When a Healthy Appetite Changes, Pay Attention
Cats are experts at hiding illnesses. In fact, one of the first signs that something may be wrong is often a subtle change in appetite.
Many sick cats don’t stop eating completely. Instead, they eat less than usual, take a few bites and walk away, lose interest in treats, or seem less enthusiastic about meals. Some completely snub their people entirely and turn and walk away, immediately – and make it very clear they aren’t interested in their food.
Other clues to watch for include:
- Weight loss
- Upper respiratory congestion, or sneezing
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Increased thirst
- Larger litter box clumps
- Difficulty urinating or defecating
- Decreased activity
- Hiding more than usual
- Bad breath or difficulty eating
Why It Matters
Cats that don’t eat adequately can develop fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis), a serious condition that can develop after just a few days of poor food intake. That’s why appetite changes should never be dismissed as “being picky.” Rapid weight loss in cats is never a good thing, unfortunately.
The Value of a Physical Exam
The challenge is that many very different diseases can cause this same symptom: not eating.
When cats don’t eat, they also aren’t vomiting but perhaps may just be hiding more. The minute this is seen as a concern, your vet should be consulted.
A thorough physical examination can reveal important clues that owners can’t see at home, including:
- Dental disease or pain
- Foreign material trapped under the tongue
- Fever or dehydration
- Abdominal pain
- Kidney or bladder abnormalities, painful bladder
- Signs of anemia or jaundice
Often, the physical exam helps determine which tests, if any, are needed next and what should be done next to help your cat.
Common Causes of Appetite Loss
Young Cats
Young cats are naturally curious, and their appetite loss is often linked to:
- Foreign bodies such as string, ribbon, floss, or hair ties
- Toxin ingestions, including lilies
- Infections, such as viral illnesses, FeLV, or FIV
- Immune-mediated disease
- Urinary blockages, especially in male cats
Senior Cats
As cats age, chronic diseases become more commonly seen as the cause of poor appetite or more appropriately, fussy appetites. You may be tempting them with a selection of their tastiest treats, and they may sniff and turn away.
Underlying causes often include:
- Kidney disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Diabetes
- Inflammatory conditions such as IBD or pancreatitis
- Cancer, including intestinal lymphoma
Interestingly, many senior cats continue to eat, just not their normal amount, making appetite changes easy to overlook.
When Is It an Emergency?
Seek veterinary attention promptly if your cat:
- Has not eaten for 24-48 hours
- Is vomiting repeatedly
- Appears weak or lethargic
- Is losing weight
- Is straining to urinate
- Develops yellow gums, eyes, or ears
The Take-Home Message
Cats rarely stop eating “for no reason.” Whether the cause is a foreign body, toxin exposure, infection, urinary blockage, dental pain, kidney disease, inflammation, or cancer, appetite loss is often an early clue that something isn’t right.
The most valuable next step is often not a test, but a thorough in-person physical examination. It allows us to uncover hidden clues, identify urgent problems, and guide the most appropriate treatment plan. Tests will be needed to help your veterinarian rule out many of the concerns above and help find the cause. Supportive care will be needed to help promote your cat’s appetite and help them return to their regular hunger habits.
If your cat’s appetite changes, don’t assume they’re being picky. More often than not, they’re trying to tell us something. Give us a call and we can see you and your kitty generally the same day, either here at juanita hills animal hospital or at one of the other cara locations,
Dr. Stacy Chartrand
Medical Director