Getting Cats to Eat When Ill

When you feel unwell, the last thing you want to do is to have something to eat, despite taking in food being an important part of your recovery. Your cat is just the same - when they feel ill, they don't want to eat and then they feel worse because they haven't eaten. But how do you get your cat to eat when they are ill?

Understanding
The first thing to do is to understand why the cat has stopped eating. It could be something like you have changed their food and cats don't respond well to changes. Even a new food bowl, a new spot for their food or a different feeding schedule can all put them off their food. If they have a health condition and a special diet has been recommended, this might put them off eating because it isn't their normal food.

If there is no known underlying medical condition and there have been no changes in the food area, then it is time to book a vet's appointment, as the lack of appetite is possibly a symptom of a larger illness. It could be something as simple as dental disease meaning it hurts to eat and they need to change their food accordingly. It may be that medication is needed to control a condition and then their appetite will get back to normal.

Winning them over
The best way to get them to eat is to present them with something they can't resist. All cats have favourite foods that they come running to enjoy but if they aren't responding as normal to their favourites, it can be worth trying a little banquet. Pick up a range of foods that are similar to their favourite such as canned foods in different flavours and textures. Place a little of each on plates and warm up slightly. If this still doesn't tempt them, adding a little fish oil, chicken brother or tuna juice may seal the deal.

Making them feel like eating is a pleasant thing is another way to encourage their appetite. Take them to a quite part of the home and install a diffuser that emits a feline facial hormone, telling your cat that all is well and safe. Try feeding them a little food on your fingers, touching it to their lips so they cannot avoid having a little taste. Giving them praise and petting them while doing this encourages them to taste a little more. You can even take some slurry food and inject a little into their mouths with a plastic syringe if they will allow it, but never force them as this is stressful, can result in an injury for you and cat and won't help in the long run.

Conclusion
If no matter what you try, your cat won't take food, get in touch with your vet. Don't make the mistake of leaving it too long where nutritional problems can start. Vets can often prescribe appetite stimulants to help them want to eat again or at the worst case, a feeding tube can be used. Anything is better than letting your cat waste away because they are stubborn.