Tips & Tricks: Has your cat suddenly stopped eating its regular food?

Cats are true gourmets - they are guided by smell and decide every day what they like and what they don't like. In the wild, they have the freedom to hunt as they please and always choose the best. So it's no wonder that cats sometimes skip their usual food. They love variety and don't want to be satisfied with one and the same menu for the rest of their lives.

Possible causes of food refusal

One of the most common reasons why cats suddenly reject their food is that they are simply full. If a cat is not hungry, it will simply ignore even its favourite food. Even if the food smells delicious, a full cat will leave it untouched. Cats also appreciate variety, and it can happen that from one day to the next they no longer feel like eating their favourite food.

Particularly odour-sensitive cats can also refuse food because it smells different to what they are used to. The sense of smell plays a decisive role for them, and even small changes in odour can lead to the food no longer being accepted.

Cats often become pickier as they get older. The slower metabolism reduces energy requirements and therefore also the appetite. If the sense of smell also declines, the familiar food suddenly no longer seems as tempting as it used to. Specially developed senior products can stimulate the appetite of older cats.

Another reason for refusing food can be intolerances or allergies. It can happen that cats develop an intolerance to certain ingredients in their food over time. In such cases, they avoid their usual food because it makes them feel unwell or they no longer tolerate it well.

Health problems as a cause

A lack of appetite is unfortunately a common symptom that can go hand in hand with other health problems. Gastrointestinal problems can be triggered by a variety of factors, including infections, parasites or even stress. This then manifests itself in a lack of appetite, but can also be accompanied by diarrhoea and vomiting.

Caution is advised if a cat vomits undigested, then it could be due to a gastrointestinal disease, which should be urgently examined by a vet. Especially in the case of repeated vomiting or diarrhoea, you should not hesitate to visit the vet to rule out serious illnesses.

Toothache or gum disease can have a negative effect on a cat's appetite. If the cat eats and suddenly stops, this may indicate pain when chewing. Diseases of the teeth and gums, such as gingivitis or broken teeth, are common and should be taken seriously. In such cases, a veterinary examination and treatment is essential to clarify the cause and resolve the problem.

Stress and grief can also cause cats to stop touching their food. Cats are sensitive animals and changes in their environment, such as the loss of a conspecific, a move or even noise from building sites, can lead to stress. This stress often manifests itself in a refusal to eat. Depression or grief  after the loss of a companion can also influence eating behaviour.

What to do if your cat won't eat?

If your cat suddenly refuses to eat, there are various ways to find out why it is no longer eating - and how you can help it to regain its appetite. With sensitive measures and patience, you can offer your velvet paw the support it needs right now.

1. Clarify stress and health problems: Just like with us humans, stress can also affect cats' stomachs. If your cat shows apathetic behaviour and stops eating and drinking, this is always a serious warning sign. Lethargy or loss of appetite can indicate underlying health problems. For example, diseases of the digestive system that lead to vomiting or diarrhoea. In such cases, it is important to consult a vet to rule out serious illnesses and help your cat in good time.
2. Change food: Sometimes it is simply because your cat no longer likes the food. This can happen if it has been open for too long and has lost its odour, or if the recipe has changed. Changing the food or offering fresh wet food can often work wonders. Freshly opened food gives off a more intense odour, which could bring back your cat's appetite. Make sure that the new food is well tolerated and does not contain any ingredients that could trigger intolerances.
3. Change the feeding place: Cats are very sensitive animals and changes in their environment can have a strong effect on their eating behaviour. Loud noises, such as from a building site, or a restless environment can cause your cat to avoid its feeding place. Try to move the feeding area to a quiet place where your cat can eat undisturbed and feels safe.
4. Avoid the heat: Especially on hot days, your cat may simply not have an appetite. Just like us humans, hunger decreases in hot weather. During this time, it is particularly important that your cat always has fresh water available. Offer food at cooler times of the day, for example early in the morning or late in the evening. Wet food is particularly attractive at this time as it not only smells more intense but also helps to keep your cat hydrated. Make sure your cat has a cool and shady place to retreat to and
5. Show patience and consistency: If your cat tries to "blackmail" you by refusing to eat another food, you should remain consistent. Cats are clever and quickly learn that they can get something new by refusing food. To avoid unwanted habits, continue to offer the usual food and remain patient. It often only takes a few days before your cat realises that there is no alternative and returns to its usual food.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why your cat might suddenly refuse to eat. Sometimes there are simple reasons such as feeling full. But it can also be due to serious health problems such as gastrointestinal illnesses or toothache. It is important that you remain patient and keep a close eye on your cat's behaviour. If the problem persists or your cat shows additional symptoms of illness, you should not hesitate to consult a vet to find out the cause. However, with small adjustments and the necessary patience, in most cases you can bring your cat's eating behaviour back into balance - and ensure that it will soon be eating with pleasure again.

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