Older Cat Not Eating But Drinking
Why is My Older Cat Not Eating But Drinking?
Your senior cat not eating but drinking might be due to the fact that senior cats are more prone to sickness, and dramatic behavioral changes, such as a total lack of appetite, can be one of the first signals that anything is wrong. Some of the most prevalent reasons include hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and renal illness.
Food Allergy
Your elderly cat may not be eating because they have acquired a food allergy. Allergies may arise at any point in a cat’s life, so don’t rule it out too early! Even if you haven’t altered your cat’s food, this might be the source of their decreased hunger. If your cat suffers from a food allergy, it will often display skin symptoms such as frequent skin and ear infections, excessive grooming, and inflamed and itchy skin. They may also have stomach problems such as vomiting or constipation. When your cat vomits but otherwise seems fine, this is another strong symptom of a food allergy. Take your cat to the doctor to see whether the changes in behavior are caused by allergies.
Decaying Teeth
Another reason your cat isn’t eating but drinking normally might be tooth rot or other dental concerns. This is especially probable in elderly cats, whose teeth rot as they age. Plaque may accumulate on the surface of the teeth throughout their lifetimes. This wears away the teeth and exposes the roots, which are unpleasant when touched. As a result, when cats with dental decay attempt to feed, they will feel pain and discomfort. As a result, they decide not to eat at all.
Kidney Disease
Your geriatric cat might possibly be suffering from renal problems. As cats become older, their kidney function gradually declines, increasing the risk of renal disease. As a result, this is a very possible explanation why your senior cat isn’t eating but is drinking normally. The kidneys are responsible for eliminating waste and poisons from the body. When the kidneys do not function correctly, this waste is not adequately eliminated from the circulation, resulting in a number of health problems. When detected early, your cat may typically have a normal life.
Diabetes Mellitus
Another possibility for your senior cat not eating but behaving normally and drinking lots of water is that they have diabetes mellitus. This is yet another hormonal issue in cats, this one involving the hormone insulin, which is generated by beta cells in the pancreas.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a medical disorder that affects many older cats. The thyroid gland in cats with this disease is hyperactive. This hyperactive gland generates and releases an excess of the thyroid hormone, which is vital in metabolic regulation. There are a few clinical indicators to look out for in cats with hyperthyroidism, including excessive urine, increased thirst, increased hunger, and weight loss. Other symptoms you may have include vomiting and diarrhea. If you suspect your cat has hyperthyroidism, you should take him to the doctor as soon as possible.
How Do You Make An Elderly Cat Eat?
Medicine
Healthy snacks in between meals may assist your cat in gaining weight. Try tempting your cat with a few high-protein, simple chunks of freeze-dried chicken, such as PureBites chicken breast freeze-dried raw cat treats, in between meals.
Reduce Your Cat’s Anxiety
A happy cat is a tranquil cat, and happy cats tend to eat well. Cats are solitary hunters and solitary eaters. As a result, they prefer not to be harassed when eating. It is normal to want to keep an eye on your ill cat. However, if you give your cat some space, he or she will almost certainly eat better.
Feeding Snacks
Healthy snacks in between meals may assist your cat in gaining weight. Try tempting your cat with a few high-protein, simple chunks of freeze-dried chicken, such as PureBites chicken breast freeze-dried raw cat treats, in between meals.
Preparing Wet Cat Food
Cats are enticed to eat by the fragrance of their food. Warming wet food makes it more fragrant and enticing to your senior cat. Place your cat’s food in a microwave-safe bowl and reheat it for a few seconds. Most cats like to be at or close to their body temperature of 38.5°C.
Small And Frequent Meals
A cat’s stomach is about the size of a ping-pong ball. As a result, it is normal for your cat to not swallow anything all at once. Whether your cat likes wet food, dry food, or both, provide one spoonful of food every several hours.
What Should You Do If Your Senior Cat Stops Eating?
Provide All Required Resources
You should also ensure that your cat has all of the resources he or she needs to live a happy and healthy life. This includes lots of fresh water, a scratching post and toys, and their own sleeping and hiding place. Getting a suitable litter box for senior cats might also assist.
Change Cat Food
In most cases, you will also need to switch to wet cat food. In general, cats prefer wet food, so this might give the motivation your cat needs. Cats with dental problems are more willing to accept wet food since it causes less pain. If you choose to stay with kibble, soft dry cat food is a good compromise. Your veterinarian may have also given you dietary recommendations.
Go to the Vet
Finally, the most vital step is to consult with your veterinarian. Monitor your cat’s behavior and keep an eye out for any of the other signs I listed above before the visit. The more specific you are about each symptom and when it appears, the simpler it will be for your veterinarian to precisely identify the problem. Once verified, your veterinarian will go through treatment choices with you.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why your old cat is drinking instead of eating. They may be suffering from hormonal issues such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes, renal failure, food allergies, or dental decay, which makes eating difficult and painful. All of these issues need medical treatment, so take your senior cat to the veterinarian as soon as possible. The health of senior cats is more fragile, and early identification and treatment may help them live out their lives to the fullest! Most diseases may be healed or controlled with the appropriate medication.
