How to Entice Your Cat to Eat Again
Is Your Finicky Cat Turning Down Your Food?
Jan 14, 2009 Adrienne Farricelli
Do you own a very finicky cat or is your cat not feeling very well lately? Cats, at times, may not show interest in food and they may turn up their noses to that very expensive canned food you just bought. The reasons behind this may be various and may range from simple things such as being bored from eating the same food every day, to mild stomach upsets to even serious issues such as severe dental decay or even advanced kidney disease.
While most cases of loss of appetite last only a day or two, owners should be aware of a potential complication seen mostly in cats on the obese side that go for a few days to weeks without food. "Fatty liver disease" - better medically known as Hepatic Lipidosis - is a condition of the liver that is seen in cats that suddenly starve and lose weight. This sudden lack of food causes fats to accumulate in the liver's cells, overwhelming the organ and causing it to ultimately fail.
Any case of appetite loss should always be thoroughly investigated by your veterinarian, especially when the appetite loss is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, trouble urinating and weight loss.
However, if your cat is acting normally except for refusing food, some special strategies may be attempted at home to entice your cat to eat again. These strategies are meant to be used for only mild cases and not for cats that have not eaten for several days or that are acting sickly.
Secret Strategies for Getting Your Cat's Appetite Back
- Make your kitchen smell great
Yes, simply boil some chicken or fish and make the aroma overwhelm your kitchen. Allow your cat to smell the heavenly smell. Many cats respond well to this and may start getting hungry. A cat's sense of smell is very closely related to their sense of appetite. However, this may not work well if your cat has a cold.
- Warm up canned food
You can try to microwave your cat's canned food so it releases its aroma, further enticing your cat to eat. After all, cats in nature are used to consume warm foods from the fresh prey they just hunted.
- Gerber Kitty
Baby food can be particularly enticing to some cats. Try the meat flavors but make sure there is no onion or garlic in it. Warming some up may get even the most finicky cat interested.
- Catnip
The almost hypnotic powers of catnip may make cats eat again. Catnip may help stressed cats get some relief while also acting as a great, natural appetite stimulant.
- Tuna Fish or Sardines
Most cats love tuna fish. You can feed some or use some of the water or oil drops on your cat's food. Tuna is full of flavor; however, it cannot be fed long term as cats need specific nutrients found only in meat.
- Supplements
Special dietary supplements may be found in assorted pet stores. Nutrical in particular may be helpful for cats that are reluctant to eat. Nutrical provides high calories, acts as an appetite stimulant and may perk kitty up by giving energy.
Should your cat still not be interested in food, your veterinarian may prescribe special medications such as Cyproheptadine or Valium. Prescription Hill's food A/D may provide nutrients while enticing cats to eat.
Cats suddenly refusing food should always raise a red flag to owners. When dealing with a cat not interested in food it is best to play the 'better safe than sorry" approach and have your feline friend checked out.
Is your cat still in love with its food?
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