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My cat won't eat. What are the possible reasons for his appetite loss?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | unneutered | 7 years and 9 months old

when a cat wont eat does he have worms or what is causing him to not to eat

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on August 2, 2018

Hi there. There are many different things that could cause a cat to not eat, so I'm afraid it's hard to say what might be wrong without being able to examine him and run some tests. He may have a GI problem such as pancreatitis, a systemic illness like liver or kidney disease, an infection of some kind, or may have gotten into something toxic.

I would recommend taking River Jude to the vet for an exam, as some of these problems can be serious. He/she can do blood work or other testing if needed to help determine what's wrong and get him started on appropriate treatment.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 15, 2018
Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. First off, I would ensure he is eating enough food. If you are feeding adequate amounts of food and he is still not gaining weight, I would be concerned about a metabolic / endocrine disease such as hyperthyroidism or another systemic illness / infection. Unfortunately, if you are feeding him adequate calories and he is still not gaining weight, the only recommendation I can make would be to have his blood tested to see if he has hyperthyroidism or some other systemic disease. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Oneal Bogan, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 10, 2018
Hi there,

I would recommend trying the Royal Canin satiety diet, it's the lowest calorie and makes animals feel full. It's also very easy on the GI tract.

I would also have your vet check him for diabetes, just in case. This is a quick blood test, but with his weight I would make sure there isn't an underlying cause.

I hope that helps and thanks for using Pet Coach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
Published on December 29, 2017
Poor Loki! He is a cutie! There are so many things that can cause decrease appetite like parasites, respiratory infection, urinate infections, cereal viral infections, eating something he shouldn’t and much much more. I would continue to entice him with canned food and even some plain boiled chicken (no bones) if needed to get him to eat. If he starts vomiting or have diarrhea or becoming lethargic then you may want to see if there is an emergency vet in your area. Orherwise, i would just continue to watch him. I hope this helps and he starts to feel better soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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