When your cat goes on a hunger strike…

Cats are finicky creatures, and sometimes the cat not eating problem pops up.  There can be a variety reasons why your cat is not eating, which also means the seriousness of the diificulty can also vary.  When you cat refuses to eat, it means there is something stressing him or her.  Stress can come in many forms.

First, felines get stressed, just like humans, by large life changes.  Moving into a new house is very stressful for both cats and humans.  Cats are a creature of habit, meaning they do not like to change how they behave.  Adjusting to new environments takes time.  Depending on the number of times the chat has moved previously, the length of stay at previous locations, and the familiarity of the new surrounding, your cat will adjust to his or her own schedule.  However, if you cat goes without eating for more than 24 hours, contact your veterinarian to get him checked.

Secondly, cats get stressed out by the not to obvious things in life.  Replacing your furniture or even rearranging it can lead to your cat thrown for a loop.  Cat stress is a serious issue, because increased stress can lead to serious number of health risks.  Heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes are all related to stress in humans and cats.  You feline will eventually adjust to the new furniture settings, but give him time.

The last cause of stress is something out of your control.  Cats tend to be territorial creatures, so if there is a territorial spat outside, you cannot do anything to help.  The only thing you can do is keep your cat indoors, which may stress him even more.  Have disputes is part of a cats personality, so do not be alarmed if your cat is stressed from something you cannot put your finger on.  However, it would be hard for an indoor cat to have a territiorial dispute, unless you bring a new pet into the house.  New housemates will cause a great deal of stress to your cats.  Even new human babies are seen as new housemates.  Be aware what is changing in your cat’s life if he or she stops eating.

Aside from stress, a serious illness can cause your cat not eating syndrome.  However, this is easy to spot because there will be other symptoms.  If you cat becomes lethargic, withdrawn, or irritable as well as not eating, then you can be sure there is an illness that needs to be checked by your veterinarian.  Take him to the proper professional and all will be ok.  Read the other articles under “cat care” to help diagnose exactly what the problem your cat is facing.

Let’s review, there are three main causes of stress that cats face which also cause them to stop eating: moving, rearranging furniture, and new housemates.  Also, if there is a serious problem associated with the cat not having an appetite, it will show because other symptoms will be present.  I hope this article has been helpful in helping you learn more about your cat and its habits.