Cat Stopped Eating Dry Food
Why Has My Cat Stopped Eating Dry Food?
Fatigue
One of the most underappreciated reasons a cat would quit eating dry food is fatigue. If a cat refuses to consume dry food, it might be because it is overtired. When a cat does not receive enough rest when it needs it, it becomes finicky. This is extremely prevalent in people since they need adequate sleep to feel refreshed the following day. If this does not occur, the cat’s routine will be turned upside down. This includes how it feels while performing things or being in your presence. One of the consequences of not getting enough sleep is that a cat will reject dry cat food. It may seek other food sources or just refuse to accomplish anything. You must establish a pattern in which the cat receives ample rest and feeds at the same time every day. This is the only method to solve the issue.
Dehydration
A cat will get dehydrated during the hot months. This is a typical problem when a fresh dish of water is not available for the cat to drink from on a regular basis. As a result, the cat feels dehydrated and dislikes eating dry cat food since it makes them thirstier. The ideal method is to put the cat in a climate-controlled environment and make sure they drink enough water throughout the day.
Cat Food Spoiled
This is a simpler argument that should not be overlooked. It’s likely that your dry cat food has gone bad and no longer tastes fresh. When this occurs, the cat will have enough comprehension to recognize when the food is bad. Check the box to check the dry cat food is not outdated. Because the dry cat food is expired, the cat may refuse to consume it. They will sense the difference in flavor and will flee in the other way.
Excess Treats
If a cat has stopped eating dry food but continues to consume treats, it might be due to a lack of availability. When cats are overexposed to treats, they may refuse to consume dry cat food. Those snacks are intended to provide an instant dopamine spike, which might make consuming standard dry cat food undesirable. As a consequence, cat owners must be attentive and limit their consumption of goodies. It is the only method to ensure that the cat does not overeat snacks and declines critical nutrients obtained from other more significant food sources.
Lack of Routine
It’s conceivable that the cat doesn’t follow a routine. Most cats have a defined regimen for when they will sleep and when they will eat. If this pattern is thrown off or non-existent, the cat will have a more wild streak. This may drive the cat to desire to do anything it wants on a different schedule than everyone else. You must prevent this by establishing a strict regimen that the cat will follow.
Unexpected Environmental Change
This may be a response in adopted dogs. Cats are not accustomed to being taken up and dumped in a new area without the time to probe about or familiarize themselves with the odours. If there are other cats in the house, the cat may have territorial difficulties as well. When this occurs, the cat will be in survival mode and may not think about eating. In this scenario, you should console the cat and make it feel at ease.
Anxiety
Cats are just like the rest of us. They do have to cope with mental health difficulties, which might disrupt their routine. A elderly dog, for example, may refuse to consume dry food due to pain. As the dog grows older, this occurs. As a result, the dog may be experiencing anxiety or despair. Each situation is unique, but the consequences of a mental health disorder cannot be overstated. Dry cat food might be associated with negativity in a cat. This is why it is important to focus on the dog and gradually enhance its mental health.
Dental Problems
When a cat is not eating dry food and is losing weight, it is normal to examine their teeth and gums. Because the mouth is the initial site of contact with dry cat food, the oral cavity must be in excellent shape. Unfortunately, this may not be the case for your cat, who may be suffering from cavities or gum disease. You must treat the gum condition so that the cat does not experience discomfort. Vets will gladly examine the teeth and determine what is wrong. The discomfort caused by biting on hard cat food is a major reason why cats refuse to consume dry food.
Inflammatory Digestive Problems
Another cause of a rapid change in appetite is inflammation of the digestive organs, which causes your cat to feel unwell. Your cat may avoid eating as a result of the sickness. This is less probable if your cat has stopped eating dry food but still consumes treats. Nonetheless, it is prudent to rule out for the sake of peace of mind. It is the most serious of the inflammatory intestinal illnesses that may affect cats. If your cat has this ailment, they will have additional symptoms in addition to a reduced appetite, such as vomiting and diarrhea, as well as weight loss. Your veterinarian will check your cat and rule out any other possible causes of stomach distress.
Parasites
Parasites may have also entered your cat’s digestive tract, causing stomach pain and discomfort. This might be preventing your cat from eating and diminishing their appetite. There are several microscopic parasites, but the most prevalent are roundworms, heartworms, tapeworms, and hookworms. Parasites seldom cause substantial injury or worry in adults, but they may be a severe issue in young kittens. Other signs of parasite infections include vomiting, diarrhea, and a dull coat, in addition to a decreased appetite. Your veterinarian, on the other hand, will be able to do tests to discover whether and by what parasite your cat has been infected and then offer the appropriate therapy.
Discovered a New Food Source
If you observe your cat not eating much but behaving normally, it’s possible that they’re eating but not the food you’re giving them! Instead, they may be obtaining food elsewhere, such as from a neighbor or by hunting their own meal. Of course, this is only feasible if you have an outside cat. If you do allow your cat outdoors, make sure they wear a collar that indicates to others that your cat lives in a caring household where they are fed. This should dissuade good Samaritans from feeding your cat, which they believe is a stray. It’s also possible that your cat is collecting mice and small birds for meals. While hunting is a normal activity for cats, you may decrease the quantity of animals they kill by putting a bell to their collar.
Is it bad if my cat won’t eat dry food?
There are certain benefits to giving dry food rather than wet food. When your cat just eats dry food, it is easy to measure and weigh out his daily portions. Dry kibbles are less stinky and untidy than wet food, which may be very useful in the summer. Many people believe that dry food is healthier for their cat’s teeth and are worried if their cat exclusively eats wet food. Studies comparing bacterial levels(opens in new tab) and dental health between the two, however, have been equivocal. It is important to remember that brushing your teeth is the most effective preventive treatment you can give against dental disease. It doesn’t matter whether your cat is eating wet or dry food as long as he is eating a full diet suitable for his age. It is considerably more vital to keep track of your pet’s weight and ensure that you are feeding him the proper quantity.
How to Get Your Cat to Eat Dry Food
If you want your cat to consume dry food, follow these steps:
Because cats on dry food diets are thirstier, always offer plenty of fresh water.
Make sure to feed new biscuits every day and maintain your cat’s food in an airtight container to prevent it from growing stale and becoming unappealing.
Try wetting the kibbles. Soaking them in warm water before feeding may help make them softer and meatier.
Change brands to a different high-quality cat food with a different kibble size or shape.
Have them examined by a veterinarian. Dental or jaw problems might irritate your cat.
Conclusion
If your cat has stopped eating dry food, a trip to the doctor is in order, particularly if there have been no changes to his diet or habit. If your cat prefers wet food to dry food, this is not necessarily a problem as long as he maintains a healthy weight.
