Stress and illness are only two of the many causes of appetite loss. Consult your veterinarian office right away if your cat isn't eating as they normally do because periods of low food intake can be harmful to a cat's health. The immune system, wound healing, and recovery from illness can all be significantly impacted by even brief periods of eating less (three days or more).

Cats are especially susceptible to liver issues brought on by a shortage of food (hepatic lipidosis).Cats must be treated right away to increase their appetite, or in rare circumstances, a feeding tube may be implanted to provide nutrients while they don't feel like eating, unlike dogs who can manage periods of reduced food intake. To increase appetite, medications can also be administered.

A decrease in appetite can be brought on by a variety of conditions, such as any ailment that makes you feel nauseated or in discomfort. A cat may consume less food if it is constipated or dehydrated. A cat may stop eating due to sudden dietary changes or stress at home (such as the addition of a new pet or another cat in the neighborhood).

Certain strategies can be used to persuade a cat to eat when an illness has been ruled out, the cat is recovering from surgery, or the cat has been stressed, for example. However, if these techniques don't work, you should immediately seek veterinarian care.

A few pointers are:


A cat may become overwhelmed if you give them plenty of different foods at once.
When a cat is ill and not eating much, don't try to give them a "prescribed" diet; if they have to eat this way for a prolonged period of time, it may discourage them. Instead, gradually introduce them to such a diet once they are feeling better.
If your veterinarian team approves, give out snacks or pungent foods like fish or chicken to get cats to start eating. Just keep in mind that this is not a balanced diet for cats.




Food can be reheated just enough to release aroma. In contrast, strong scents should be avoided while feeding sick cats, who should instead be given a small serving of their regular food at room temperature or slightly cold.

Don't give cats human foods like gravies or baby food since they might include onion, which is poisonous to cats.
Feed away from busy homes, big windows, or noisy appliances like washing machines. Feed in quiet settings. For instance, many cats prefer not to dine with other cats.

Some cats prefer porcelain shallow bowls to reflecting metal or plastic dishes, which can contaminate food.

Place the food bowls away from the water and litter containers.
Some cats prefer to be left alone and may even feed during the night when the house is quiet, although this is distinctive to each cat.

Never compel a cat to eat. Pushing food into a cat's mouth with a syringe is stressful and poses a serious danger of serious medical issues. A cat may stop eating altogether as a result (food aversion)

Keep in mind that additional treatment may be necessary if these measures fail to increase your cat's appetite.