Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
IS YOUR FELINE ANOREXIC?
Anorexia is a term used to describe a lack of appetite for food.
Veterinarians use this term when owners tell them that the cat is not
eating or eating very little.
Being finicky and not eating are two different things. Some cats
hold out for their favorite foods and this makes them finicky, but
anorexic cats do not care what you put in front of them.
If a cat does not eat for 24 hours, you should be concerned. If the
lack of appetite lasts more than 48 hours, you should have the cat exam-
ined by a veterinarian.
Cats, especially overweight animals, can develop a condition called
hepatic lipidosis if they do not eat. Cats with hepatic lipidosis break
down their body fat for energy, but the fat overwhelms the liver, injures
the normal liver cells and makes the cat sicker. Early intervention with
anorexic cats is needed to stop hepatic lipidosis from occurring. Left
untreated, hepatic lipidosis can be fatal.
When Your Cat Won't Eat
If your cat is not eating, you need to determine if there is a problem
with his diet or if the cat is sick. Some reasons why a healthy cat may
not eat include:
•
The food is spoiled.
•
Ants or other insects are in the food.
•
You bought the wrong flavor.
•
There is competition at the food bowl.
•
People food or treats have affected his appetite.
•
The food bowl is in a bad location.
•
The cat has been hunting and eating prey or snacking at a
neighbor's house.
If none of these reasons is valid, it is likely the cat is sick. Reasons
why a sick cat may not eat include:
•
The cat is congested and cannot smell the food.
•
The cat has a fever, causing a loss of appetite.
