Anorexia refers to a condition when a cat loses his appetite or does not want to eat or is unable to eat. Appetite is dependent on memory and association, as compared with hunger, which is aroused physiologically by the need for food.
There are two types of anorexia: pseudo-anorexia and true anorexia. Pseudo anorexia describes the condition of the cat which wants to eat, but unable to do so, while true anorexia refers to the condition when the cat does not want to eat or refuses to eat.
Anorexia in cats itself can be caused by some factors. Besides, anorexia is also a common sign or indication of a certain illness.
Diseases related to digestive system, kidneys, blood, eyes, mouth, nose, throat, skin, brain, and many other organs in the body may cause a loss of appetite. Pain of any cause can also cause a cat less willing to eat.
Since anorexia itself means a loss of appetite, then an anorexic cat will surely eat less than usual or stop eating at all. Depending on the underlying cause, anorexia may be accompanied by these common signs, such as:
- Vomiting – also read causes of cats vomiting the undigested food
- Diarrhea
- Hiding
- Changes in mood or personality
- Lethargy
- Weakness or decrease in energy
- Weight loss – beware of these causes of sudden weight loss in cats too
- Dropping food while trying to eat
- Drooling
- Jaundice
- Increased thirst and urination
- Unresponsiveness
- Spending more time with the owner than usual
- Depression
- Partial or complete loss of appetite
- Icterus – yellowing of the skin
If any of the symptoms appear, then it is worth talking and consulting to your vet about the appetite change in your cat. Your vet then will determine the cause by conducting a physical examination.
This is done to evaluate overall health and find abnormalities, such as tooth problems, an abdominal mass or weight loss. The test includes a fecal exam, bloodwork, urine analysis, blood exposure, X-rays, and endoscopy or biopsies.
Anorexia in cats cannot be underestimated and left untreated. It may lead to complications and worse prognosis.
However, don’t be worried. If you treat anorexia immediately by contacting your vet, then the condition won’t get worse. There are some ways of treating anorexia in cats, depending on the underlying cause.
To treat anorexia in cats, there are some most common supportive care efforts to cure anorexic cat:
- Pain medications
- Anti-inflammations
- Appetite stimulants
- Antiemetic – medications for nausea and vomiting
- Fluid and electrolyte support
- Encourage appetite – you can use tempting food, such as canned food which has strong odor, your cat’s favorite treat, tuna fish, or plain baked or boiled chicken.
- Things to decrease stress – anorexia may be caused by stress. So, you should reduce stress in your cats. You can try to feed your cat in a quiet place, away from the other pets. Prevent your cat from getting stressed by following these ways to make your cats comfortable in their new home.
- Provide higher quality food. Change it gradually, by mixing the old food with the new food so that your cat can adjust himself.
- Hand feeding your cat – he may need extra attention or praise. You can simply place some dry food in the palm of your hand and hold it out to your cat. Or you may place a little bit of wet food too and touch to the food to the cat’s mouth or gums to encourage him to eat.
- Warming the food – you need to check the food and make sure that it is not too hot too.
- Force feeding or use syringe – this method works if the cat accepts food this way. However, when the cat refuses, you should avoid it as it may cause the anorexia worse.
Anorexia in cats once again cannot be underestimated. It needs to be treated immediately as it may lead to serious health problems.
Once you notice any symptom of anorexia mentioned above, you should immediately contact your vet.
Follow these tips on ways you can try to stop your from escaping outdoors and tips on how to make your cat mood happy so that your cat can be healthy and happy!