What Disease Would Cause a Cat to Stop Eating?
Cats don’t stop eating because they’ve suddenly become finicky or stubborn. Cats who go without food for more than 24 hours can develop hepatic lipidosis, a serious and sometimes fatal liver disease. And loss of appetite can be a symptom of a health problem that requires veterinary care.Chronic DiseaseAcute or chronic kidney failure, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, irritable bowel disease, hepatic lipidosis, liver disease, pancreatitis, a tumor in the nose or mouth, and stomatitis can all cause a cat to stop eating.Other AilmentsCats need to be able to smell their food in order to eat. Cat flu, which causes a stuffy nose, can discourage a cat from eating. Gum disease can be so painful that the cat won’t eat. And feline lower urinary tract disease can affect a cat’s appetite.Encouraging EatingAnorexic cats will sometimes eat smelly fish-flavored cat food, tuna, meat baby food or greasy fried chicken. Warming wet cat food in the microwave for a couple of seconds will give the food a stronger
