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Loss of Appetite in Cats

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Treatment

After identifying and correcting (or treating) the underlying cause of the anorexia, your veterinarian will work towards establishing a healthy, well-balanced diet for your cat. This includes increasing the fat or protein content of the food, improving the taste of the diet by adding flavored toppings and broths, or heating the food to body temperature.

Intravenous (IV) feeding may be required if your cat is severely anorexic, especially if it has not eaten for three to five days or longer. Also, if the anorexia is related to pain, your veterinarian might prescribe pain medications for your cat.

Living and Management

Anorexia is a serious condition which requires you to monitor and watch your cat very carefully. It is important that you notify your doctor of any progress (or lack thereof) so that the treatment plan can be changed if necessary. If your cat does not start eating on its own a day or two after treatment has begun, you will need to take your cat back to the veterinarian for more treatment options.