Book a free nutrition consultation available at your nearest Pets at Home store – visit petsathome.com for more details or ask in store. Birds do. Regardless of the reason, it's a major concern if your cat stops eating. As it grows older, the kitten will eat less. Will see vet only if in pain. Many cats sleep more and go out less. They also eat more in proportion to their body weight. Adult cats dont eat as often as kittens but that doesnt sound normal to me. Li… Dental problems at this age can make wet food or small pieces of kibble more comfortable choices. We rely on advertising to help fund our award-winning journalism. As cats get older, excess fat gathers around the joints, discouraging mobility, so it’s key to measure portions carefully and avoid unlimited treats, or move to a “light” or “indoor” cat food for inactive felines. Cats also need the right balance of amino acids and vitamins for healthy organs and a thick, shiny coat. Senior cats have unique dietary and behavioral needs. Sometimes an older cat can become more needy. Your cat’s nutritional needs vary from kittenhood to its senior years. Recent studies have revealed associations between changes in the intestinal microbiome and many of the above-mentioned abnormalities. Some cats become friendlier and want to spend more time with their owners. From toys and bedding to tailored food and in-store veterinary clinics, it's the first place to go for any pet need. Why It's a Problem If Your Cat Stops Eating . Some older cats will actually have an increase in energy requirements. A variety of medical conditions can cause your cat to eat less -- everything from the common cat cold to feline HIV. Persian cats are most likely to have this condition, but it can affect any breed. Senior cats with kidney disease may need to be on a phosphorous-restricted diet. Such changes can be signs of common diseases or dental problems that should be addressed by your veterinarian. However, older cats not eating, or eating well but losing weight can be worrying. Omega-3 and -6 are also important to help maintain healthy skin and shiny fur. An older cat who can’t smell very well anymore is often unlikely to eat. A: Definitely encourage them to drink more water. Most cats like to eat and enjoy their food. It is important to keep track of all of your cat’s symptoms so you can report them accurately to your veterinarian to determine why your cat has stopped eating. Creating a feeding station where only the starving cat can get access to and excluding the cat obsessed with food. Q: Should I change my cat’s diet as they age? Their bodies are engineered to digest lots of high-quality protein very rapidly and they should never be fed a vegetarian diet. Equally, older cats can often get thinner as ageing can affect their health and senses. Cats are carnivores. A variety of medical conditions can cause your cat to eat less -- everything from the common cat cold to feline HIV. Dr Mark E. Peterson has been deeply involved in clinical research for over 35 years, and remains at the forefront of the science that advances the study and knowledge of endocrine diseases of cats. So it’s very important to choose the right cat food for your pet’s life stage. Despite this clear evidence of nutrient malabsorption, these cats often have no signs of gastrointestinal disease other than insidious weight loss. Cats are true carnivores, and as such, they have relatively higher requirements for protein in their diets than do dogs. Continual, low-grade dehydration is also a frequent cause of constipation in older cats. As your cat gets older, they might not be able to jump … There are also medical appetite stimulants your veterinarian can try, but if you can get your cat to eat … ... Cats with nerve problems usually don't eat or drink which doesn't fit with the description of the increased levels of drinking. Your cat's lack of eating can also be a symptom of a disease or problem that's causing pain or discomfort. Dr. Williams recommends a low-carbohydrate diet initially. If your cat is losing hair, and not eating normally; you need to take the cat to the vet. Initially a diet change, perhaps with probiotic supplementation, can be used. Pets at Home is the UK's largest pet supplies store. Its estimated that cognitive declinereferred to as feline cognitive dysfunction, or FCDaffects more than 55% of cats aged 11 to 15 years and more than 80% of cats aged 16 to 20 years. Your cat’s dietary needs change as it reaches each life stage, either because its body is absorbing nutrients in a different way, or it is doing more or less exercise. Old Cat Not Eating. 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