The veterinarian gave the reasons for the cats' refusal to eat

A cat's refusal to eat can be a signal of health problems, stress, or changes in diet. AlphaPet veterinarian Daria Bogdanova told Izvestia about this on March 25.

According to the expert, loss of appetite in cats is more often a symptom than a whim. She noted that cats tend to hide their pain, so refusing to eat may be one of the few noticeable signs of distress. The causes may be pain, intoxication, or infectious diseases. For example, decreased appetite is observed in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, or viral infections when the animal's body is weakened.

"If the cat does not eat for more than 24 hours (for kittens, this period is even shorter) or the refusal is accompanied by lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea — do not experiment with food, do not wait, but rather immediately make an appointment with a doctor. A veterinary specialist will collect the pet's medical history and, if necessary, recommend that the necessary diagnostics (tests, ultrasound, etc.) be performed to confirm or deny the diagnosis," the doctor said.

Another common cause is stress. Cats are sensitive to changes in the environment, and any disruption of their habits can affect their eating behavior. These factors include rearranging furniture, changing places to feed, new animals, or noise.

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The expert noted that in such cases, the cat may approach the bowl, but refuse to eat. The cleanliness of dishes and feeding conditions is also important, since animals are sensitive to odors. The refusal of food is sometimes associated with the quality of the feed. The cause may be a spoiled product, a change in recipe, or a sudden change in taste. Cats are guided by the smell and texture of food, so even minor changes can affect their choice.

The veterinarian stressed that in the absence of medical reasons, owners should check the freshness of the food, provide the pet with a calm environment and observe the feeding regime. However, it is not recommended to constantly change the diet in an attempt to please the animal.

"A temporary refusal to eat is always a reason to take a closer look at your pet. Your observation and timely referral to a specialist are the key to a long and healthy life for your cat," concluded the specialist.

Candidate of Veterinary Sciences Yulia Nemtseva reported on March 21 that interaction with the owner has a positive effect on the condition of cats. According to her, regular attention and calm communication help reduce stress levels and strengthen the health of the pet. It is important to take into account the individual characteristics of the animal, as excessive attention can cause anxiety and irritation. The expert emphasized that the pet's reaction is the main indicator of a comfortable interaction.

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