Worried About Your Cat Not Eating?
We all get sick from time to time, even our pets. There are many things we do as humans that tell others we are not well. Not eating is one of the major signs of ill health in a person as well as an animal. If your cat is not eating properly, it can be a worrying time for you and the rest of the family. Cats are a major part of any family and if they are not consuming what they should be then it sure that they are not feeling too great. It is important that you try to figure out the problem as soon as possible rather than putting it off thinking that they will soon eat when they feel like it.
You will know your own cat’s eating pattern. Watching for any signs of change is vital to keeping your pet healthy and well. Spotting these early on rather than leaving them could help your cat if they are feeling a bit under the weather. If they are not eating up all their food, this could also be another sign of illness in your cat.
My dog, when we first brought him, we fed him on the same boring food each day. He soon got fed up and stopped eating it. We thought there was something wrong but it turned out he just wanted something more interesting. Who knew pets could be so picky? It may be worth trying your cat on a different type of food. If you are giving them something that is bland and lacks flavour then perhaps try some other types of cat food that offers more taste. Remember to consult your vet on this first and make sure you are not sacrificing their nutrition for better tasting foods. We all love sugary treats and know they are bad for us but cats do not understand this so it is your responsibility to feed them the right foods.
Another option you could try is human food. If you are feeding them cat food exclusively then you could spice things up a bit with something tasty. Cats love tuna, fish oil, egg and liver. You could try mixing this in with their regular cat food to entice them over to their feeding bowl if they are not eating. Remember to not over feed them on human food, these should be offered every now and then as a special treat.
Sometimes cats may lose their appetite straight after vaccinations. Many shots and jabs have side effects which could consist of a lack of hunger in your feline friend. Do not worry about this as they should regain their appetite after a short period of time. Your veterinarian should give you information on the adverse effects of jabs. Ask the vet if you are unsure of how long to wait if your cat is not eating after a vaccination.
Is your cat anxious or worried? Many pets from time to time may have to experience change or a sudden alteration in their daily routine. Animals are creatures of habit, so if something has been adjusted then they may become nervous and worried. This can then lead to a loss of appetite. Try and think about changes that have been made to your home or family and see if this is causing your pet anxiety.
If your cat still refuses to eat then make sure you book an appointment with the vet so your pet can be checked over properly. Remember to never force feed your cat and to get them looked at by a professional if these symptoms persist.
So what have you found works at getting your cat to eat, I would be interested to know?
