Why won't my cat eat? Could she be sick or depressed after a change?

Cats will often go off their food and be more lethargic when they are coming down with an illness. This is usually due to an upper respiratory infection (aka cat flu) or an infection of the stomach or intestines. While she may not be having nose/eye discharge, or diarrhea right now, you may see this in a day or two. Their are a couple of other diseases that I worry about with a fighting cat, because they can cause them to feel bad like this and be spread through biting. FIV and FeLV are two viral diseases that can depress the immune system and possibly lead to long-term infections. These can be easily tested for by a vet. If she is eating a little, then make sure there is plenty of water mixed in the food, because I worry most about dehydration. Sometimes warming up the food will entice them to eat it, so try that along with trying different, tasty foods. The best thing to do for Alba is to take her to the vet. She may be running a fever and could already be dehydrated. They also may see something else that indicates what her specific aliment is. It doesn't seem like an emergency right now, but it would be best to get her to the vet within a day or two. I hope that helps and Alba gets better soon.

I am very sorry to hear that Kent is not himself. I completely agree that our pets form strong bonds, and pick-up on our moods and issues. There is most likely a component of that occurring here. I would suggest trying a new higher quality food brand to begin with. There are only three pet food brands which are approved by veterinarians. These are science diet, royal canin and purina pro plan. Only these three Have undergone research to ensure they provide an adequate and nutritious diet for pets. This research is approved by veterinarians. Any other food brands may not be regulated or researched as thoroughly. For this reason I would only advise feeding one of those three. Here is my best recommendation for a healthy food; http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=29338 If the change in food does not help increase his appetite by the end of the week I would have to advise a check-up at the veterinarian. There could be an underlying medical condition causing the changes to energy and eating habits.

Chloe is gorgeous! I highly recommend taking her to a veterinarian to have evaluated. We want to make sure there is nothing medical going on with her before stating it is stress from you not being around. If she is healthy then I would potentially discuss medication for her to help her in these stressful situations. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It is difficult to tell for sure without checking her over. It could be that her colitis is making her feel run down or it could be a slight worsening of one of her other conditions. I would recommend to keep an eye on how much she is drinking and how is her appetite and if she is having any vomiting. If she is just a little lethargic, I would book her in for a check up with your vet in the morning. Whilst if she is vomiting orhaving more diarrhoea than usual, I would recommend an earlier check up.

I'm so sorry to hear that Beow isn't feeling well. It is very concerning when a cat doesn't eat for more than 24 hours. I would recommend having Beow examined by a veterinarian right away. They may be able to tell you what is going on based on an examination, but more likely may need to do some blood work. Unfortunately, cats tend to become sicker the longer they do not eat and do not tend to improve without treatment, so I would recommend having him treated as soon as possible. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Beow feels better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I am sorry your cat is not feeling well. Unfortunately with a stray cat many things are possible to cause depression and anorexia. I would be concerned about toxins, parasites, foreign material ingestion and even infection/virus. I would recommend taking the cat to your local vet. They most likely need to do some basic testing like blood work to determine the cause of illness and provide proper treatment. At home care most likely will not be aggressive enough for the cat. Ideally if you could keep the cat in a smaller area with close proximity to food and water that way you can monitor the eating closer. I hope that helps and he feels better soon

It sounds like Sissy is sick. Her symptoms could be caused by dental disease, systemic illness, infection, or injury. Without seeing her in person, I can't say for certain what is going on. I'd have her seen by a vet today to have this diagnosed and treated. Best of luck.