Anorexic Cats

The sudden loss of appetite in a cat can be indicative of a serious illness and should be cause for alarm. More usually, this unexpected challenge happens with older cats, or cats that have other underlying diseases. All in all, it is a scary and difficult time for both cat and also cat owner. There are a few things to keep in mind if this happens to you.

There are two major categorical reasons why a cat may lose his appetite: psychological and medical. Some psychological reasons include a recent move or a large change in the cats life, new food, or having a new person or animal in the home. Medical reasons are far broader and more complicated, usually packing other symptoms along for the ride such as: weight loss, salivation (excess), vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or sluggishness, difficulty breathing, infection (open wound, or pus, inflammation etc.) or even noticeable changes in the cats behavior.

There are many common diseases that cause symptoms effectively resulting in a total loss of appetite. Gastrointestinal diseases, in which the esophagus, stomach, or intestines become irritated, can unleash nearly every symptom listed above, which leaves eating to become nauseating, uncomfortable, or even very painful. Parasites (worms), ulcers, viruses, infections from bacteria or fungus and some infiltrative cancers, inflammation (of unknown cause) and also blockage from a foreign object are amongst the leading gastrointestinal antagonists.

Pancreatic diseases such as pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis usually cause complete refusal to eat. The pancreas secretes tiny digestive juices used to break down food in the intestine. Pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas) can cause the release of those acerbic juices into other organs instead of onto the food in the intestine. This causes severe destruction, inflaming and even eroding the tissues of these other organs, along with the pancreas. This is an excruciating pain that will leave the cat unable and unwilling to eat anything at all. Diseases of the liver such as chronic hepatitis, hepatic lipidosis (fatty deposits on the liver), cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer will also cause the cat to lose its appetite, along with provoking the other major symptoms previously mentioned.

Kidney disease causes a contamination of the bloodstream (from waste products) and causes discomfort from ulcers in the stomach and also the mouth. Your cat will lose its appetite for food but will most likely show signs of increased thirst as an innate attempt at trying to replace the lost fluids from the sick kidneys through the bladder. Serious anemia, polycythemia (opposite of anemia) and leukemia are some diseases of the blood that are likely to cause loss of appetite in cats. Problems with the mouth, teeth, throat, and even nose are also barriers to a cats palate.

In any case, one should seek the aid of a veterinarian as quickly as possible. A prolonged unwillingness or inability to eat is too often a serious sign of disease that may be jeopardizing your cats life.

To offer a sign of hope, there are often ways to coax your cat into eating. Dietary changes are pivotal to increase your cats appetite again. To begin with, keeping your cat hydrated is essential in helping him take down food. Using a bit of sodium-free chicken broth to flavor his water, one teaspoon at time, or perhaps an automatic water dispenser, may make the re-hydration process a little more tempting. Since the anorexia may be caused from discomfort, softening the diet is a wise move. Adding water to canned food and mixing it into a creamier paste may help.

Canned pumpkin is a soft consistency packed with nutrients for your cat and is usually a desirable taste. And introducing human baby food (natural meats and vegetables) can help entice the palate also. Provide in small portions, and your anorexic cat can begin taking in nutrients again, one small lick at a time. Sometimes it will be necessary to substitute the healthier, premium quality cat food you typically buy for cheaper, smellier food that may draw more attention to your cats olfactory senses and spark the natural response to indulge. In addition, try added flavor, such as tuna juice (from albacore), sardines (minced or chopped finely) or mackerel. Sometimes your veterinarian will have no choice but to insert a tube into the stomach or esophagus to manually provide the ailing cat with essential nutrients.

The process of trying to rescue an anorexic cats appetite is no doubt frustrating and even frightening. It will inevitably cost both you and your cat quite a bit of patience and understanding. In times of such unfortunate distress, it is important to try everything in your power to aid in redeeming your cats comfort and ignite his natural appetite again. Cat anorexia is just as serious a condition as in humans. And although the road may be long and bumpy, it can bring you to a desired resolution, if you dont give up. Your cats appetite is worth it.