If your finicky cat is refusing to eat her food, then you should probably take the matter seriously and try using appetite stimulants. They will help increase the appetite of the cat, and get her to eat food. This article lists some effective appetite stimulants for cats.
Cats are naturally choosy when it comes to food. However, if your cat is experiencing a lack of appetite that is causing her to lose weight, then it may indicate an underlying problem. The reason being a mild upset tummy, dental decay, kidney disease, and digestive problem. You should immediately get your kitty checked by a veterinarian. Who knows, she may have caught a nasty infection or parasite. It is quite normal for a cat to be a little fussy about food for a day or two, but if she continues this for days or a week, then you should take her to the veterinarian. After investigation, the vet may be able to diagnose the condition and, in most cases, it may be an easily treatable one. The vet may recommend some appetite stimulants for this purpose.
Natural Stimulants
Pet owners are always worried about their cat’s health. This is because these fussy, bossy creatures are not very open about their emotions, unlike a dog who will wag his tail when he sees you, or licks you to show his love. Your cat too loves you, but shows its affections in a very subtle way. If your cat is sick or unwell, she will hide in a corner or under the bed and sleep off the pain. This is the time when you are worried, as you want to help your cat, but don’t know how. When she stops eating, it becomes even more worrisome. However, natural appetite stimulants help renew hunger and will get her to eat again.
Vitamin B
One of the best appetite stimulants for cats is vitamin B. You can crush a multivitamin B tablet in your cat’s food. Cats are attracted to food by smell. Vitamin B helps stimulate their olfactory sense that is connected to their appetite. And hopefully, your cat will start eating from the dish.
Catnip
A natural appetite stimulant, catnip plant is very useful in increasing the desire to eat. Add some catnip or nepeta plant to the food dish to stimulate the pheromonic receptors of the cat. You can find these plant extracts in many pet stores.
Warm the Food
You can warm the dry or canned cat food in your microwave oven for a few seconds. This will help release the aroma of the food and attract the cat to eat some. Also, cats are predators and eat warm, freshly-killed prey. Warm food will stimulate the natural instinct of kill and bring the cat to the food.
Tuna or Sardine
You can feed your cat with a tuna fish or sardine. The strong smell of tuna will definitely make your cat hungry enough to eat it up. Also, it contains many essential nutrients for good health.
Prescribed Stimulants
After trying all the natural stimulants, should you find your cat still avoiding food, then you need to consult a veterinarian. There are certain prescribed appetite stimulants that help entice a cat to eat. Let us have a look at them.
Periactin
Periactin is actually an allergy medication. It comes in the form of a tablet, liquid, or gel. In case it is difficult to pop a pill into your cat’s mouth, you can try rubbing the gel or liquid on the tip of the cat’s ears. It is a very useful stimulant to increase appetite.
Remeron
Remeron or mirtazapine is used as an antidepressant in humans. For cats, it helps in reducing nausea and increasing appetite.
Valium
Diazepan or valium is an antianxiety drug. In cats, it works as an appetite stimulant. You will have to follow the dosage instructions given by the veterinarian, as you cannot stop giving valium abruptly to a cat. Never administer this drug without veterinary advice.
Side Effects
Like all medications, the prescribed appetite stimulants may have some side effects. They include a dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness, over-excited state, and howling in cats. In some cases, the cat may show a high body temperature, rapid heart rate, increase in respiration, and reduced urination.
If your cat does not eat in spite of all these strategies, you may have to go in for assisted feeding. Speak to the veterinarian and learn how to use a syringe or feeding tube to feed your cat. Cats can be very finicky, but there are times when you know something’s just not right. Watch out for signs of trouble and help your cat by taking action at the right time.
