The human being is so used to the cat eating properly the amounts he or she needs. Little bits throughout the day, as long as the food bowl remains filled with chunks. It can be a mouthful up to 20 times a day. to be. Anorexia does not really fit in with that, and yet the cat can also suffer from anorexia. It is therefore absolutely worthwhile to find out the cause and to solve it, so that the cat can eat again and lead a good and healthy life. How do you find out?
The cat and food
Eating too much
Most cats eat properly measured and even dosed in such a way that it can make some people jealous. The cat eats what he or she needs with the activities that go with it. Occasionally a cat overeats itself, for example an indoor cat with few activities that does not burn everything that enters it. It can even come from boredom.
In that case it makes sense to activate the cat, for example with new toys (and to maintain this). Furthermore, do not put more food in the bowl than the cat is allowed to have on a daily basis. It may look sad if the cat is standing in front of an empty food bowl for a moment, so it makes sense to divide the daily amount over a few portions.
Too little to eat
Although we don’t see it very often, the cat can also suffer from anorexia. Sometimes the cause is food that the cat really does not like, old food or food of very poor quality, but often there is a medical cause. What could it be like?
The cat is eating too little!
In fact, for most cats, they cannot go a day without food. So if your cat hasn’t eaten all day, keep an eye on the animal.
Inflamed gums
There are cats, for example the Siberian forest cat, that suffer from inflamed gums more often than average. You usually don’t notice this immediately, but it can be very painful for the cat. If you are not there in time, it can cost the cat’s teeth. Although it may look a bit strange, a cat can still eat kibble even without teeth.
A signal of gum problems can be that the cat is approaching the food bowl, after all, the cat is hungry, but hardly eats anything. It is simply too painful. If this occurs more often, it makes sense to take a good look at the cat’s gums. A (strong) red color is a signal to consult the vet immediately. There are some therapies that the vet can discuss with you, so the teeth do not always have to be removed immediately.
No sense of smell
Just like humans, the cat smells and if the sense of smell – for whatever reason – is not optimal, the cat can also eat less. An example is cat flu. Most cats are vaccinated for this, but not all. Cat flu that has been going on for a while is clearly visible and is actually a signal that you should have already been to the vet. However, you do not always notice it immediately in the initial phase.
Different food
A cat owner comes to the conclusion at some point that different (better) food should be given. This can be new feed, specialized feed or, for example, organic feed. That in itself is not surprising and not bad, but you have to introduce that new food gradually. The cat may eat less with a sudden change in food. First, mix some of the new chunks into the existing ones and feed it a little every day or every few days, until you are at roughly 80% of the new food.
In this process, also monitor the cat’s defecation. Different food can sometimes lead to thinner stools. This should not take longer than one to two days, because the cat will quickly lose weight. In addition, the cat can also develop dehydration symptoms in this way.
Organ problems
Of course, the inside of the cat can also lead to problems. Think of liver or kidney failure, thyroid problems or problems with the heart. Unfortunately, the animal is often equally ill when you notice that your cat is eating less and less. It is essential to consult the vet promptly. This could be the regular vet, but sometimes the homeopath or holistic vet can even do the right thing.
More studies are needed for a number of potential diseases and therapies are available for several diseases. It is important for the cat to start with it as soon as possible.
Stress
For example, a holistic and / or homeopathic veterinarian often wants to be the right person to consult in case of stress. After all, you can’t imagine why your cat – apparently quietly walking around the house – is full of stress and for that reason is not eating enough. It often goes unnoticed or we assume it is not, simply because we cannot imagine it. Yet there can be all kinds of causes, that the cat does have stress and for that reason eats (too) little. This includes:
- Relocation completed (not so long ago).
- New housemate.
- New kitten (or other pet).
- Owner with stress.
- Renovation of the house.
- New furniture that replaces all the old ones.
- Fireworks (New Years).
Sometimes the extra “kneading”, which a cat actually does more or less always, is a signal that the cat is under stress. The cat tries to reassure itself in this way.
Finally
A cat is an animal that maintains continuity. The cat prefers to rest, cleanliness and regularity. Stress is often a cause of little food. However, physical complaints can of course also play a role. Follow the animal closely and make sure you consult a vet in time. In most cases, the problem can simply be solved.