Some of our cats can be particularly greedy. At mealtime, they pounce on their bowl as if it were the last one, and often end up vomiting their kibble or pâté. Their small stomach cannot handle this rapid food intake... Why does my cat eat too fast? How can I help it regulate? We tell you everything in this article. My cat eats too fast: vomiting, bloating, and risk of obesity Meow, Miaouuuuuuuuu. Hearing its little meows, it’s time to eat. Your cat looks at you with soft eyes, rubs against you (leaving some hair on your nice pants). In short, it puts on a real seduction show. But as soon as its bowl is set down, it rushes and devours its pâté or kibble in the blink of an eye. Not a crumb left. And shortly after... it vomits! A nice little pile on the floor or your couch. Thanks, kitty! If your cat eats too fast, rest assured, it’s not alone. Some cats can indeed be particularly greedy. But this behavior should not be taken lightly, especially if this rapid food intake often leads to vomiting. Repeated vomiting can not only lead to dehydration, but it can also cause serious deficiencies in your beloved little cat because it will not have absorbed all the essential nutrients present in its food (provided it is of good quality). Its digestive tract will also be irritated. For other greedy cats, no vomiting, but flatulence. Yes, a rapid food intake can also cause gas. By eating too fast, they swallow a lot of air. Result: they have bloating and fart excessively. For our whiskered friends, farting is not always a sign of good health. They have stomach aches, and are uncomfortable. Finally, this rapid food intake can have another effect on your furry friend's health: overweight, even obesity. The satiety mechanism in cats is like ours; the faster they eat, the less time their stomach has to signal to their brain that they are full. This can lead to overeating and thus a risk of obesity. To learn more about feline eating behavior, especially the 3 stages experienced around meals, feel free to read our article Why is my cat always hungry. Why does my cat eat too fast? The reasons are many. It can be a dietary or behavioral problem. On the dietary side, it may be inadequate, not meeting its nutritional needs; not enough protein and/or poorly digestible, too high quantities of carbohydrates which are rapidly metabolized by the body. Also note that many cat foods contain additives and flavor enhancers that increase palatability. So faced with its bowl, your cat can only be excited. It cannot control itself and devours its meal in seconds. It’s exactly like us in front of a fast-food burger and fries tray “come as you are,” we rush at it (well, almost). It’s hungry! In the wild, our whiskered friends can hunt all day and night to have up to 20 small meals daily. They are true little nibbles. Our domestic cats don’t need to hunt to eat, but their feeding style remains the same. They like to have several small meals throughout the day and night. If your cat only receives one or two meals a day, it can feel frustrated and therefore eat its food quickly. At Ziggy, we recommend at least 4 wet meals per day for our companions, to best respect their nature as small nibblers. If you work outside, you can split your cat’s meals as follows: one in the morning at waking, then another before leaving. In the evening, you can give another portion when you come home and before going to bed. We also recommend giving a small amount of kibble in a toy during the day or night as a bonus. What if I give kibble ad libitum? Kibble is indeed well adapted to our cats’ nibbling behavior. You can give kibble ad libitum, provided the quantity is controlled—matching the daily ration—and that your cat is able to self-regulate. You can provide some kibble in a dispenser toy that slows down food intake. Keep in mind though that an exclusive dry food diet hardly meets your cat’s hydration needs (water). It is also more calorie-dense: kibble has on average four times the calories of pâté! An overweight or obese cat is at higher risk of developing diseases such as diabetes. Favor a 100% wet diet or a mixed diet (pâté and kibble). "My cat only devours and vomits its pâté" Your cat may also feel frustrated here because you only give pâté occasionally. Unfortunately, pâté is often MISTAKENLY seen as a treat. However, it is a complete food. Full pâté is absolutely not a treat, it can be given multiple times a day! It is actually the food closest to the natural needs of cats. Introducing a new food should always go through a transition phase to help your cat’s digestive system adjust. For more info, feel free to read our article on food transition. It is stressed A cat that eats too fast is often a stressed cat. It can be disturbed at mealtime: being petted, its bowl placed in a busy area, etc. It can also be afraid of missing out because it frequently shares its bowl with another cat. If you have welcomed another animal into your family, it may feel competitive and, instinctively, want to protect its food. "Hands off, that’s my pâté." It is bored Outside, our cats spend several hours hunting, running, climbing, and playing. In short, they never get bored. Some indoor cats, on the other hand, may lack stimulation and feel bored. This can lead them to seek refuge in food. Again, our furry friends are very much like us. When bored, we eat (and not carrots). Here too, the cycle is vicious because a bored cat moves little, drags its paws, and can gain weight. It fears scarcity Your cat may fear scarcity because it shares its bowl with another cat. But this fear can also come from its past. In fact, some cats have had difficult experiences (cat rescue, abandonment, or abandonment by the mother cat). It is then not uncommon to observe behaviors of abandonment and scarcity: eat fast and voraciously to protect oneself, guard food, etc. He might be sick A cat that suddenly becomes greedy is not something to take lightly. It can be a sign of an illness. Several diseases can indeed cause an increased appetite in cats, leading to rapid food intake. It could be a parasitic disease (intestinal worms), diabetes, or hyperthyroidism. My cat eats too fast: how can I help him regulate? Eat more slowly? As we have seen, the causes are multiple. If your cat eats too fast, and especially if he frequently vomits his meals afterwards, first consult your veterinarian. They will be able to check his health and try to identify the cause of his unusual eating behavior. Wet and quality food To promote the feeling of satiety, the ideal is to favor wet food, namely pâté. Thanks to its high moisture content, it adds volume to our cats' stomachs without the accompanying calories. Yes to pâté, but containing quality proteins! Among quality proteins are fish, meat, eggs, and offal. In feline nutrition, the protein/phosphorus ratio of a food provides an indication of the quality of proteins used. These ratios are very high for good proteins. This is not the case for cereals, carcasses, and bones used in many cat foods. At Ziggy, our cat wet food are very rich in quality proteins (+60%). We do not use reconstituted meat, mechanically separated meat (MSM), or animal "waste" like carcasses, skin, feathers, or fish bones. You will only find real muscle pieces and fine offal (chicken, beef, pork). Moreover, they contain a minimal amount of carbohydrates (-2%), which, as a reminder, are not necessary in our feline diet. Finally, if your cat still shows greedy behavior even with pâté, you can add a few boiled zucchini cubes to his food. Appreciated by our cats, this vegetable is rich in water and adds volume to our little companions' stomachs. As a reminder, facing a greedy cat, doubling the amount of his food is useless. This would be a big mistake, as your cat will gain weight. An overweight or obese cat is more likely to develop diseases such as diabetes. Your cat must feel full without increasing calorie intake. Hence the importance of offering him wet and quality food! How much pâté should I give my cat? It all depends on his size, weight, and age. To easily and accurately determine the amount of food to give your cat, feel free to use our ration calculator. Several small fractioned meals To regulate your cat's appetite, fractioned meals are the key. Ideally, give him at least 4 meals a day to best respect his nature as a little nibble-eater. These fractioned meals will also reassure cats who are afraid of missing out. They will gradually understand that they will always have food under your roof. And over time, they will learn to regulate themselves better and no longer experience the stress of an “empty bowl.” This technique has notably proven effective for a member of our Ziggy Family, Ineka. “My little cat was found in a pizza oven of an abandoned restaurant. The association that saved her fed her well, but she still rushed to the bowl out of fear of missing out. I established 6 small meals a day: a teaspoon of pâté, in addition to her kibbles. Ineka regulated herself. She still has some phases even after 5 years, but fractioned meals work well,” tells us Marine. Note that rations must of course be adapted. For that, you can use our ration calculator above 😺 A calm and stimulating environment If you can, place his bowl in a quiet place, away from any disturbance, and where no other animal or human can bother him during meals. Your whiskered friend will feel more confident and enjoy his pâté more calmly. “Bulimic” cats are also cats that get bored. If your cat has no outdoor access and you are often absent, it is important to mentally and physically stimulate him by providing toys, hiding places, or a cat tree. Also, give him access to windows so he can observe outside. Our fur balls are little watchers; they love knowing what is going on outside, watching birds, passersby, etc. In short, front-row seats. Regulate your cat with a fun bowl To slow down his food intake, you can finally try investing in one of these accessories: A slow feeder bowl A kibble ball A maze. Your cat has to move the kibbles to get them. A licking mat. This accessory is ideal for pâté. Just spread the portion on the mat, and kitty will have to lick it. He won’t gulp his pâté and will have no choice but to take his time to savor it. An ice cube or canelé mold in which you can incorporate pâté and/or kibbles. These bowls are effective, but be patient. For your cat to get used to it and understand how it works, proceed step by step. Split his portion in two: one part in his usual bowl and another on his licking mat, for example. Let’s not forget that our cats are creatures of habit. The slightest change can upset them. Your feline will no longer rush to his food; on the contrary, he will reject it. If despite all these tips your cat continues to eat too fast, don’t hesitate to consult your usual veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist. They can help you understand why your furry friend acts this way and give you the keys so he can regulate himself. We have listed here the main causes and solutions, but each cat is unique. That’s why we love them so much ❤️

We are convinced: our cats started taking over humanity a long time ago. Still doubt it? Here are 10 proofs that their enslavement has only just begun... 1. Several cities already bear their name: Chaville, Chatoux, Chaton, Chatte... Do you live in one of these towns? Beware, you are no longer on your own territory... 2. Since ancient times, statues have been erected in their honor.It all began in Ancient Egypt, and even today, cats are taking control of our cities. source: Le Chat de Geluck 3. The French have fewer children... and more cats!While the birth rate in our country has dropped by over 10% in 10 years, the number of pet cats in France has exploded, surpassing 15 million little companions! Cat is the new child? 4. The first cat entered the White House.In 2022, Willow, a young tabby cat with a strong personality, joined the Biden family at the White House. The beginning of a great infiltration? You be the judge... 5. Our cats are absent for long hours at night.Rumor has it they organize neighborhood meetings to fine-tune their enslavement of humanity... 6. We suspect they use hypnosis through purring...By the way, what did we do yesterday between 8 PM and midnight… only they know. 7. They reproduce very fast:While we struggle to bring a little human into the world in 9 months, our cats can give birth to 4 to 8 kittens every two months... So, who are the lazy ones? 😼 8. They have inspired dozens of songs:Cat People (David Bowie), Cool Cat (Queen), Le Chat (Pow Wow), Le Chat (Claude Nougaro), Cat's in the Well (Bob Dylan), Stray Cat Blues (The Rolling Stones)... Do you have a song named after you? Not so sure! 9. Our cats invented the Photo Bomb:A simple warning to remind you who really is the center of humanity. 10. We came very close (really close) to electing a cat as head of the Feline Republic in 2022 (really close, huh). Meanwhile, cats have definitely taken power... at the Museum! In 2022, the Ziggy Félinentielles posters entered the collections of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris... One small step for our cats, one giant leap for Felinity! (and especially a huge pride for us!).

As cute as they are, our little cats also fart. Just like us, they emit flatulence, but it is generally very discreet; a small bellow that smells absolutely nothing or almost nothing (so chic!) But it happens that some of our mustachioed ones fart excessively and abnormally: noisy and nauseating farts. Although the subject is laughable, a cat that farts a lot is not insignificant. Let's take stock.

A natural compound, brewer's yeast is praised for its many health benefits. And this applies not only to humans but also... to cats! Yes, brewer's yeast is also very beneficial for your cat. Very rich in B vitamins, it helps your whiskered friend maintain a healthy coat and is especially useful in fighting digestive disorders. What exactly is brewer's yeast for my cat? If you skipped biology classes in middle school, here is a quick reminder of what brewer's yeast is: it is a living microorganism, a microscopic unicellular fungus belonging to the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which naturally exists in the air, on plants, and on certain fruits and vegetables. It is notably used to ferment beer. Brewers rely on this yeast in the fermentation process of their brews. Although useful for producing alcoholic beverages, brewer's yeast mainly has very interesting health properties: it is a source of minerals and trace elements (calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, potassium, phosphorus, etc.). And above all, it is very rich in B vitamins, essential nutrients for the health of cats (and also for us humans). Available in flakes or powder to sprinkle, in capsules or tablets to ingest, brewer's yeast comes in various forms. At Ziggy, we chose to directly include brewer's yeast in our kibbles and pâtés for cats so that all our little companions can benefit from it. Example of the composition of our kibble and pâté for sterilized adult cats with ASC chicken and salmon. What are the benefits of brewer's yeast for my cat? Brewer's yeast has several beneficial effects on a cat's health. As mentioned above, its main advantage is its richness in B vitamins, particularly vitamins B1 (thiamine) and B3 (niacin). Vitamin B1 is essential for the proper functioning of a cat's body. This water-soluble vitamin concentrates in the heart, kidneys, liver, and brain. Like dogs, cats cannot synthesize thiamine. They must therefore obtain it from their diet. Brewer's yeast is a source of vitamin B1, but it can also be found in meat (chicken, pork), egg yolk, and organ meats. However, these animal-based sources must be of good quality, which is not always the case in industrial cat foods that use reconstituted meat (a mix of animal and plant proteins) or low-quality meat parts without much nutritional value. A deficiency in thiamine can have serious health consequences for cats: it can cause beriberi, a disease also found in humans that manifests with muscle weakness and neurological disorders (head ventroflexion, seizures). Cats are even more prone to thiamine deficiency than dogs, requiring four times more thiamine to stay healthy! Note that the flesh of some fish contains thiaminase, an enzyme that destroys thiamine. Regular consumption of raw fish can also cause a thiamine deficiency. Another essential vitamin found in brewer's yeast is vitamin B3 (niacin). It is also called vitamin PP for “Pellagra Preventive” because a deficiency causes pellagra in humans (apathy, gastrointestinal problems). In cats, it can lead to weight loss, weakness, anorexia, mouth ulcers, and diarrhea. Vitamin B3 supports the proper functioning of the digestive system but also skin health and the quality of the cat's coat. It helps your cat have a beautiful shiny coat rather than greasy or dull fur. Niacin is mainly found in brewer's yeast but also, like thiamine, in meat and especially organ meats. At Ziggy, our products contain brewer's yeast and high-quality organ meats to guarantee our little companions a sufficient and balanced intake of B vitamins. We do not use reconstituted meat, mechanically separated meat (MSM), or any kind of animal "waste" (carcasses, skin, feathers, bones). Finally, minerals and trace elements ensure the growth and maintenance of hard and soft tissues in cats. An important note: brewer's yeast improves the palatability of kibbles and pâtés, making them tastier for cats. A good point for picky cats who often turn their noses up at their bowls! Brewer's yeast for my cat: daily or as a course? Brewer's yeast can be given daily to cats but in small amounts. Excess can cause diarrhea or constipation. Therefore, the dosage must be precise! This is the case for our Ziggy pâtés and kibbles, whose recipes were formulated by Dr. Géraldine Blanchard, a veterinary expert in feline nutrition. Our Ziggy products: perfectly dosed brewer's yeast + quality animal proteins = 😻 Brewer's yeast can also be consumed as a supplement for several weeks. In this case, ask your veterinarian's advice—especially if your cat has a medical condition (kidney failure, diabetes). They will advise you on the form (tablets, flakes, powder) and the right amount to give your little cat. Note that brewer's yeast must be specially made for cats. Do not give brewer's yeast bought in supermarkets. And for kittens? Our baby cats can definitely consume brewer's yeast as long as they are fully weaned!

Your cat doesn't leave any droppings in its litter box? Does it meow while it does its business? There's a good chance that your cat is constipated. Constipation is a fairly common intestinal disorder in our little companions that nevertheless requires rapid treatment. Why is my cat constipated? What should I do? How can constipation be prevented? We'll tell you everything in this article.

Tartar, bad breath, gingivitis... Your little cat can also have dental problems, which can lead to serious consequences if left untreated. How to take care of your cat’s teeth? What diet should you favor for healthy teeth? We tell you everything in this article. The Cat’s Teeth Whether by play or boredom, your beloved cat has probably bitten you before. A rather painful experience, as their teeth are hard, sharp, and pointed. Our little companions’ dentition is made this way: it is naturally adapted to hunting prey: their canines, like small daggers, allow them to tear the flesh of their prey and hold it firmly (these are the teeth that sometimes leave marks on our skin). Their incisors, small and square, and their premolars also allow them to cut and tear. As for their molars, they serve to crush food. An adult cat’s jaw contains a total of 30 teeth: 4 canines, 12 incisors, 10 premolars (6 on the upper jaw and 4 on the lower jaw), and 4 molars. Note that at birth, kittens have no teeth. The first baby teeth appear around 3 weeks, then all come out between 6 and 7 weeks. They have no molars and only 26 teeth. Their baby teeth start to fall out around 3 months old. The kitten will have its adult teeth at about 6 months of age. Sharp, our companions’ teeth are nonetheless fragile. Poor oral hygiene can have more or less serious consequences on their health. Beware of tartar in cats! Our cats can indeed develop periodontal disease characterized by the formation of dental plaque and tartar on the teeth. After each meal, food residues, saliva, and bacteria present in the mouth deposit on the cat’s teeth, forming dental plaque. Without good oral hygiene, this plaque gradually thickens and mineralizes to form that famous tartar. The back teeth of the jaw, namely the premolars, are usually the first affected. Over days and meals, tartar continues to spread and accumulate, and can cause gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums whose symptoms include very red gums, bleeding, bad breath in cats (called halitosis) and excessive salivation. If this inflammation is not treated in time, it can progress to periodontitis, tooth loss. Affected teeth loosen and can eventually fall out. Oral infections, even abscesses at the tooth root, may also develop. Note: bad breath is not always a sign of dental problems. It can also be a symptom of other diseases such as chronic kidney failure in cats. And it doesn’t stop there; bacteria proliferating in tartar can enter the bloodstream and infect other organs such as the heart and kidneys. Tartar should therefore be carefully monitored, especially as the effects are very painful for kitty. Having tooth pain, he no longer tolerates even the smallest bite, and your cat stops eating (even his delicious Ziggy pâtées 😿). How to know if my cat has tartar? And how to treat it? Tartar is visible to the naked eye: it appears as a yellowish or even brownish color. You can spot it by opening your little companion’s mouth. But be gentle, especially if your cat is not used to this handling. If you don’t succeed at first, don’t insist. And as mentioned earlier, other signs should alert you: your cat has bad breath, very red gums, bleeds during meals, doesn’t eat anymore, has excessive salivation, etc. At the slightest doubt, do not wait and quickly consult your veterinarian. In most cases, they will perform a scaling procedure under general anesthesia. The practice may differ from one vet to another, but most often tartar is removed by ultrasound (like at the dentist) and a paste is applied to polish the cat’s teeth. Sometimes extraction of the most damaged teeth is necessary. But rest assured, this procedure is painless for your furry friend. Even with one or two teeth less, he will be relieved. And once his dental problem is solved, he will regain all his old vigor. How to prevent tartar in cats? Brushing your cat’s teeth You’re not dreaming, our furballs also need to brush their teeth. And to prevent tartar buildup, nothing beats a little brushing of their tiny teeth! On the market, there are small kits specially designed for cleaning cat teeth. You can find a suitable toothbrush or a finger brush (a small rubber tip with little bristles) and a special cat toothpaste. Note that human toothpaste is completely prohibited. While we spit out our toothpaste after brushing, our felines do not. They must not swallow toxic products. Also, they probably don’t appreciate the mint or coconut flavor of our toothpaste... Before starting, however, ask your vet’s opinion. Some cats have very painful mouths, even if they show no external signs of this pain. Effective but very demanding, brushing — to be done at least once a week — remains quite difficult. And above all, few cats are accustomed to it from a very young age. If your cat runs away when he sees your toothbrush, know that there are several alternatives: powders to put in your cat’s food, oral sprays intended to kill bad bacteria, liquid toothpastes to dilute in their water, or chew sticks like for dogs. Some pet stores also sell chew toys. But again, ask your veterinarian’s advice! The false good idea: giving dry kibble To fight plaque, it is often recommended to favor dry kibble because it has an abrasive effect. That said, many cats fed dry kibble still have significant plaque and tartar deposits and suffer from dental diseases such as periodontitis. The real effectiveness of dry food’s anti-tartar action can be questioned. Kibble is hard but quite crumbly. It simply crumbles with little or no abrasive effect on the teeth. Remember that our cats’ teeth are not designed to crunch kibble, but rather to shear and tear meat. It’s no coincidence that their wild ancestors had little to no dental problems. They brushed their teeth naturally by crushing bones, tearing flesh, skin, tendons, and ligaments of their prey. Also note that most cats swallow their kibble whole. If you have ever cleaned your cat’s vomit, you must have noticed it: they don’t chew all their bites. They gulp down half of each mouthful. The same applies to special anti-tartar treats in kibble form. Many cats swallow them directly without a bite. Does your dentist advise you to eat hard biscuits for your teeth? No? Well, it’s the same for your cat. He doesn’t need to eat dry kibble to have healthy teeth. However, be careful: scaling is only a treatment and not a permanent solution. Tartar can come back quickly. To prevent its formation, good oral hygiene is necessary to keep your cat’s teeth healthy. A low carbohydrate diet We often hear that pâtée favors plaque formation. Yes and no. Actually, it’s mainly pâtée rich in carbohydrates! The same principle as for us: the more carbohydrates we consume, the more our teeth are attacked. Note that carbohydrate-rich foods can also increase the demand for insulin secretion and thus predispose to the development of diabetes mellitus in cats. In industrial food, unfortunately, these carbohydrates appear in significant quantities (10 to 50%). Why? Two reasons: animal proteins are rarer and more expensive. Manufacturers then compensate with carbohydrate intake. A minimal quantity (about 10-15%) is indispensable for the extrusion process in kibble manufacturing. So choose a low carbohydrate diet. At Ziggy, our cat pâtées contain less than 10% carbohydrates! And we will never stop telling you: favor wet food for your little cat. It contains much more water than kibble! Hydration has nothing to do with teeth, but it is essential for the proper functioning of all organs. Meat For dental health, the ideal would be to give your cat a big piece of raw meat (quickly cooked though to avoid the risk of salmonella) so he can shear and tear it with his teeth. But if you choose this option, be careful. His diet should not consist only of this, as he risks developing deficiencies. Our cats are indeed strict carnivores, but they also need, for example, calcium — which is minimal in meat — and some extra fiber in their diet to keep good digestion. In wild cats’ diet, the skin and digestive contents of the mouse, along with some grass consumption, fulfill this role. You’ve understood: the oral hygiene of our little companions should not be neglected. You must take care of their teeth and regularly check their health. Of course, some cats will never have any problems in their whole life; it’s like humans, some have their dentist as their best friend, others hardly ever see the dentist’s drill. But a little inspection is always necessary. Better safe than sorry!

In May, my cat does whatever it wants. Actually, like the rest of the year.And because we love their cheekiness, we made you a top 15 of cats who really do just as they please. 1. The one who plays cat and mouse   2. The one who prefers the flowerpot to its litter box   3. The one who can explain everything to you, because it’s a misunderstanding   4. The one who loves its cat tree and lets you know   5. The one who gets a little too involved   6. The one who doesn’t want to understand the concept of privacy   7. The one who sends nudes   8. And the one who found love     9. The one who thinks you work too much     10. And the one who does what it does best     11. The one who said "I swear I’ll only drink milk, I don’t like vodka anymore" (Pow Wow, Le Chat - 1992) but apparently lied   12. The one who always tries to train the dog   13. And the one who succeeded   14. The one who has cholesterol but "damn, we only have 9 lives!"   15. The one who says nothing but thinks it loud and clear: don’t bother, I don’t care. I’m a cat.

Your little cat isn’t eating anymore? He’s ignoring his bowl, even with a delicious pâté? A complete loss of appetite in cats is a problem not to be taken lightly. It can be a sign of a more or less serious illness, especially if accompanied by other symptoms. Let’s take a closer look. My cat isn’t eating anymore: when should I worry? Just like in humans, appetite in cats can fluctuate. One day your cat might devour his bowl, and the next day only eat half of his kibble or pâté. He may also eat less when it’s hot, as his appetite decreases due to the heat. But sometimes some cats suddenly stop eating altogether. They won’t eat anything at all, refusing even the smallest treat. Our cats lose weight quickly. If your cat hasn’t eaten for more than 2 days, this becomes worrisome. This is called anorexia. A cat that doesn’t eat for more than 48 hours risks severe dehydration, deficiencies in essential nutrients for its health (present in its food), and in the case of overweight cats, developing hepatic lipidosis, also known as “fatty liver disease.” This deadly disease shows symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or jaundice visible around the ears, eyes (the whites), and the cat’s oral mucous membranes. If your cat isn’t eating, be very vigilant, especially since this disorder could indicate another condition that requires prompt treatment. My cat isn’t eating anymore: what are the causes? And what to do? A cat may stop eating for many reasons. Whatever the cause, it is important to take your furry friend to the vet as soon as possible. A change in food His refusal to eat may be directly related to his food. Cats are greedy but also very picky, especially regarding what’s in their bowl. Even the slightest change can put them off. This is called neophobia. Among our little companions, we distinguish two categories of eaters: the cautious (neophobic) and the curious (neophilic), those attracted to novelty. Neophobes are more numerous, especially among older cats whose eating habits are well established. They prefer familiar food rather than trying new flavors. Neophobia is not limited to older cats; it also appears in cats that were rarely exposed to dietary diversity during the first weeks of their lives. It is also important to know that cats are sensitive to the physicochemical characteristics of their food. Smell, taste, texture, and temperature are key factors in food acceptance. The cat will prefer food at room temperature or close to body temperature, between 20°C and 35°C. A pâté straight from the fridge will likely put him off. Don’t hesitate to warm it up by adding a little spoon of warm water. Besides cautiousness and particular tastes, your cat may also have developed an aversion to his new food. This can be caused by a bad experience: a sudden change in diet may cause diarrhea and vomiting. Since eating is associated with a negative experience, the cat refuses the food categorically. Once, but not twice! If your cat shows no other symptoms, the best solution here will be to perform a dietary transition to help him accept his new food. This involves gradually mixing the new food with the usual diet. This transition can last up to 3 weeks for the most resistant. Learn more in our article about dietary transition in cats. We also prepared a handy guide with all our expert tips for an easier food transition. Also, think about placing your cat’s bowl in a quiet place, away from human activity. People passing by can stress him and prevent him from eating. Stress Stress is another likely reason. A stressed cat easily loses appetite. Your cat isn’t eating because he is too stressed. Poor kitty 😿 Stress sources in cats are multiple: moving house, travel, vet visits, arrival of a new animal or child in the family, change of furniture at home, and so on. To help your cat relax, there are several tricks: you can cuddle him (if he wants), play with him more, use valerian, or play special music for stressed cats. It seems cats are particularly sensitive to soft, relaxing music. Note that stress should not be taken lightly. It is notably one of the main causes of cystitis in cats, a urinary disorder characterized by inflammation (with or without infection) of the bladder lining. Arthritis (old age) Cats are also affected by old age: they can suffer from arthritis. Older cats may have trouble bending down to their bowl. Unable to reach it, they don’t eat. If your cat is otherwise fine and likes his food, just place his bowl a little higher 😺 To care for your senior cat, also consider giving him quality food. We tell you everything in our article on food for senior cats. Oral problems Like us, cats can have oral problems. They may suffer from chronic gingivitis (gum inflammation), abscesses, or broken teeth. These conditions are very painful and make chewing difficult. Gingivitis is the most common, with symptoms such as very red gums, bleeding, bad breath, and excessive salivation. Check your cat’s mouth (if you can), and see your vet quickly. Once the mouth problem is resolved, your little cat will regain his appetite. Be careful that he doesn’t rush too fast to his bowl! A cat that gulps food too quickly risks simply regurgitating it (like dogs). Important point: It is often said that cats have fewer dental problems when eating kibble than pâté. No study has yet proven this “promise”! Remember that dry food is hard but crumbly, and breaks apart with little to no abrasive effect on teeth. Cats’ teeth are not designed to crunch kibble, but rather to shear and tear meat. Also, many cats swallow most of their kibble whole. Saying kibble promotes dental health in cats is therefore absurd. That would be like saying dry cookies are good for our teeth. Whether pâté or kibble, no food is better than another for the dental health of our cats. Many factors — known and unknown — contribute to poor dental health. It may be genetic, due to a virus, or simply because our furry friends don’t brush their teeth like humans do. Oral hygiene in cats should not be neglected. To learn more, read our article: why and how to care for your cat’s teeth. Kidney failure If your cat isn’t eating, it could also be a sign of chronic kidney failure. This disease is defined by kidney dysfunction, whose role is to eliminate all toxins produced by the body in the blood (creatinine and especially urea). Loss of appetite is one of the symptoms of this sneaky disease which, unfortunately, cannot be cured. It is also accompanied by intense thirst, vomiting, fatigue, and even mouth ulcers characterized by bad breath. If your cat’s condition suggests kidney failure, consult your vet quickly who, through blood and urine tests, can prescribe suitable treatment. Feline herpesvirus (coryza) Another likely cause of loss of appetite in cats is coryza, an upper respiratory tract disease. Highly contagious, coryza is caused by simultaneous or individual infection by various pathogens, viruses, and bacteria, each causing different effects and symptoms. Among them: anosmia (loss of smell) and ulcers on the tongue and palate. This loss of smell and the ulcers can cause loss of appetite or difficulty eating, sometimes leading to anorexia. A consultation with your vet will also be necessary. If coryza is confirmed, he will prescribe suitable treatment. To learn more, read our article on coryza in cats. Gastrointestinal problem If your cat isn’t eating, he may have a digestive system problem. It can be caused by a foreign object (a string, a toy) that he cannot naturally expel, or hairballs that may irritate his stomach. These masses called "trichobezoars" can also cause intestinal blockage. Hence the importance of regularly brushing your cat, especially during shedding periods. Loss of appetite can also indicate intestinal parasites, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas. The cause of this disease often remains unknown but it can be triggered by some antibiotics or caused by viral or bacterial infection. Infectious peritonitis More worrying; a cat that stops eating may have infectious peritonitis (FIP). This disease, caused by a mutation of an intestinal Coronavirus, mainly affects young cats. Unfortunately, it remains incurable. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. If your cat shows these signs, consult your vet immediately. What to do if my cat isn’t eating anymore? As we have seen, a cat that stops eating can have many causes, ranging from benign to severe diseases. Here are some practical tips: Try to stimulate your cat’s appetite by warming up his food, offering tasty treats, or changing the feeding place to a quiet and calm area. If the anorexia lasts more than 48 hours, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or lethargy, do not delay consulting your vet. Keep your cat hydrated by encouraging water intake. Never force feed your cat without veterinary advice. Taking quick action is essential because prolonged anorexia can lead to serious complications and worsen the underlying condition.

After being neutered, your cat's energy needs (male or female) drop on average by 20%... but not his appetite! To prevent him from putting on weight or becoming susceptible to certain illnesses, it's important to change his diet and give him food specifically designed for neutered cats.