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Anorexia In Felines
By: Dr. Jane Bicks


Refusal of food for more than two days is abnormal feline behavior.
Loss of appetite (anorexia) in cats is always potentially life
threatening and must never be ignored.

With this disease, once your pet stops eating, he no longer wants
to eat, then won't eat, and eventually, can't eat.

Whether the cause is emotional (fright, hostility, depression)
brought on by a new environment or pet, or physical (pain, injury,
trauma), brought on by oral dysfunction, internal obstruction or
illness, the results can be disastrous without quick action, and
the right nourishment.


Quick Action for Anorexia

Bring your cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible. An anorectic cat
should not be confused with a finicky eater.

The right nourishment for an anorectic cat:

• Water is the most important nutrient and is required in large amounts. Cats will instinctively cut back on food and physical activity to decrease water loss.
  
  
• Increase caloric intake by adding honey to the water. Although physically inactive, your cat's caloric needs will usually increase in proportion to the severity of the disease or condition, responsible for the anorexia.
  
  
• Increase protein supply. Protein needs are greater in anorectic cats and must be met with easily digested, and utilized, high BV (biological value) quality sources. Egg yolks or soft boiled eggs are easy to feed.
  
  
• Lactose-free milk, plus honey and an egg yolk, adds up to fair nourishment.
  
  
• Provide vitamin and mineral dietary supplements. In the cat's debilitated condition, daily pediatric doses of zinc, vitamin B complex and vitamin C, are recommended.
  
  
• Give plenty of stroking and loving. This helps food go down and keeps your cat's spirits up.
  
  
  

Restarting Stalled Appetites

• Mix one ounce of water with two to four ounces of a high fat easily digestible, calorie dense (and tasty) professional food.
  
  
• Feed small amounts four to six times daily.
  
  
• Finger feed (as opposed to force feed) your cat by placing pill size portions of food on his tongue.
  
  
• Offer baby food chicken and rice. This is intended only as a temporary. fast fix appetite stimulant. After a day or two, the cat should be eased onto a complete, nutritionally balanced diet. Gradually replace small portions of the baby food with a quality alternative food. Heating )not cooking) the meal will enhance flavor.
  

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