Got A Fussy Cat? Here's Why Their Eating Habits Might Not Be Their Fault
Cats are often notorious for turning their noses up at the food that their pet parents try to offer them. While cats do have their own sense of taste and likes and dislikes, having a cat suddenly become fussy about all of their food isn't a good sign. If your cat is refusing to eat food that they once enjoyed, here's what it likely means.
Pain
The most likely culprit for your cat's behavior isn't to do with their taste buds, but their nerves. That is to say, cats who stop eating favorites suddenly are often doing so because they're in pain.
When a cat's mouth hurts, it makes it difficult to eat anything. Cats don't eat the same way that humans do -- they use their tongues to scoop up food from their bowls or plates, and then chew it. If any of your cat's teeth are painful, this could be why they're resisting eating.
This problem tends to pop up the most when offering your cat firm or hard food, like cat kibble. Crunching through that on a bad tooth isn't anyone's idea of a good time, so your cat may be giving up a meal it really wants because it's too painful to eat.
Dental Woes
There are two major problems that cats can face with their dental health: tooth decay and gum disease.
Tooth decay is, obviously, a form of a cavity. When it's gotten to the point where it's so deep that it's making your cat hurt, chances are saving the tooth will no longer be possible. However, leaving it on its own or hoping that it will eventually fall out isn't a solution either, as it can often lead to the second problem a cat's mouth can face.
Gum disease is a serious problem for cats and one that most will face. It can lead to tooth loss, extreme pain, and even allow infectious bacteria to spread through the bloodstream.
Getting Help
If you think that your cat isn't eating normally, you should go to a veterinarian. If your cat's teeth are to blame, your vet will determine which teeth are in trouble and perform a thorough cleaning -- and if necessary -- extraction on the bad teeth. This can also help to alleviate pain and reverse gum disease.
If your cat's mouth seems okay, your vet will run some tests to find out what's going on and why your cat isn't eating. Putting off medical care -- even if you think your cat's teeth are okay -- isn't a good idea. Get your kitty the help they need. For more information, contact a vet office like Buck Road Animal Hospital today.
