabetes
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Like humans, cats are subject to diabetes. Most often, a doctor will diagnose feline diabetes at the annual examination. Symptoms include loss of appetite, increased thirst and more frequent frequent urination (sometimes outside the litter box).
Warnings
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If your cat is throwing up, has blood in the urine, has difficulty breathing or is extremely lethargic, contact your vet immediately. Many communities have a 24-hour veterinarian clinic or animal hospital.
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