What to Give an Elderly Cat That Won’t Eat: A Guide to Restoring Their Appetite
Worried about your senior feline friend refusing food? The answer to what to give an elderly cat that won’t eat often involves a combination of highly palatable foods, supportive care, and addressing potential underlying medical conditions.
Understanding the Issue: Why Elderly Cats Stop Eating
Losing appetite in elderly cats is a common but serious concern. Unlike younger cats who might skip a meal occasionally, a prolonged lack of appetite in a senior cat can quickly lead to weight loss, muscle wasting, and a weakened immune system. It’s crucial to understand the potential reasons behind this behavior to provide the most effective care.
Potential Causes of Appetite Loss in Senior Cats
Several factors can contribute to an elderly cat refusing to eat. These include:
- Dental Problems: Painful teeth or gums make it difficult for cats to chew, especially dry food. Common dental issues in senior cats include periodontal disease, tooth resorption, and stomatitis.
- Kidney Disease: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is very common in older cats. It causes nausea and a build-up of toxins in the blood, leading to a loss of appetite.
- Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can increase metabolism and, paradoxically, sometimes lead to decreased appetite in senior cats, although it typically increases appetite.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatitis, or tumors in the digestive tract can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, all of which discourage eating.
- Arthritis and Pain: Painful joints can make it difficult for cats to reach their food bowls or bend down to eat.
- Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS): Also known as feline dementia, CDS can cause disorientation, anxiety, and changes in appetite.
- Cancer: Unfortunately, various forms of cancer can affect appetite, either directly or indirectly.
- Stress and Environmental Changes: Moving to a new home, introducing a new pet, or even rearranging furniture can stress an elderly cat and affect their appetite.
- Reduced Sense of Smell and Taste: As cats age, their sense of smell and taste can diminish, making food less appealing.
Strategies for Encouraging Your Elderly Cat to Eat
Addressing the underlying cause is critical, but in the meantime, here are some practical strategies to encourage your elderly cat to eat:
- Offer Highly Palatable Foods:
- Warm the food slightly: This enhances the aroma and can make it more appealing.
- Choose wet food over dry food: It’s easier to chew and digest, and the higher moisture content is beneficial for cats with kidney problems.
- Try different flavors and textures: Experiment with different brands and formulations to find what your cat prefers. Tuna, salmon, chicken, and even baby food (meat-based, no onions or garlic) can be tempting.
- Offer meat-based baby food (stage 1 or 2): Ensure it doesn’t contain onion or garlic powder, which are toxic to cats.
- Entice with toppers: Sprinkle a small amount of tuna flakes, parmesan cheese (in moderation), or nutritional yeast on top of their regular food.
- Provide a Comfortable and Stress-Free Eating Environment:
- Elevate the food bowl: This can make it easier for cats with arthritis to eat.
- Choose a quiet, private location: Minimize distractions and ensure your cat feels safe and secure while eating.
- Separate food bowls: If you have multiple cats, offer separate food bowls to prevent competition and stress.
- Stimulate Appetite with Medications:
- Appetite stimulants: Your veterinarian may prescribe medications like mirtazapine or cyproheptadine to stimulate appetite.
- Anti-nausea medications: If nausea is suspected, your vet may prescribe anti-emetics like maropitant (Cerenia).
- Assisted Feeding (Syringe Feeding):
- If your cat refuses to eat on their own, syringe feeding may be necessary to provide essential nutrients. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on how to safely and effectively syringe feed your cat.
- Use a highly digestible and palatable liquid diet prescribed by your veterinarian (e.g., Hill’s A/D, Royal Canin Recovery).
- Address Underlying Medical Conditions:
- Veterinary examination: A thorough veterinary examination, including bloodwork and other diagnostic tests, is crucial to identify and treat any underlying medical conditions.
When to See a Veterinarian
It’s essential to seek veterinary attention if your elderly cat refuses to eat for more than 24 hours, or if they exhibit any other signs of illness, such as:
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Changes in behavior
A prompt veterinary diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your cat’s health and quality of life.
The Importance of Hydration
Dehydration can worsen appetite loss and exacerbate underlying medical conditions. Ensure your cat has access to fresh water at all times. Consider offering:
- Multiple water bowls in different locations.
- A cat water fountain to encourage drinking.
- Low-sodium chicken or fish broth (diluted with water).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the first steps to take if my elderly cat stops eating?
The first step is to carefully observe your cat for any other signs of illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. Offer a small amount of a highly palatable food like warmed wet food or baby food. If they refuse to eat for more than 24 hours, or if you notice any other concerning symptoms, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Is it normal for elderly cats to eat less?
While some decrease in appetite is expected with age, a significant or sudden loss of appetite is not normal and warrants veterinary attention. It could indicate an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed.
Can dental problems cause my elderly cat to stop eating?
Absolutely. Dental problems are a very common cause of appetite loss in older cats. Painful teeth and gums make it difficult to chew, leading to a reluctance to eat. A veterinary dental examination is crucial to diagnose and treat any dental issues.
What human foods are safe to give an elderly cat that won’t eat?
Meat-based baby food (without onion or garlic), plain cooked chicken or fish (boneless and skinless), and low-sodium broth (diluted with water) can be offered in small amounts to entice your cat to eat. Avoid giving your cat dairy products, as many cats are lactose intolerant. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods into your cat’s diet.
How can I tell if my cat is dehydrated?
Signs of dehydration in cats include dry gums, sunken eyes, and decreased skin elasticity. Gently pinch the skin on the back of their neck; if it doesn’t quickly return to its normal position, your cat may be dehydrated. Offer fresh water and consult your veterinarian if you suspect dehydration.
What are some appetite stimulants that my veterinarian might prescribe?
Common appetite stimulants for cats include mirtazapine (often administered topically) and cyproheptadine. These medications work by stimulating the appetite center in the brain. Your veterinarian will determine the appropriate dosage and administration route based on your cat’s individual needs.
How do I syringe feed my elderly cat safely?
Syringe feeding should be done carefully to avoid aspiration. Use a small syringe and slowly administer a small amount of liquified food into the side of your cat’s mouth, allowing them to swallow between each administration. Your veterinarian can provide detailed instructions and demonstrate the proper technique.
Can stress cause my elderly cat to lose their appetite?
Yes, stress can significantly impact an elderly cat’s appetite. Changes in their environment, new pets, or even loud noises can trigger anxiety and lead to a decreased desire to eat. Create a calm and predictable environment for your cat to minimize stress.
What’s the best type of food to give an elderly cat that won’t eat?
Wet food is generally more palatable and easier to digest for elderly cats. Choose a high-quality wet food formulated for senior cats, and consider warming it slightly to enhance the aroma.
Are there any supplements that can help improve my elderly cat’s appetite?
Certain supplements, like B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids, may help to support appetite and overall health. However, always consult your veterinarian before giving your cat any supplements.
How often should I weigh my elderly cat?
Regularly weighing your elderly cat is crucial for monitoring their health and detecting any significant weight loss early. Aim to weigh your cat at least once a month, or more frequently if they are experiencing appetite issues.
What if my cat has underlying kidney disease; how does that affect their appetite?
Kidney disease is common in older cats and often causes nausea, contributing to a loss of appetite. Special kidney diets are lower in protein and phosphorus, helping to manage the disease and alleviate nausea. Your veterinarian may also prescribe anti-nausea medication to improve your cat’s appetite. Addressing kidney disease is crucial to what you give an elderly cat that won’t eat.