Cat Anorexia
Believe it or not a cat can suffer from anorexia too. Eating disorders can happen in any animal but in their case it is usually caused from an illness. It is important to seek help for your cat as soon as you can if they are refusing to eat. It is unusual for a cat to go for more than two days without eating. Anorexia is potentially life threatening and should not be ignored. Anorexia in cats is in stages of first they stop eating, second, they no longer want to eat, third, they won’t eat, and eventually they can’t eat. The causes may be from fright, hostility, depression, pain, injury, or trauma. The can may suffer from anorexia if they are in a new environment, a new pet is brought into the home, or a physical problem. No matter what the cause, the cat needs veterinarian assistance as soon as possible. There is a big difference in a finicky eater and a cat that refuses to eat for several days or more.
The proper nourishment for an anorexic cat is plenty of water, increase calorie intake by adding honey to their water. Increase the protein intake with things which the cat can digest easily. Some of these foods are egg yolks or soft boiled eggs. These are easy to feed to the cat. Lactose free milk, honey, and egg yolk are a good nourishing combination. You can also give your cat vitamin and mineral supplements such as daily doses of zinc, vitamin B complex, and vitamin C are usually recommended. Plenty of TLC works wonders too. The stroking and petting will help aid in digestion and also keeps the cat’s spirits up.
To restart a stalled diet, mix an ounce of water with four ounces of a high fat professional food that is easily digested and tasty. Feed these small amounts four to six times a day. You should finger feed the cat by placing small amounts of food on their tongue. Do not force feed the cat. You can give them baby food such as rice and chicken. This is only a temporary fix to stimulate the appetite. After a few days the cat should be eased into a complete balanced diet. Gradually replace the small amounts of baby food with a quality cat food. If you heat the food, it will enhance the flavor and make it more appealing. Do not cook it, just warm it up a little. This method may also work on a dog if they should become anorexic or stop eating because of a stressful situation. However, you should seek professional help because the animal may be seriously ill and not just stressed out.
All Text Copyright © Safety2005.org
| Become a Member |
| Chapter Locations |
| Make a Donation |
| Off the Job Safety |
| Safety + Health Magazine |
| World Congress 2005 |