Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How to manage loss of appetite in cats
By Michel, K E·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2001·Department of Clinical Studies-Philadelphia, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Management of anorexia in the cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat that suddenly stops eating, known as anorexia, can be a serious concern for pet owners. This loss of appetite can happen for various reasons, including illness or changes in diet and environment. It's crucial for veterinarians to identify the underlying cause of the anorexia and address it promptly, as not eating can lead to health issues. Treatment may involve improving the cat's environment, changing its diet, or addressing any medical problems. Ensuring that your cat starts eating again is vital for its overall health and well-being.
People also search for: why is my cat not eating · cat anorexia treatment · how to get my cat to eat again
Abstract
One of the most frequent motivations for seeking veterinary attention for a cat is when the owner recognises a loss of normal appetite in his pet. The medical term for a lack of appetite for food is 'anorexia', and it may be partial or complete. While anorexia is a common manifestation of disease, the mechanisms underlying decreased food intake are complex and not completely understood. The regulation of appetite involves interaction of external stimuli with signals from the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system. Aberrations in any of the internal control systems for hunger and satiety, or changes in external factors such as diet or feeding environment, can result in partial or total anorexia. The challenge for the practitioner is not only to diagnose and treat the underlying condition, but to recognise at what point inadequate food intake has or will impinge on the patient's nutritional status to the extent that it might deleteriously affect clinical outcome. It is also important to bear in mind the significance that the patient's appetite and food intake has for the cat owner in his overall perception of his pet's condition and quality of life.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11716624/