When a cat won't eat, its body begins breaking down stored body fat as it has no food reserves. Fat then begins to overwhelm the liver, which begins failing – a condition known as hepatic lipidosis or "fatty liver disease". By the time this happens it's often too late; many cats with liver failure die quite quickly, so stimulating the appetite as soon as possible is vital.
Give Unwell Cats Special Attention
Sick cats become disinterested in what is happening around them and, like people, need encouragement. They become depressed and anti-social. Cats respond well to extra “tender loving care” from their owners when unwell. Sitting with an ill cat, gently stroking him, talking to him and trying to feed by hand can achieve a lot; the company and special interest in him will often motivate new interest in food.
Feline Veterinary Diets are Important
Many manufacturers make special prescription-only diets for critically ill cats. These can only be obtained from veterinarians; the precise diet depends on what the cat is suffering from. Veterinary diets address a wide spectrum of illnesses including liver and kidney failure, lower urinary tract disease and sensitive stomachs and skin, as just a few examples. There are even "recovery diets" for cats getting over major illnesses or surgery. Recovery diets, in fact, can be a life-saver for debilitated cats; offer them as a sole diet if the cat will take them, or give alongside other feeds.
Home-Made Diets for Cats That Won't Eat
Cats who have refused food for a time will struggle to digest their usual feeds. They'll need a bland diet at first. A home-cooked diet of chicken and rice is ideal; lightly steam or simmer pieces of chicken in a pan; leave to cool. When the chicken is still just about warm, offer by hand to the sick animal; the warmth and aroma, combined with hand-feeding, may be tempting. Foods offered just slightly warm may be more interesting; cats are especially smell-sensitive. Be patient in hand-feeding and keep trying even when it seems pointless. It can take an hour or more of sitting in silence, coaxing and stroking in quiet surroundings, to get a sick cat to taste just a little, but even this is marked progress so never under-estimate its significance.
Tempting Sick Cats to Eat: Any Food is Better Than No Food
Think of any foods the cat normally likes, even if these are not ‘recommended’ foods for his condition or age; the most important thing is getting some feed into the cat to prevent further decline, so concentrate on tempting him and worry later whether it’s the ‘right thing’.
Transition back to an appropriate diet can be made once appetite is restored. However, stay away from rich and difficult-to-digest feeds; these may cause vomiting and diarrhea. Poultry-based feeds are preferable, so try those combinations first and venture onto other things if these fail.
Blend feeds to a fine paste with boiled water if possible. Smear the paste around the cat's mouth; once cats have tasted palatable food, they will generally lick it off and this may kick-start the appetite.
Never leave a sick cat in a food-covered mess. Clean him up afterwards; it's important for cats to feel clean, so giving him a gentle flannel wash will lift his spirits if he's not self-cleaning.
Syringe-Feed Sick Cats
Cats always fight against being fed by syringe, but one syringed meal can re-activate the appetite and save a cat from death. Remember this is a potentially life-saving gesture even if it is messy, difficult and unpleasant. The cat will grow used to it; they do quickly recover from the process and if food has been ingested, rewards can soon come in terms of a cat's progress. So, do not worry about inflicting syringe-feeding on sick cats in a life-threatening food refusal situation.
Ask the veterinarian for a suitable syringe and use either a fine home-made paste such as a freshly made chicken paste, or a veterinary-supplied diet such as “intestinal diet” or "recovery diet".
How to Syringe-Feed Cats
Fill the syringe and sit on the floor with the cat between the knees and a towel wrapped tightly around him. Reassure the cat with a soothing voice. Ensure the room stays quiet and free of other pets and people; this isn't a time for the family to be present. Stay relaxed and composed; any stress or panic will transfer to the pet.
Tilt back the cat’s head and gently squeeze paste into the cat’s mouth, towards the side of the mouth or centre of the tongue, rather than the back of the throat - squeeze the syringe gently and only give a little, especially when you first begin. Rub the cat's throat after each mouthful, encouraging swallowing. If you're anxious or squeeze too hard or too far towards the throat then food may enter the airway and choke the cat - always be slow and cautious.
The cat will spit out much of the food but do not be dispirited; some will be licked and swallowed and even small amounts ingested can save a life. Be persistent and constantly reassure. Repeat a few times and measure how much food is taken; you'll soon learn exactly how much he can take at each feed. Repeat every few hours. Report progress to the veterinarian.
More Petcare Articles by Cheryl-Anne Jenkinson:
Kittens With Fleas; Hints and Tips
Pet Adoption Centers; Tips for Making A Visit
Complaining About A Veterinarian
Cheryl-Anne Jenkinson - Cheryl-Anne Jenkinson is 44 years old and has spent the last 20 years working in the qualitative strategic research sector, where she has ...
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