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Anorexia is a decrease or loss of appetite for food. While hunger is physically driven, appetite is mentally driven.
There are two types of anorexia: true anorexia and “pseudo-anorexia”. Both result in decreased food intake; a cat with pseudo-anorexia wants to eat (is hungry) but is unable to because of difficulty picking up, chewing, or swallowing food or some other cause (see below).
Regardless of whether a cat is dealing with true or pseudo-anorexia, decreased appetite and decreased food intake are outward signs that should be taken seriously. These signs may indicate potentially life-threatening underlying conditions. Poor appetite or refusal to eat is strongly associated with illness and is a common reason for cat owners to seek veterinary care.
There are many potential explanations for decreased food consumption, and the first, most important step is to determine whether the cat has true or pseudo-anorexia. Does she want to eat but is unable to, or is she truly not interested in eating?
> "The first, most important step is to determine whether the cat has true or pseudo-anorexia."Your veterinarian will first want to take a detailed history to begin to differentiate between the two conditions. Next, they will give your cat a thorough physical examination to try to determine the presence of an obvious physical explanation for decreased food consumption.
Finally, diagnostic tests will be used to help uncover a reason for decreased appetite. These tests may include a complete blood count (CBC), a serum chemistry profile, electrolytes (to check mineral balance), X-rays (radiographs) of the chest and abdomen, ultrasound studies, and, depending on other findings, more invasive diagnostics like endoscopy or biopsies.
Potential explanations for pseudo-anorexia in which a cat wants to eat but does not, or has difficulty eating, include:
True anorexia can also have various causes:
Treatment will depend on the diagnosis. Associated or additional treatment will focus on treating/managing related symptoms. For instance, if your cat is dehydrated, then intravenous fluids may be needed. Any nausea must be eliminated. If it is appropriate, your veterinarian may prescribe a short-term appetite stimulant such as cyproheptadine (brand name Periactin®) or mirtazapine (brand names Remeron®, Mirataz®). In the United States, a newer medication called capromorelin (brand name Entyce®) has been developed and has shown good success.
If there is a mineral imbalance like low potassium, which can interfere with normal appetite, then a potassium supplement will be added. It may be useful to enhance the palatability of your cat's food. Your veterinarian can help you with specific recommendations, but simple steps to try include:
Occasionally, an anorectic cat with an underlying metabolic disorder must receive nutrients but is unwilling to eat. In these cases, it may be necessary for your veterinarian to place a temporary feeding tube to administer nutrition until your cat is well enough to want to eat on their own. Most of the time, feeding tubes are relatively easy to place and care for and can be lifesaving, even if only needed for a few days. Food and medication can be delivered with very little stress on the cat. If the GI system is capable of digestion, it should be used, even if that means delivering food through a tube for a while.
If the GI system is not working for some reason, your veterinarian may recommend what is called parenteral feeding, in which nutrition is provided intravenously. Parenteral feeding is a specialized, complicated technique generally performed by a specialist in a referral center. Tube feeding and parenteral nutrition are most often undertaken as “bridge” procedures until the cat can eat on her own.
It is important to note that sudden inappetence in cats, especially overweight or obese cats, is particularly dangerous because of the risk for liver failure. When a cat stops eating, the body must process fat from the body to meet its energy requirements. Unfortunately, a cat’s liver is not able to handle large amounts of fat and will develop hepatic lipidosis. This is also known as fatty liver.
Regardless of the reason for decreased food intake, changes in eating habits and patterns warrant investigation. Lost or decreased appetite may signal something serious and may contribute to a serious consequence or outcome. Take changes in your cat's eating behavior seriously and get your veterinarian involved early.
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Sep 13, 2023.
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