Why the cat does not eat or drink - what to do?

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

If the cat is not eating or drinking, it is important to identify the problem of this condition. This behavior of these four-legged pets occurs for a number of reasons. They usually indicate that something is wrong in the cat's life. Sometimes animals can be picky eaters and demand delicacies. Often there is nothing serious in such a situation, and the problem can be solved with simple steps. However, a prolonged period of not eating can indicate dangerous pathologies and should be taken seriously.

Animal refuses food

You need to know the most common reasons why a cat refuses to eat, to learn how best to help the animal return to normal. It is important for every owner of a fluffy to see his pet he althy and energetic. And this is impossible without normal nutrition. Let's deal with the most commonoccurring reasons that deviations from the norm are observed in the behavior of a pet. The information provided will help pet owners keep their pets in good condition and address problems in a timely manner.

Common causes

Cat won't eat or drink, has she lost her appetite? This may be due to stress caused, for example, by moving to a new home, the introduction of a dog into the family, or a trip to the veterinarian where the cat received vaccinations. All these small cases resolve themselves. If such situations arise, it is enough to give the animal time to recover. After all, the animal, like a person, experiences a variety of emotions. He can be happy or upset. Some issues are of great concern to him. During a period of stress, you should emphasize your friendly attitude towards your pet, then he will quickly calm down and return to normal life.

To timely determine the cause of such a condition when the cat does not eat or drink, the owner of a four-legged friend needs to pay attention to his pet daily. Usually you can immediately feel that something is wrong. Then you need to carefully observe the cat for a certain period of time.

Why the cat does not eat: identifying the causes

There are many reasons why a cat won't eat or drink anything. Then the owner should pay special attention to her behavior in order to understand the seriousness of the problem. Probably, after a few days of observing the cat, the owner will understand what is happening. In case of doubt, you can always consult withvet.

Like humans, when they don't consume enough calories, animals must burn excess fat stores for energy. If your cat is not eating or drinking anything, or is eating longer than usual and is starting to lose weight, this is a clear sign that she is not getting enough he althy food.

Fast weight loss is very dangerous

Rapid weight loss is very dangerous for a cat. If this occurs, it is important to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Protein is used to convert fat stores into energy. This process takes place in the liver. Sudden weight loss leads to the fact that all the protein is used up. This can lead to a life-threatening condition that causes liver disease in cats called lipidosis, which in turn can lead to liver failure if left untreated. An early sign of liver lipidosis is food refusal. Left untreated, late stage signs such as jaundice, salivation, seizures and even coma begin to appear.

The only known cure for this disease is enhanced enteral nutrition to overcome the pathology and return the cat to normal, as well as fluid therapy to combat dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Such measures can save the pet's life.

Why a cat loses its appetite: past stresses

Let's look at the most common reasons why a cat won't eat or drink, lethargic. The most common of these is stress. Most cats are sensitive to environmental changes such as a new home, new owneror an addition to the family, such as a child or a dog.

Stress conditions are also characteristic of a person, and he, too, can lose his appetite and eat much less. Then, too, changes in the body will be observed. Therefore, it is important to communicate with your cat and give it a lot of attention. Then she will quickly return to normal life.

Food features

Sometimes cats are allergic to the material of the bowl. Other problems with eating utensils are dirty containers, not wanting to eat out of a metal bowl because it is electrifying, or simply having another pet near the feeder. Some cats do not like the presence of their owners or other pets when they are about to enjoy food.

Disease

There are many diseases that can affect a cat's nutrition and well-being. Of the most common pathologies, kidney problems should be noted. A similar condition can occur with urolithiasis, and when foreign objects enter the esophagus.

If the cat eats less, you need to watch it. Sometimes there is lethargy, lack of purring, when the cat curls up into a ball and retires. Hissing is heard when trying to pick up the animal or its squeak. Then the animal can hide in the box and not seek to communicate. Sometimes distemper can be the cause.

Cat distemper

If the cat does not eat, does not drink, and vomiting bothers her, perhaps these are symptoms of distemper. The disease is transmitted from infected animals. It is especially dangerous if the animal brought it from a street walk. Sometimes you can infect an animal in public transport. Veterinarians do not recommend getting a pet earlier than a year later if the house already had a cat with distemper who died from this disease.

For the treatment of the disease, it is important to consult a veterinarian. If the animal does not eat, does not drink, the cat vomits, her body becomes dehydrated very quickly. In such a situation, it is important to show the pet to the doctor. Self-medication will not lead to anything good.

The veterinarian will prescribe intramuscular injections in the form of antibiotics and drugs that will help relieve the feeling of nausea. In no case should you leave your pet without medical care, otherwise a fatal outcome is guaranteed. In addition, if there are other pets at home, they are also at risk of infection.

Vaccinations

A recent vaccination is a very common reason why a furry loses his appetite. If the cat does not eat or drink, lies down, this is a typical situation that disappears 48 hours after vaccination. It is necessary to monitor the allergic reaction to the vaccine, which gives more serious complications than a little drowsiness. This display is normal for cats.

An allergic reaction will usually have obvious outward signs such as hives and excessive scratching, and loss of appetite is one of the secondary reactions. But all this does not mean that it is necessary to refuse vaccination, since side effects are rare. And in a timely mannerVaccination has saved millions of pet lives. The same feline distemper mentioned above is more dangerous for unvaccinated cats. Vaccinations are especially important if the cat is taken out for a walk and the pet comes into contact with other animals.

Psychological problems

Anxiety and depression are the leading psychological problems that can cause a cat to eat less. Any change in a cat's routine can increase their anxiety and temporarily affect their food intake.

Therefore, the owner should remember the importance of providing a calm atmosphere and a friendly attitude towards the furry pet.

Travel

Most cats don't like long trips. It is enough for them to stick their head out the window to absorb the smells of open space.

In addition, many cats are prone to motion sickness, and this will affect how much they eat. If you are going on an extended vacation and you are taking your pet with you, it may affect their eating habits.

New food

Cats are picky eaters. Switching to a new food or a new type of food (wet to dry) usually takes a few days. This is enough time for furry gourmets to fully adapt.

At first they may not like the smell or taste of the new food because it is different from the old. In most cases, the cat will be hungry enough to eat the new food. And gradually decide if she likes her.

Other eating problems

Catsmuch less likely to eat food if it is old, stale or cold. They are very similar to humans in that they like food that tastes good. If food is stored in a humid or warm environment, it will age faster than food stored in a cool and dry place. Cooking a small amount of food helps prevent food spoilage.

Dental disease

Another reason why a cat does not eat or drink can be a dental disease: inflammation of the gums, abscesses of the teeth or swelling of the oral cavity. A broken tooth or cut has the same effect. These conditions will make chewing difficult and painful for the cat. However, as soon as the disease is cured, this problem will quickly be solved.

Kidney disease

It happens that a cat sleeps, does not eat, does not drink if she has kidney disease. It can be the main reason that the animal refuses to eat. This is especially true for older individuals.

Kidney disease usually causes a cat to feel nauseated and possibly even vomit. The cat does not eat or drink, lethargic. Only a veterinarian can diagnose kidney disease. If any of these signs are noticeable, you should immediately take the cat to the doctor. You will most likely need to perform an ultrasound.

Gastrointestinal pathologies

Like kidney disease, gastrointestinal disease is a serious condition that usually requires expert veterinary care. There are manypathologies such as pancreatitis, gastrointestinal infections, parasitic infestations, cancer, colitis, and even foreign bodies in the form of a rope or part of a toy that can cause intestinal obstruction in a cat.

In this situation, a veterinarian should be consulted if any signs of gastrointestinal distress are observed, such as not eating for more than a couple of days, diarrhea, constipation, or excessive weight loss.

Problems of neutered cats

Does cat not eat or drink after spaying? This cannot but cause concern among the owners of the animal. Today, the sterilization process is quite safe, but the effects of anesthesia can persist for some time.

After the cat wakes up from anesthesia, it must have drinking water at its disposal. The recovery process will take from 8 to 12 hours. After that, the animal will return to its usual way of life. Until then, the animal may refuse food.

Sometimes a cat won't eat, won't drink, sleepy, lethargic until the stitches are removed. All this time the animal must be under the supervision of a veterinarian.

To improve the condition of the animal, it is important to provide him with peace, the opportunity to rest as much as necessary. Also, there should not be other animals nearby. They can injure the operated cat. It is important to wait until the postoperative suture heals.

Failure to eat during the first day is normal. But if this condition continues for three days or more, complications may occur. Then it's importantSeek medical attention.

The veterinarian may prescribe intravenous feeding, as well as liquid broths, which are poured into a pipette or syringe. After such a surgical intervention, you will need to give the cat food that is designed specifically for animals after sterilization. Then the pet will be provided with the necessary vitamins and microelements that compensate for the peculiarities of her condition.

Age problems

At what age is a cat considered old? Today, these animals often reach the age of eighteen to twenty years. If the old cat is not eating or drinking, it is important to understand the reasons for this condition.

Perhaps the animal has one disease or several diseases at once. Arthritis is not as common in older cats as it is in dogs. But these four-legged animals often suffer from kidney diseases.

Signs of kidney problems are heavy drinking and urination in the animal, accompanied by weight loss. Also, attempts can be considered a symptom of kidney disease when the animal cannot easily go to the tray.

If you have these symptoms, it is important to visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. At the same time, we must not forget about creating comfortable conditions for keeping the animal. An old cat should live in warmth. Hypothermia is contraindicated for her, therefore drafts must be eliminated. The doctor will recommend the specifics of the diet for such an animal.

Also, a weakened sense of smell andpoor eyesight. These are pet age problems.

Summarize

The cat is one of the most common pets to have at home. After taming such a beast, the owner must take care of it. Animal behavioral disturbances are legitimately a cause for concern. Refusal of food can be caused by various reasons: age, diseases, stress, sterilization.

To improve the condition of the pet, it is important to always consult with a veterinarian.