Why is my cat smacking lips and eating less wet food? Is 3oz enough?

The exact amount of calories that a cat needs certainly depends on their weight and activity level, but will tend to decrease slightly when a cat reaches an adult age. So, that might be why Baluu is eating less canned food than he used to. If he did not used to eat the dry food along with the canned food, then that would also account for why he is eating less canned food. In general, we usually recommend about 5 ounces of canned food for each 10 pounds of body weight if they are not eating any dry food. Based on that, it sounds like Baluu is eating a sufficient amount since he is also eating some dry food. If it seems like Baluu is losing weight, then I would recommend having your veterinarian examine him to make sure there isn't something going on internally. Otherwise, I would suspect that his metabolism is just slowing down a little and he doesn't need as much food as he did when he was younger. Some cats really desire some variety in their food, and it sounds like Baluu is one of those cats. Good luck! I hope that answered your questions. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Your cat needs to be seen by a vet as soon as possible for an exam and labwork so that he can be treated for his ailment right away. Not eating is a serious matter in cats. They cannot go more than a few days without eating or they risk liver damage. Your cat needs to be seen by your vet for an exam and bloodwork to determine the cause for your cat’s loss of appetite. Based on the findings, your vet will be able to give you a clearer picture of what is going on with your cat and be able to offer you treatment options. Try enticing your pet to eat with beef or chicken baby food that does not contain onion or garlic powder. Onion and garlic causes anemia. Warm it in the microwave for a few seconds. Stir it with your finger first to make sure there are no hot spots and that it isn't too hot. This makes it more aromatic and appealing to your pet. Wetting dry food or mixing wet food with low sodium chicken broth, also warmed, might entice your pet to eat. Some cats like to be petted while they eat, some want to be left alone. You'll know your cat's habits and be able to act accordingly.

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. With your description, I would suspect the lip smacking is from nausea due to a systemic disease or infection. The abnormal walking could be something we call a diabetic neuropathy if this is diabetes. I would recommend that you have him examined by a veterinarian and have his blood tested to see if there are any changes they may help explain why he is having these symptoms. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

Most cats only need to eat around 3/4-1 cup of food daily (1 cup= 1 can). So if you are feeding him more than this, you are likely putting too much in the bowl. Also split up the daily meal into two so that the leftover food isn’t sitting there getting stale. Most cats graze anyway, this is normal. However if you are already doing those things then you do have the choice to relinquish ownership of Wilkie. This is a hard decision to make when considering giving up a pet. Which is why when you adopt a pet you have to assume full responsibility for them, even when they are not perfect. However, if you feel it is detrimental to his health for him to remain with you and have a good no-kill shelter or home for him to go to, then adopting him to a more suitable forever home can be considered. Here is a website link too that may help you with tips to try and build the bond you have with Wilkie if you do decide to keep him. Indoorpet.osu.edu Jacksongalaxy.com Best of luck in deciding how to best care for Wilkie moving forward. Take care.

This sounds a lot like your kitty has problems with his teeth or possibly severe gingivitis or ulcers in his mouth. If he lets you have a look, inspect his mouth for red spots, a red gum line and severe tartar, especially on the molars or any swelling. He will likely need a dental cleaning under anesthesia, if he has not had one in the last year or two. Cats get so called FORL, that is the neck of the tooth often rots underneath the gum and eventually starts hurting. Typical signs would be red gums and some swelling and not letting you have a look at his mouth. Affected cats often want to eat, go to the food, eat a little and then stop only to return later for more but few bites. Please make an appointment with your vet for an exam very soon. In the meantime feed canned food which will be less painful to eat.

It could be Blackie has a respiratory infection affecting her ability to meow. If she's congested, she won't eat as much. Cats like to smell their food, and if they can't smell it, they won't eat. Have her seen by a vet today. Best of luck.

This is urgent. Your cat likely has a problem with his teeth, excessive tartar, severe gingivitis and pain. Please take Mackswell to your veterinarian for an exam and schedule a dental cleaning if needed as determined by the vet.