How to Nourish Cats With No Appetites

Loss of appetite in cats is a serious symptom that needs to be investigated. It can occur for any number of reasons, which is why the vet's office should be your first stop if your cat is refusing to eat. Infections, mouth ulcers, gum inflammation, kidney disease and even psychological stress can affect a feline's appetite. A medical examination and blood test will help determine why the cat isn't eating and treating the underlying cause is the best way to nourish your cat, as it should start eating normally again. You can do a number of things on your own to help to stimulate your cat's appetite if the problem has no obvious causes.

Things You'll Need

  • Blender
  • Syringe
  • Cat treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Consult your vet. Loss of appetite is often temporary. The vet may also administer an appetite stimulant if the problem has no obvious cause or is aggravated by poor kidney function or old age.

    • 2

      Wash your cat's bowl thoroughly. Some cats are fussy eaters and dry or stale food particles in their feeding bowl can diminish appetite.

    • 3

      Spice up your cat's food. Add treats such as fresh tuna and sardines to your cat's diet. Ensure that the diet contains plenty of good-quality protein. Add flavored toppings and broths. Your vet may also prescribe calorie-dense food; its main advantage is that the cat gets more nourishment from a smaller amount of food.

    • 4

      Heat the cat's food to body temperature. Heating food in an oven or microwave releases its scent and makes it comparable to freshly caught prey This makes it more appetizing to your cat, as felines have a strong sense of smell.

    • 5

      Feed your cat with a syringe. Vets sometimes recommend this if a cat has lost weight and consistently refuses to eat. It is sometimes used as a temporary measure until medication to treat the underlying cause takes effect. Blend a little food with added water for the desired consistency and place it in a syringe. Your vet will show you how to administer food in this way.