How to Increase Cats Appetite
Cats are notorious for being finicky eaters, but sometimes they may lose their appetite due to various reasons, such as stress, illness, medication, or environmental changes. A lack of appetite can be harmful for cats, as they can develop a serious condition called hepatic lipidosis or fatty liver disease if they do not eat enough for a prolonged period. Therefore, it is important to find out the cause of your cat’s loss of appetite and try to stimulate it with some tips and tricks.
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| How to Increase Cats Appetite |
Identify the Cause
The first step to increase your cat’s appetite is to identify the cause of their loss of appetite. There are many possible causes, such as dental problems, kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, infections, allergies, pain, nausea, or psychological issues. You should take your cat to the veterinarian for a thorough examination and diagnosis. The veterinarian may prescribe some medications or treatments to address the underlying condition and improve your cat’s appetite.
Offer Tasty Food
One of the simplest ways to increase your cat’s appetite is to offer them tasty food that appeals to their senses. Cats are attracted by strong aromas, so you can try warming up their food slightly or adding some broth, tuna juice, or sardine oil to enhance the smell. You can also try offering different types of food, such as canned food, dry food, raw food, or homemade food. You should avoid feeding them foods that are toxic or unhealthy for them, such as chocolate, onion, garlic, salt, sugar, alcohol, caffeine, or dairy products.
Provide Variety and Choice
Another way to increase your cat’s appetite is to provide them with variety and choice in their diet. Cats can get bored of eating the same food every day, so you can try rotating different brands and flavors of food or mixing different textures and shapes of food. You can also let your cat choose their own food by placing several bowls of different foods in different locations and observing which one they prefer. You should also respect your cat’s preferences and avoid forcing them to eat something they do not like.
Adjust the Feeding Schedule and Environment
The feeding schedule and environment can also affect your cat’s appetite. You should feed your cat at regular times and avoid changing their routine too often. You should also feed your cat in a quiet and comfortable place where they can eat undisturbed by other pets or people. You should avoid moving their food bowl around or placing it near their litter box or water bowl. You should also keep their food bowl clean and fresh and change the water frequently.
Use Appetite Stimulants
If none of the above methods work, you may need to use some appetite stimulants for your cat. There are some natural supplements that can help stimulate your cat’s appetite, such as yucca (a medicinal plant), slippery elm (a herbal remedy), or probiotics (beneficial bacteria). There are also some prescription drugs that can help stimulate your cat’s appetite, such as mirtazapine (an antidepressant), cyproheptadine (an antihistamine), or steroids (anti-inflammatory agents). However, you should always consult your veterinarian before giving any supplements or drugs to your cat and follow their instructions carefully.
Conclusion
Increasing your cat’s appetite can be challenging but rewarding. You should always try to find out the cause of your cat’s loss of appetite and treat it accordingly. You should also try to make their food more appealing and enjoyable by offering tasty food, providing variety and choice, adjusting the feeding schedule and environment, and using appetite stimulants if necessary. By following these tips and tricks, you can help your cat regain their appetite and health.