Pip’s Tips · appetite
My human thinks I am fussy
Pip does not have a difficult personality. Pip has standards. But eating less is not always a culinary review.
Fussy or feeling unwell?
Cats can have clear preferences for flavour, smell, texture, temperature and even the location of their food bowl. However, a sudden change in appetite deserves attention. Cats with nausea may approach their food, smell it and then turn away. Lip licking, smacking, drooling, teeth grinding, dropping food or only licking up the gravy can also be clues.
Pain, dental problems, constipation, kidney disease, pancreatitis and many other conditions can reduce appetite. A cat who wants to eat but cannot is telling you something different from a cat who finds her usual biscuits boring.
What can you do at home?
- Record how much your cat actually eats, not only whether she visited the food bowl.
- Offer small portions of fresh food in a quiet place.
- Try bringing wet food to room temperature so it smells more strongly.
- Do not force-feed without advice; this can worsen food aversion.
When should you call the veterinarian?
Contact your veterinarian the same day if your cat is eating almost nothing, especially with illness, vomiting, lethargy, pain or excess body weight. Cats can become seriously ill quickly when they do not consume enough food. If in doubt, have her assessed.