What to feed a fussy elderly cat
5 Top Tips for Feeding Fussy Cats
Have you ever purchased really expensive cat food in bulk and then your cat has refused to eat anymore! Why are they such fussy eaters? What can you do about it? Our Pet Health Team investigate
Well, maybe its all down to their ancestors. Feral cats around the world can spend over 12 hours a day hunting and eat at least 10 small meals (= 10 small animals) throughout the day and night. Now compare that to the sedentary lifestyle of their domestic cousins.
In nature, hunting allows for physical and mental stimulation. Its a crucial time for kittens to learn from their mothers whats good to eat. This is also true in domestic cats, a kitten will prefer the type of food its mother ate. So dont expect them to know which food is best for them.
As true carnivores, meat and fat provide all the essential vitamins and amino acids cats need to thrive. But modern, calorie-dense diets and treats full of carbohydrates mean that any cat not working for their food is prone to obesity.
Fussy Cats
If you have a healthy cat with a finicky appetite, but it is not losing any weight, it might be that your cat food has a high-calorie content. To be sure, just check the manufacturers feeding recommendations. And try to get your cat weighed at least twice a year. They might also be supplementing their diet by hunting or eating at a neighbours house!
Now we know how our cats would eat in the wild, we can make some simple changes to help feed our fussy felines.
1) First, lets mimic nature and offer multiple small meals
At least 5-6 over a 24 hr period. Remember, cats are active at night too, even though they appear to spend most of their time sleeping!
Puzzle feeders are great. They encourage the cat to eat slowly by having to manipulate the food with its paws; which also stimulates the brain. For ease, use dry food in the food puzzles. If you weigh or count the number of kibble pieces it will help with both weight control and preventing any excess food from being left behind to rot.
In general, its important to provide a consistent quiet place for your cat to eat. But hiding food puzzles around the house will also satisfy their urge to hunt. It might even reduce those early morning hungry cat alarms! There are a lot of great ideas for homemade feeders on the internet. So you really dont need to break the bank, plus if you use recycled material, such as toilet roll tubes, you can rotate the toys in use to keep them novel and interesting.
2) Wet food is far more appealing when gently warmed to body temperature
This replicates a fresh kill in the wild and even house cats who have never hunted enjoy warm food. The texture of food is probably one of the most important features for cats. Just look in the pet food aisle to see all the different gravies, jellies, mousse, chunks, flakes, semisoft morsels, and crunchy options. Cats will have a preference, so offer a mix of their favourite textures and flavours. But try to stick with the same brand and dont swap too frequently, or you will actually encourage fussy eating habits.
3) Remember the most important nutrient is water!
And as a desert animal, cats evolved to get water from the small mammals they eat. Cats are fastidious with hygiene and to prevent contamination they prefer separate water bowls or running water to drink from. Leaving a tap dripping or using a water fountain will encourage them to drink. But most importantly, water bowls must be far away from food bowls. And wide enough for the cat to drink from the surface without the whiskers touching the sides. Try using a clear glass water bowl so you can easily see if its dirty and exactly how much water has been drunk.
4) All bowls should be wide and shallow, saucers or side plates work best.
Scientific studies have shown that cats will eat less if the bowl is small; they really dont like their sensitive whiskers touching anything when they eat. This also applies to furniture and walls, make sure the area is clear so they can eat in peace. And swap out any plastic or metal bowls, they can harbour odours and be hard to clean. Give food dishes an extra rinse to remove any detergent residues and sterilise with hot water. Be very careful with disinfectants on bowls and the floors, rinse and dry well.
5) Lions are the only members of the feline family that routinely live in family groups, all the rest prefer solitude.
So if you have multiple cats in your house, make sure you provide them with enough space to eat in peace. They may appear to be sharing but this can be an important source of stress. Give each cat their own set of food and water bowls and feed them separately, out of sight of each other. A microchip controlled automatic feeder might be a good investment if you have a cat with dietary restrictions and find it hard to feed them separately.
Of course, you may be the happy owner of that oddball cat that needs stroking before they will eat. Each to his own, it just takes a little patience to find whats right for your cat as an individual.
And remember a healthy cat wont usually starve themselves to death they may, however, move out and look for a more pliable owner! Fortunately, the vast majority of fussy cats are more fussy about the food environment than the food itself. While doubtless there are cats who will only eat foie gras and caviare, most will be satisfied with something from the cat food section in the supermarket or pet store, as long as its presented in the right way and the right place (and getting that right will save a fair amount of cash too!).
What to do if your cat stops eating.
If your cat suddenly stops enjoying their food, there are a few checks you can make to see if they really are Dish Divas or if something else is bothering them and its time to go see your vet.
Check the expiration date on all food and treats. Dry food is sprayed with a preservative which will turn rancid when exposed to air and moisture, so discard bags opened longer than 30 days. You might not be able to smell any difference but your cat definitely will.
Do not feed ad lib and always discard uneaten food after a couple of hours. If you are finding a lot of wastage then feed smaller portions. You can also go online and check if the manufacturer has changed the recipe.
If you suspect any weight loss, notice vomiting or diarrhoea, smelly breath, or drooling then call your vet for advice as soon as possible. Cats can get into serious trouble if they do not eat for more than a day.
So in general, try to feed your cat as it evolved to eat: give small frequent warm meals on a flat surface and away from prying eyes. Encourage hunting type behaviour with food puzzles and ensure a suitable environment. With so many different food types to try it is important you dont make sudden or frequent diet changes as this can lead to behavioural and or digestive problems. But lets get real, cats are quirky, its rare to find the appetite of a Labrador in any cat. So see if any of the above 5 tips can be applied to your cat but most importantly relax and enjoy your feline.
You might also be interested in:
My Cat Is Not Eating: An Owners Guide to Fussy Eating Cats
4. They are nervous
Some cats dont enjoy an audience when they eat, so give your pet some peace and quiet at dinner time. Other cats love company and may only eat when being gently stroked or hand fed. As we will see later, it's important to have more than one food bowl and place them in the right locations: quiet areas where they can avoid other cats or people passing by. They also don't like to eat near the litter box, so don't place the litter tray close to their food.
5. Unsanitary bowls
We wouldnt serve our dinner on a dirty plate, and some cats wont eat out of a dirty bowl either. Make sure your cat's bowl is cleaned after each use to encourage them to eat and prevent growth of bacteria on the dish.
6. Food temperature
If your cat has started to turn their nose up at their usual wet food, it could be because its too cold. Wet food can lose its tasty aroma when kept in the fridge, and your cat wont eat what they cant smell. Try warming chilled wet food in the microwave for a few seconds so that it reaches room temperature, and it should hopefully tempt your cat to tuck in.
7. Not enough bowls
If you have a multi-cat household make sure there are enough food bowls for each cat to have their own, and space them apart so they dont feel unsafe when eating. Even the friendliest of felines can feel stressed about sharing a food bowl with other cats.
8. Stale food
If your cat normally enjoys dry food but has suddenly become a fussy eater, you may need to replace your supply. As dry food absorbs moisture (especially in warm weather), your stocks may have turned stale.
9. Might be receiving too much food
If your cat is an outdoor pet, remember that there are plenty of opportunities for an unscheduled snack the other side of the cat flap if theyre quick enough to catch something. Some cat-loving neighbours may also enjoy feeding your cat. By the time dinner time arrives, your pet just might not be hungry.
To know if they are eating when they leave the house, a good idea is to regularly monitor the animal's weight and health status. If they have stopped eating completely, it's possible that they may lose weight rapidly or become ill (hepatic lipidosis), and other clinical signs such as vomiting, diarrhoea, etc., may appear. You should be attentive to these changes.
10. Hot weather
Like us, a cats loss of appetite can be related to hot weather. Where we may choose to opt for a light salad on a summer day, your pet may also not fancy a heavy meal when its hot outside.
Why is your cat not eating much but acting normally?
Encouraging Sick & Elderly Cats That Won't Eat
Like everything to do with cat health and welfare, when it comes to getting our favourite furry companions to eat, its the little things that make a big difference. Coaxing your cat to eat is a bit of an art form and takes agentle approach and lots of patience but with the right advice you are much more likely to succeed seeing your cat tucking into their food with relish is a very satisfying feeling indeed and makes all the pandering worth the effort! Why might a sick or elderly cat be eating less?Painis a very important reason why cats become less keen to eat and this needs prompt assessment and treatment. The most common cause of painful or difficulty eating is by far dental and gum diseases but eye disorders, neck/spinal pain, sore throats/ulcers and oral cancers can all cause pain when eating and hence reductions in a cat's food intake. Common signs that might indicate your cat has oral pain include recently having found/lost a tooth, facial swelling, smelly breath, drooling, suddenly becoming a messy eater/dropping food outside the bowl before eating, noticing red/swollen gums, poor coat condition or stopping grooming.One of the reasons weneed to provide feeding support to cats recovering from ananaesthetic or surgery is that there is inevitably a period of discomfort after most operations and this can affect appetite until it resolves. Aperiod of reduced appetite can also be associated with the changes in routine and the effects of the anaesthetic drugs on their gut. Some drugs and medical conditions can causenausea(particularly diseases of the stomach and intestines).When any of us have afeverwe inevitably feel less inclined to eat and this is frequently seen in cats too. It could be something as simple as a cat fight wound infection (abscess) but unless the underlying cause is addressed no amount of coaxing will resolve the problem on its own.Stress or depressioncan cause reduced desire to move about and use any resources such as litter trays and water bowls but it can lead to reductions in food intake too. Cats rely on their sense of smell to help taste their food. It is easy to see why they may appear "picky" when they are suffering fromconditions that cause nasal congestion (eg cats infected withflu, rhinitis, nasal cancer etc).Elderly catsalso have a reduced sense of smell but also tend to suffer from a variety of ailments (just as we do). Older cats are usually less physically active which reduces their need/drive to eat large meals (reduced metabolic needs) and are more stiff/less mobile (arthritic) so may choose not to get up to eat. Both of these factors make them more suited to eating smaller meals, more often. With an increased risk of dehydration older cats can become constipated which further reduces the urge to eat. Older cats are more likely to be suffering from pain (eg arthritis, dental disease) and many have chronic (long term) diseases all of which can suppress appetite.Cats suffering fromterminal illnesses are often suffering from many of these factors - stress, depression, pain, nausea and the effects of drugs we've already considered. In these cats, ourmutual goal is to ensure that they enjoy their last few weeks/months with you and this often comes down to providing them with good nutrition in a thoughtful way.Before you read any further it is best to read my dedicated page about offering cats food and understanding "fussy" eaters | **WARNING**The following information is not a substitute for proper veterinary medical attention and is designed to be used to support your cat whilst a diagnosis is being found or while treatment starts to take effect.A reduction in appetite is often a warning sign that your cat is sick or stressed and should never be overlooked. Always seek veterinary attention for your cat within 24 hours of any noticeable change in appetite.One of the most sad and frustrating things for a vet is being presented with a very sad, completely inappetant, dehydrated, very ill cat only to find out that their human has been watching the poor cat's appetite steadily deteriorate over the course of a week or more.Hopefully you wouldn't do that to yourself (or your children) so please do not wait until your cat is eating nothing at all before seeking veterinary help!Early intervention is key - starvation on top of the underlying reason your cat is off its food is a recipe for disaster and it is unnecessarynot to mention the fact that it will undoubtedly be moreexpensive to treat. |
What Should You Feed?
Prescription veterinary diets
Your vet may be able to recommend a food specific for your cats medical needs. In the short-term (few weeks), the most appropriate foods are high nutrient foods. There are many varieties available for palliative care in cats - many of them have high energy/fat levels and lots of extra vitamins and minerals required for healing. I have listed a few that I have purrsonally found useful ask your own vet to provide you with an appropriate selection of these to try (be aware that some of these foods can be very rich and will potentially make specific conditions worse - like diarrhoea for instance. Seeking vet advice is always safest)Hills a/d(pate)Royal Canin Recovery(tins)Liquivite(tins)Purina Convalescence(tins)Royal Canin Gastrointestinal (dry or wet)Hills i/d (dry or wet - chicken or salmon)Tasty tempters
Whilst in theory feeding unwell cats a specificfood or "prescription diet" may be best, in reality they may refuse it even if introduced gradually. It is still the best thing to try and I would always persist if possible using the advice of your vet. When it is not possible however, you can often get your cat to eat sufficient amounts of the preferred diet by adding a small quantity of what I call a "tasty topper". You choose something that you already know they can't resist and roughly mix it into the top layer of food which can really help make it more appetizing.Tasty toppers worth trying:
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NB: Most of these treats or tasty toppers are only designed to be fed in tiny quantities and are certainly not to be fed as a main diet. Always read the label. If a food is fully balanced with all the essential vitamins and minerals that cats need, then it will be called a "complete" food. On the other hand, if it says it does not say this or says it is "complementary" or designed to be fed with a complete and balanced diet then it is essentially nutrient deficient and will cause serious health problems if fed long term in large quantities. |
Homemade broths & pures
Always use home made broths from pure unseasoned meats. Packet gravies and stocks usually contain cat toxins - members of the onion family (including onion powder, chives, leeks, garlic). Many outdated, "self-help" internet sites suggest using jars of sandwich pastes (fish/meat) or human baby food; however, I would strongly advise against these because they will usually contain flavourings that are based on varieties of the onion family and there are far more tasty nutritional options available from your vet these days.
Variety is the spice of life
As anyone who has had a chronically inappetant cat will know your kitchen pantry can contain more varieties of cat food than a pet shop.Inevitably in times of illness you have to just pander to your cat's changing appetite and serve up a smorgasbord of foods .You may findyou need to rotate the types of foods that are offered from week to week but more often than not it can be meal to meal. Having had several elderly cats with renal failure I know the frustration of opening several pouches or tins before you manage to find the one your cat fancies eating for this meal. My fridge often contains numerous half-empty tins of food that although all eaten readily one day have failed to impress the next. Luckily I have a young cat with an excellent appetite so any leftovers rarely go to waste away!
Feed little and often
Sick or stressed cats will often stop asking for food or will do so less often, so we need to bear this in mind and actively encourage them. By offering small amounts of fresh food regularly you can often support your cat's nutritional needs as well as that burning feeling that occurs when stomach acid levels build up in an empty tummy. You may have to actually take the food to your cat. Inappetant cats can find the sight of a large portion food off-putting so only offer a spoonful at a time and if that is accepted, then try a bit more.
| Automated cat feeding bowls can be useful for people who are not at home during the daytime and for those cats who prefer to eat little and often overnight (egPet Mate Automated Feeder).For those of you with multiple cats there is now a cat bowl that opens whena specific cat uses it which is designed to stop other cats stealing the food -SureFlap Microchip Feeder. |
TLC and Support
Company While EatingSome cats like to eat in private and others seem to respond to your physical presence, so try giving them space and then taking the time to sit/lie beside them can help. Others seem to appreciate a gently stroke/rub around the cheeks every now and then and some quiet but reassuring words. It is always worthwhile doing this in moderation so that they don't develop an aversion to eating alone.Hand FeedingSometimes cats need some gentle active persuasion to eat. You can use teaspoon or your finger to gently wipe some wet food on your cat's mouth or lift 1-2 biscuits out of the bowl and offer like treats. Sometimes once they have licked and tasted the food you can continue in this manner with small portions at a time at least get something into your cat while you are waiting for any treatments to start working. Many people worry that if they start hand feeding their cat will always expect this which in the majority of cases is not true provided the underlying cause of the inappetance resolves.
Veterinary Assisted Feeding
Feeding Tubes
Some people believe it can help to feed your cat by syringing liquid food into their mouth but in my experience this can sometimes lead to an aversion to that food thereafter and forcing food down is unpleasant for owners and cats alike. In certain circumstances a temporary feeding tube can be placed. This allows us to reliably get food into your cat with minimal distress. It is not however appropriate in all situations.
Appetite Stimulants
In some cases it may be necessary to prescribemedication to stimulate you cat's appetiteat the same time as attempting to establish the underlying cause of the problemCyproheptadine (Periactin) is an antihistamine that happens to have an appetite stimulating effect in cats. Unfortunately it can also have other side effects, such as agitation, howling or in some cats the opposite effect, quietness and lethargy.In a small number of cats it may decrease urinationor increase heart rate, breathing rate and temperature. It may not stimulate all cats' appetites and as it is a human medication getting the dose right can be tricky. Cats on potassium supplements or those with high blood should avoid it's use. Mirtazapineis another human medication (an anti-depressant) that in tiny doses cancause an increase in appetite and also helps with nausea. It can cause restlessness, agitation and vocalization but in some cats it will cause the opposite effect and make them sleepy. Cats on certain medications or those with liver disease, high blood pressure/heart disease and overactive thyroids may be at increased risk of developing side effects on Mirtazapine. A condition known as "serotonin syndrome" can develop in some cats and lasts until the drug wears off (2-3 days). Symptoms include dilated pupils, excessive meowing/howling, being vacant, unsteady/staggering/stumbling, pacing, agitation and increased breathing/heart rates. This reaction is not common, but is naturally a concern which is why I suggest using a very low dose every 3rd day to start with.Diazepam (Valium) is another drug that has been used in cats to stimulate appetite. Ithas been linked to liver failure in some cats so I avoid this option.Steroids, among their many uses, can stimulate appetites in cats. They can have other undesirable effects so are not used purely for this purpose unless they have a concurrent therapeutic benefit for the cat's underlying illness.
Top Tips for encouraging your cat to eat
- Ensure your cat is comfortable and feeling secure
- Avoid bullying and competition for food by feeding your cat out of direct eyesight of any other cats/dogs
- Show a little tenderness - be patient and give your cat your undivided attention. If need be encourage your cat to sniff/lick food from your finger or the back of a teaspoon. Sometimes gentle reassurance is all your cat needs.
- Cats rely on smell to enhance the taste food so warm it up to "prey" temperature and release the food's natural aromas
- Offer smelly and strong-tasting foods such as seafood and roast chicken.
- Ask your vet about which types of foods would be safe to feed and whether there are any highly palatable and nutritious foods that they can supply for supporting sick cats
- Avoid presenting elderly and unwell cats with large portions of food - they are more likely to accept food little and often and some seem to definitely prefer this approach
- If your cat does not eat, take the food away and try again a bit later.
