Why doesn’t my cat eat? Causes and solutions

Common Causes of Loss of Appetite in Cats

There are several reasons why your cat refuses to eat. Here are some of the most common:

• Digestive problems
  Digestive disorders, such as gastritis, colitis or constipation, can lead to loss of appetite. Cats can develop sensitivities to certain ingredients in their diet, such as grains or animal proteins, which can make them feel uncomfortable and refuse to eat.
• Infections or chronic diseases
  Viral infections (such as feline leukemia virus or calicivirus) or chronic conditions (kidney failure, diabetes) can seriously impair a cat’s appetite. In these cases, rapid veterinary intervention is essential to correctly diagnose and treat the cause.
• Dental problems
  Cats with toothaches, gum infections or abscesses may avoid food because chewing causes them discomfort. Regularly check the condition of your cat’s teeth and notice if he shows signs of pain during meals.
• Intestinal parasites
  The presence of parasites such as intestinal worms can affect your cat’s digestion and appetite. Regular deworming is essential to prevent these problems.
• Stress or changes in the cat’s environment
  Cats are extremely sensitive animals to environmental changes. Moving to a new home, changing your diet or having other animals around you can cause stress and, implicitly, loss of appetite.

How can you act immediately?

If your cat refuses to eat, it is important to act quickly to prevent the situation from worsening. The first step is to consult a veterinarian, especially if the lack of appetite persists for more than 24 hours. Your doctor will be able to identify the exact cause and suggest an appropriate treatment plan. In the meantime, you can give your cat easily digestible foods specially formulated for cats with sensitive stomachs, such as wet food for digestive problems, which is easy to tolerate and promotes intestinal health.
Make sure your cat has constant access to fresh water to prevent dehydration, which can make food refusal worse. If you suspect intestinal parasites are the cause, talk to your vet about administering a deworming treatment. Regular deworming is essential to prevent digestive problems and maintain your cat’s overall health.

Prevention is key!

Prevention not only helps maintain health, but also reduces the risk of serious long-term complications, contributing to your cat’s overall well-being. Taking simple but effective measures can make the difference between a healthy cat and one prone to digestive or other disorders.

Specialized food for cats with digestive problems

If you notice that your cat has a sensitive stomach or frequently shows symptoms of digestive disorders, such as vomiting or diarrhea, it is essential to provide him with a diet suited to his needs. Special foods for cats with digestive problems contain easily digestible ingredients that help soothe the gastrointestinal tract and prevent irritation. For example, on the lilpet.ro website you can find a wide range of wet cat food and dry food, specially formulated to support the health of cats’ digestive system. These products are rich in fiber and probiotics, which help maintain intestinal balance and improve digestion.

Punctual deworming

A key aspect of prevention is regular deworming of your cat, especially if it spends time outdoors, where it may be exposed to internal and external parasites. Intestinal worms, fleas or ticks not only affect the appetite, but can lead to serious complications for the cat’s overall health. On lilpet.ro you can find safe and effective internal and external deworming products for cats, in the form of tablets or solutions applied externally. A deworming treatment given at regular intervals protects the cat from infections and reduces the risk of digestive or other problems caused by infestations.

Avoid sudden changes in diet

Cats are extremely sensitive to changes in their routine, including food. Any sudden change in diet can cause digestive upset such as diarrhea or loss of appetite. To avoid these problems, it is recommended to gradually switch to a new type of food, gradually mixing the new food with the old one over the course of 7-10 days. This approach allows the cat’s digestive system to adapt gradually and reduces the risk of causing discomfort or food refusal.
Dental care

Dental problems such as tartar or gingivitis can be a common cause of loss of appetite in cats. For this reason it is essential to pay attention to your cat’s dental hygiene. In addition to regular visits to the vet, you can prevent dental diseases by using specialized products available on lilpet.ro, such as teeth cleaning solutions or dental toys that help remove bacterial plaque. Good dental hygiene not only prevents pain and infections, but also ensures proper nutrition, allowing the cat to eat comfortably.

Recommendations from our veterinarians

On our site you can find a wide range of products dedicated to cats with digestive problems, from specialized foods to effective deworming solutions. These products are designed to support digestive health and help cats recover from or manage gastrointestinal disorders.

🛒Royal Canin digestive care: formula for acute or chronic digestive disorders, with easily digestible proteins and prebiotics.
🛒Advanced gastrointestinal veterinary diets: special food for cats with digestive sensitivities, such as chronic diarrhea or inflammatory bowel disease.

And we highly recommend it for deworming
🛒 Parakill: Spot-on solution or spray for external deworming, ideal for fighting fleas and ticks. It provides long-lasting protection and is easy to apply, ensuring that your cat is protected from external parasites that can cause discomfort and various diseases.
🛒 Chew product for cestal cats: Anti-parasitic chewable tablets for internal deworming. These tablets effectively eliminate intestinal worms, protecting the cat from internal infections. The product is easy to administer and has a pleasant taste, thus facilitating the treatment of cats.

Your cat’s health is essential for a happy and active life. With proper care, including proper nutrition and regular deworming, you can prevent many digestive problems and infections. We invite you to explore the lilpet.ro website to discover a wide range of quality products dedicated to cat health. Also, don’t hesitate to visit physical veterinary pharmacies, where you can get specialized advice and products tailored to your cat’s needs. Provide him with the best living conditions and support his health through conscious choices!