All the foods and flavors tried in a day.
Hi, I’m Nicole! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my distinguished Burmese, Mr. Baby Cat.
Getting Baby Cat to eat has never been an issue, in fact, getting him to STOP eating has been the challenge.
He has always been a picky eater, only wanting specific foods until boom! One day, he’s mortified that we’d offer it to him because he doesn’t eat that anymore. Sound familiar to any cat owners out there?
One tried-and-true food solution we’ve always had is his raw food. It’s unfortunately the food that likely has accelerated his kidney infection, but it’s also the only food he would eat. So it kept meat on his bones and gave him energy. It was a bit of a catch-22. Our vet said that because of his age, it’s better that he has weight and is eating, so he won that battle.
But amidst the little health scare I wrote about last week, Baby Cat stopped eating almost full-stop. He wasn’t getting up for meals, I was bringing his dish to him on the couch, and he’d have a few tiny licks and then be done.
We tried all sorts of foods, his previous favorites. Again, a small lick or two, and then on to the next one.
I’ve put together a little list of ways to help your senior cat to eat again if you are going through a similar thing, and also I’m here to remind you that even though it may be frustrating, this too shall pass. Have patience, we all go through moments where we eat more than we should or less than we want to; Baby Cat has proven to be very much the same.
And, I am happy to report that he IS eating his raw food as normal again, but we’re still in the “I don’t eat that” phase with many of his other favorites. As long as he’s eating, that’s all I care about.
A/B testing with raw and canned cat food. Unsurprisingly, the raw won every time.
The 8 Tips to Help Your Senior Cat’s Appetite
1. Rule Out Medical Issues
The first step is to consult a veterinarian. If going to the clinic is too much for your senior cat, you can begin with an online vet consultation, like with one of the lovely vets at PangoVet.
Loss of appetite in senior cats can be a symptom of various health issues, such as dental problems, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, or gastrointestinal issues. In our case, Baby Cat definitely has dental and kidney issues, but he’s also a bit too old for us to tackle any of those problems head-on.
A vet may suggest a thorough examination, including blood tests, which can help identify any underlying medical conditions that need to be addressed. Treating the root cause is essential for restoring your cat’s appetite.
2. Change the Diet
As cats age, their nutritional needs and preferences may change (in our case, this can be daily, or sometimes hourly. But I guess I don’t eat the same thing for breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Senior cats might develop sensitivities to certain ingredients or textures. Experimenting with different types of food can be beneficial. You can try:
Wet Food: Some senior cats find wet food more palatable and easier to eat, especially if they have dental issues. The high moisture content is also beneficial for hydration.
Specialized Diets: Consider foods formulated specifically for senior cats or those with specific health conditions. These diets often contain higher-quality ingredients and nutrients tailored to older cats.
Warming the Food: Warming canned or wet food can enhance its aroma, making it more enticing. Be sure it’s not too hot to avoid burns.
Novel Proteins: Introducing novel protein sources, such as duck, rabbit, or venison, can sometimes pique a cat’s interest, especially if they have developed an aversion to more common proteins like chicken or beef.
‘Enough photos, Mom, put the food in my bowl so I can sniff it and walk away.’
3. Adjust the Feeding Environment
The feeding environment can impact a cat’s willingness to eat. Ensure the feeding area is quiet and free from stressors. Some senior cats may prefer eating in a different location if they associate their usual spot with unpleasant experiences. Additionally, elevated food dishes can be helpful for cats with arthritis, as they don’t have to bend down as much to eat.
4. Small, Frequent Meals
Instead of offering large meals, provide small, frequent meals throughout the day. This approach can be less overwhelming and more appealing to a cat with a reduced appetite. It also helps keep the food fresh and cuts down on waste. This one was key for us, instead of half of the packet, we did a teaspoon at a time and it was much easier for us to monitor his intake, and keep the darn dogs away from his bowl.
5. Offer Treats and Toppers
Sometimes, adding a bit of something special can encourage a cat to eat. You can try:
Cat Treats: Offer high-value cat treats that your senior cat enjoys. While these shouldn’t replace a balanced diet, they can stimulate appetite.
Food Toppers: Sprinkling a small amount of a favorite treat or topper on the regular food can make it more appealing. Options include freeze-dried meats, a little bit of canned tuna (in water, not oil), or specially formulated cat gravy.
Added some water to make it more ‘gravy-like’. Sorry, it looks pretty gross.
6. Hydration and Alternatives
Ensure your cat is drinking enough water, especially if they’re not consuming much wet food. Dehydration can be a serious issue in senior cats. If your cat refuses to drink, you can try:
Cat Water Fountains: Some cats prefer running water to still water.
Broth or Stock: Offer low-sodium chicken or beef broth, which can be enticing and provide hydration.
7. Behavioral and Environmental Enrichment
Sometimes, a lack of appetite can be linked to boredom or depression. Engage your senior cat with gentle play, grooming, and affection. Providing environmental enrichment, such as scratching posts, cozy beds, and safe outdoor views, can improve their overall well-being and interest in food. We took Baby Cat outside to eat and he seemed to enjoy it.
8. Medication and Appetite Stimulants
In cases where your cat’s lack of appetite is more severe, your veterinarian may prescribe medication to stimulate appetite or address specific health issues. Always follow your vet’s advice and never administer medication without professional guidance.
This article is a part of Nicole and Baby Cat’s series.
