In this brief discussion, we’ll answer the question, “why my old cat won’t eat?” We will also discuss what to feed your old cat and how to entice them to eat.
Why my old cat won’t eat?
There can be many reasons that can affect your cat’s appetite. A visit to your veterinarian may be necessary if your pet’s appetite decreases as a result of an illness.
You should schedule an emergency visit with your veterinarian as soon as you can if your old cat hasn’t eaten anything at all for more than 24 hours or is losing weight.
However, there are certain actions you may take at home to try to resolve the situation on your own initially if you observe that your cat is still eating but is less interested in her food.
Can my cat stop eating due to stress?
Yes, it is possible that your cat stops eating due to stress. Your old cat may cease eating due to stress and anxiety. Your cat can be worried if its environment has lately undergone any significant changes.
Anxiety might be brought on by moving into a new home, adopting a new child or pet, or receiving more visitors than usual. You can notice the following signs in your cat:
- Hiding
- Trembling
- Increased respiration
- Destructive behaviors
- Increased vocalization
- Aggression
- Lethargy
- Following you
- Not using the litter tray
- Changes in their mood
- Decreased appetite
If you suspect that your cat’s lack of appetite may be caused by stress or worry, consult your veterinarian. They might suggest using feline pheromones or prescription anti-anxiety medication, which can make your cat feel safer and more at ease.
What will happen if my old cat stops eating?
If your cat stops eating, it can suffer from a number of health consequences. When your cat stops eating, it must draw on its fat reserves to produce the energy required for daily activity. The liver must metabolize the fat before it can be utilized by its body.
However, the amount of fat that is quickly broken down from the body’s reserves and mobilized to meet the energy requirements of a cat eventually exceeds the liver’s capacity to handle it.
The liver’s natural tissue structure and functions are harmed as the extra fat is subsequently stored there. Hepatic lipidosis is a potentially fatal disorder that, if untreated, can result in liver failure.
Due to the larger levels of fatty acids in their livers, obese cats that stop eating are more likely to develop hepatic lipidosis. This condition can greatly affect your cat’s quality of life and also put it at risk of further health risks. Therefore, balanced eating is crucial in elderly cats.
Can I give lickable treats to my cat to encourage eating?
Yes, you can give lickable treats to your old cat but only for the short term. A picky older cat may be persuaded to eat by lickable cat treats. You can either give your cat these straight from the tube squeezed out for them to lick or put the contents in a bowl for them to eat.
Keep in mind that these treats are just meant to be a temporary fix while you wait for a vet appointment; they are not intended to provide your cat with long-term nutrition.
What should I feed my old cat?
In order to keep your cat happy and healthy, a senior cat’s nutrition is crucial. Your cat needs to consume high-quality protein, particular ratios of fat and amino acids, as well as important vitamins and minerals.
Senior cat food is available in the market in many forms and is specially formulated to provide all the nutrients they require, as well as elements that strengthen their joints and immune systems and are simpler to digest.
As cats age, their senses of taste and smell may begin to decline. As a result, they could be reluctant to eat and may not be as hungry as they formerly were. Senior cat food with superior components should still have a delicious aroma and taste to entice the cat to eat.
Additionally, to make chewing easier, you can add a little warm water to their food.
When should I feed my old cat?
Your cat’s metabolism slows down as they age since they don’t receive as much exercise. As a result, you will need to feed them fewer calories and smaller portions of food. If your senior cat starts to gain weight, it’s possible that you’re giving them too much.
Overfeeding an older cat can result in weight gain as well as other health problems, such as diabetes, UTIs, and joint problems like arthritis.
Small, frequent meals throughout the day are best for older cats. Offering senior cats wet food at mealtimes and allowing them to graze on their allotted dry food afterwards will help them stay cognitively and physically active.
Conclusion:
We answered the question, “why my old cat won’t eat?” We also discussed what to feed your old cat and how to entice them to eat.
