As a cat owner, you care about your feline friend when it comes to their daily activities, including eating. If you notice that they have stopped eating suddenly or are showing a decreased appetite, you may be asking yourself more questions about what could be going on. You may be worried that it’s an underlying condition or perhaps a short-term issue.
Loss of appetite in cats is concerning, but it is common. Could it warrant the administration of something like cat appetite stimulants? You’ll find out the answer to this question and more soon enough. As a cat lover, it is important to make sure you’re making the best-informed decisions (especially with veterinarian guidance). Understanding the situation behind why your cat may not be eating as much should also be something to focus on.
Why Cats Lose Their Appetite
A cat’s decreased appetite can happen due to a wide variety of reasons. This can be mild digestive discomfort or systemic diseases that need to be taken seriously. Such things to be aware of regarding a cat’s lost appetite include:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) or similar renal diseases
- Liver disease or an elevation in Alkaline phosphatase levels
- Side effects from prescription medications treating other conditions, or changes in renal excretion
- Gastrointestinal disorders such as gastrointestinal ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Behavioral issues or environmental-related stress, including anxiety
- Pain from dental issues, back leg injury, or recovery from post-surgery
Keep in mind that these conditions can lead to a loss in appetite in cats (or perhaps a less-than-normal one). However, if your cat’s appetite has not rebounded within a day or two, you must seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Cats that go without eating for long periods are at a higher risk of hepatic lipidosis, which is a serious liver condition that can develop.
What Is a Cat Appetite Stimulant?
A cat appetite stimulant is usually prescribed by a veterinarian as a form of medication or a supplement formulated to encourage eating in cats that experience decreased appetite. They work by affecting hormonal pathways and neurotransmitters that are connected to regulating hunger within the ventromedial hypothalamus, a region of the brain related to feeding behavior. As for the type of stimulants that may be available for your cat via a veterinarian's prescription, they may include the following:
- Mirtazapine: This is a serotonin receptor antagonist known for blocking the 5-HT2 receptors and H1 receptors, which leads to an increase in appetite. This will normally be available in a transdermal ointment that is applied inside your cat’s ear.
- Cyproheptadine: While an antihistamine, this will act on both the 5-HT2 receptors and the 5-HT2c receptor (also known as the Serotonin 2C receptor). This will stimulate your cat’s appetite while also reducing nausea.
- Megestrol Acetate: This also increases appetite, but due to potential side effects that may arise, this is used in long-standing cases.
Nevertheless, these are excellent appetite stimulation options that your vet can provide for you. Yet, they need to be used under their supervision to ensure the best in safety and effectiveness.
How Can Your Veterinary Professional Decide the Best Option for Cat Appetite Stimulants?
As it is standard procedure, your veterinarian will need to examine your cat before deciding on a therapeutic option for cat appetite stimulants. This also includes reviewing their medical history. If your cat has IRIS stage 2 or 3 CKD, this means that an appetite stimulant that will be gentle on the kidneys and metabolizes easily is likely. However, if your cat is dealing with liver disease, then there may be options that won’t strain the hepatic pathways.
During this examination, your vet will perform not only a regular medical review based on past visits and diagnosis, but may also do the following:
- Bloodwork for metabolic markers
- Imaging that pertains to changes to the heart or kidneys, as well as gastrointestinal inflammation
- Evaluate your cat’s current prescription regimen to prevent adverse drug interactions while also reducing possible serotonin syndrome
Compounded medications and nutritional support can work hand in hand when it comes to making sure your cat’s appetite is regulated. At Under The Weather, we’ll provide your cat with the nutritional support they may need outside of the stimulants provided by your veterinarian.
How to Support Appetite Naturally at Home
Let’s further explore appetite stimulation and provide your cat with the natural support they can have at home. Under The Weather knows that natural ways to encourage eating are usually the best approaches. You might agree with this, too. Here are some approaches that are gentle, vet-approved, and worth trying out with your feline friend:
- Slightly warm up their food to help enhance the appeal and aroma.
- Consider a food puzzle or meal topper. Both of which are great for positive associations with eating.
- Include bone broth or electrolyte supplements for hydration and flavor (please consult with a vet beforehand to determine if it is safe to do so).
- Try small amounts of CBD oil or other natural remedies that are safe for pets (with veterinary guidance).
- To prevent whisker fatigue, consider making sure that your cat’s food bowl is wide and shallow.
If your cat is recovering from illness or a challenging case of weight loss, these natural supportive approaches can be great for your cat. It can certainly make a noticeable difference over time.
What to Do If There Are Underlying Health Issues?
While the primary goal of appetite management is treating an underlying disease instead of masking it, appetite stimulants can be used as part of a greater care plan. For example, cats with chronic kidney disease can benefit from regular adjustments to their diet and hydration. Phosphorus intake is also important.
Never feed your cat food or provide medication that is normally consumed by humans, as it can lead to potential toxicity according to the ASPCA’s Poison Control Center. As always, your veterinarian will provide you with the best guidance and advice for supplements or medications, even if your cat has been previously diagnosed with underlying health issues.
When Should Veterinary Help Be Necessary
While appetite loss is one thing, if it’s accompanied by other symptoms, there’s a good chance that veterinary attention is likely needed. More importantly, here’s a list of signs to look out for before making the call:
- Persistent diarrhea or vomiting
- Jaundice (yellowing of eyes or gums)
- Sudden weight loss or weakness
- Lethargy or disorientation
- Symptoms of systemic disease (i.e., dehydration, anemia, or swollen abdomen)
If these signs are present at the moment, contact your veterinarian immediately. The next steps include your veterinarian diagnosing your cat with conditions like kidney disease, hepatic lipidosis, or liver disease. The sooner these conditions are addressed, the more effective a treatment may be in the long term.
What Is the Plan for Long-Term Care and Monitoring?
Once your cat is on an appetite stimulant, it may be a good idea to consider ongoing monitoring. This can be beneficial for both you and your cat, especially when there may be a follow-up visit to your vet to determine if the current dosage is satisfactory or if periodic adjustments are needed. Such follow-ups are ideal to identify any health issues that may have developed, such as increased liver enzymes or signs of serotonin syndrome (which is rare but serious). Still, your vet will recommend that your cat have dietary modifications made, especially if there is a need for products that are rich in essential nutrients and amino acids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before we wrap up this guide, it is important that we address some of the frequently asked questions our customers ask us at Under The Weather when it comes to their cat’s appetite. Here’s a look at the following:
What Should I Feed a Cat with No Appetite?
If you have any strong-smelling wet food, try warming a small portion of it up. The smell itself may increase your cat’s appetite.
Are There Any Natural Supplements for Stimulating a Cat’s Appetite?
If you’re looking for a non-prescription approach, natural supplements like fish oil or B vitamins might be the best option. As always, consider asking your veterinarian before it’s administered.
Is Chicken Broth a Good Appetite Stimulant for Cats?
Yes. Chicken broth has a good smell to it, so it can be a good idea to feed your cat this if they are dealing with issues that may slow down their appetite. However, it is important to make sure it does not contain garlic or onion since both are toxic to cats.
Supporting Your Cat’s Healthy Appetite
Your cat’s appetite may come and go at times due to illness. However, if it seems like they haven’t eaten beyond the normal time window, some concerns could arise. Cat appetite stimulants may be able to assist them in getting the regular nourishment they need. For additional nutrition support, Under The Weather has products that can be best suited for their needs when it comes to eating healthy. Check out what we have in stock today.
