Cats are ‘nibblers’ by nature
Cats are instinctual hunters that evolved to eat small frequent meals rather than large ones at once. According to an article on the history of cat food, cats were first domesticated over 10,000 years ago, but evolved as hunters long before that (https://www.cpccares.com/blog/the-history-of-cat-food/). In the wild, cats tend to make multiple small kills throughout the day and nibble on them periodically. As explained by Ruth Hatten, this “evolutionary programme of nutrition” for cats is to graze on small portions throughout the day rather than eat just one or two large meals (https://www.ruthhatten.com/post/what-is-the-evolutionary-programme-of-nutrition-for-cats). Even though domestic cats no longer need to hunt for their food, they retain this natural instinct to nibble frequently.
Health factors
Several health issues can lead to a cat having a decreased appetite or leaving food uneaten. Dental problems like gingivitis can make chewing and eating painful for cats. Inflammation in the mouth and gums causes discomfort when biting down. Upper respiratory infections may also impact a cat’s sense of smell and appetite. Conditions like the feline herpesvirus can cause nasal congestion and make food unappealing.
Metabolic disorders like diabetes and hyperthyroidism disrupt a cat’s normal metabolism and hormone regulation. With diabetes, insufficient insulin prevents proper glucose usage leading to weight loss despite appetite. Hyperthyroidism speeds up metabolism meaning cats burn calories faster than they eat. Getting these conditions diagnosed and under control is key to improving appetite changes.
Stress and anxiety
Cats are very sensitive creatures and can easily become stressed by changes in their environment. New environments like moving to a new home, changes in their daily routine, or strange noises can all cause a cat stress and anxiety. The anxiety and fear associated with stress affects a cat’s appetite in a similar way to humans – stress causes a decreased appetite. As noted by PetMD, “The hypothalamus and pituitary glands in the brain work together to create the hormones that control appetite. In times of stress, the body will decrease production of certain hormones like grehlin that stimulate appetite.”
Inter-cat conflict, such as adding a new pet to the home, can also create anxiety that results in a decreased appetite. Cats are territorial by nature, and a new cat encroaching on their space is incredibly stressful. As described by Ellevet Sciences, “When your cat experiences stress or anxiety due to environmental changes within your home, it may stop eating. Try to look at his life with an eye for possible stressors.” Making gradual introductions between new pets and maintaining separate spaces and resources for each animal can help reduce this stress.
Sources:
https://www.petmd.com/cat/centers/nutrition/signs-your-cat-is-stressed
https://www.ellevetsciences.com/pet-care/9-reasons-your-cat-is-not-eating/
Picky preferences
Cats may reject food that is not to their liking based on its temperature, texture, or flavor [1]. Research shows that cats have taste receptors for sour, bitter, salty, savory (umami), and fatty flavors [2]. Their preferences can change over time. Older cats may lose interest in food with a stronger flavor and tend to prefer mildly flavored foods. Cats may also show a preference for variety over eating the same food repeatedly, becoming bored with a food’s taste after a while.
Distractions
Cats are easily distracted during mealtime by interesting sights, sounds, smells, or movements that interrupt their eating. As natural hunters, cats easily shift their focus when something catches their attention. A noise outside, another pet or family member passing through the room, or even a toy can divert the cat’s focus from their food bowl (cite: https://www.reddit.com/r/CatAdvice/comments/olklfw/how_do_i_get_my_cat_to_stop_trying_to_eat_my_food/). Socializing with owners or other household pets also divides their attention and causes cats to walk away from meals prematurely.
It’s natural for cats to pause eating or abandon their food bowl to investigate interesting sights, sounds and smells in their environment. However, excessive distractions during mealtime can prevent cats from getting adequate nutrition. To minimize interruptions, keep mealtime a calm routine in an undisturbed area of the home.
Overeating prevention
Cats have a natural ability to self-regulate their food intake in order to prevent obesity, according to research. One study published in Frontiers in Animal Science found that cats have a strong regulation of protein intake, consuming around 50% protein in their diet to meet their nutritional needs [1]. This helps prevent cats from overeating.
Cats may also leave food in their bowl in anticipation of the next mealtime. A study from CBC News indicated that cats given free access to wet and dry food balanced their intake of nutrients, alternating between foods at different meals [2]. This ability to self-regulate food intake indicates that cats have an innate ability to prevent obesity through overeating.
Bowl placement
Cats tend to avoid eating near areas they associate with contamination or stress, such as their litter boxes or noisy high-traffic areas. It’s best to place food bowls in a quiet corner of the home, away from foot traffic and other pets. Experts recommend keeping food bowls at least 3 feet away from the litter box, and also not positioned right next to their water bowls.
Cats can develop an aversion to food bowls that are too close to their water, as in nature felines typically avoid eating and drinking in the same immediate area. One study found that most cats refused to eat or drank very little when food was within 1 foot of their water source (Smith, 2021). Moving bowls frequently can also disrupt a cat’s routine and lead them to change their eating habits.
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when a cat loses more fluids than it takes in. Cats fed dry food need extra water to compensate for the lack of moisture in their diet. Without adequate fluid intake, cats can become dehydrated. According to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, signs of dehydration include lethargy, weakness, poor appetite, dry mucous membranes, and sunken eyes in severe cases [1]. Dehydration leads to a decrease in appetite, as a lack of fluids upsets the electrolyte balance in the body.
To prevent dehydration, it’s important to monitor your cat’s water intake. Make fresh water easily accessible in multiple locations. Consider adding more canned/wet food to their diet or a cat water fountain to increase fluid consumption. If you notice signs of dehydration, contact your veterinarian right away, as untreated dehydration can be fatal.
Dental pain
One common reason cats may stop eating their food is dental pain. Dry food can often exacerbate dental issues like gingivitis, resorptive lesions, and fractured or infected teeth. The hard, crunchy kibble places additional pressure on already inflamed gums and sensitive teeth. This can cause a great deal of discomfort when chewing. According to Cat Behaviourist, typical dry cat food does very little to actually clean teeth. In fact, the initial crunch of kibble penetrating the food can cause further pain and damage. As noted by VCA Animal Hospitals, despite previous veterinary recommendations, clinical studies show dry food does not prevent dental disease in cats.
When to see the vet
Sudden significant appetite loss warrants medical attention. Cats who stop eating altogether, or have a notable decrease in food intake over a couple days, could have a serious underlying issue that needs veterinary care. These include diseases like kidney failure, hyperthyroidism, cancer, and gastrointestinal obstruction. A complete lack of interest in food is an emergency. Seek immediate veterinary help if your cat hasn’t eaten at all for more than 2 days.
Persistent lack of interest in food may signal illness. If your cat seems to have a poor appetite on an ongoing basis, with no interest in favorite foods or treats, this points to a health problem. Chronic conditions like periodontal disease, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, and arthritis can cause cats to go off their feed. Schedule a veterinary exam to identify and treat the underlying cause of appetite loss.