Should cats have dry food available at all times?
“Dry food is fine as long as it is complete and balanced,” says Dr. Kallfelz. Dry food may be less expensive than canned cat food and may stay fresher longer. Cats that eat only dry food need to be provided with lots of fresh water, especially if they are prone to developing urinary tract blockages.
How long can cats go without eating food?
It does seem this is the most common large stretch of days a cat goes without feeding, yet is rescued. This cat was even stuck on a railway bridge for six days, so it seems likely very many cats can last up to 6 days without eating much if any food.
What should I change my cat’s diet to?
When you have the luxury of time, you can slowly transition your four-legged family member to a new cat food. Maybe Mr. Tribble started out on a dry food diet, with no canned food at all. Once your vet explained the importance of canned food to your cat’s health, she taught you that cats aren’t great water drinkers.
Can a kitten get bored with dry cat food?
Kittens get used to eating a certain type and possibly even brand of cat food. While you may worry that your cat might get bored eating the same type of food day in and day out, he doesn’t care about this. He’s used to what he’s used to–period, end of story. If you try to change him from dry to wet, you will pay! (In his mind, at least.)
What happens when a cat refuses to eat?
Besides dehydration, cats who refuse to eat can develop a condition known as hepatic lipidosis or fatty liver syndrome. This is a liver disease that typically occurs after a cat has gone without eating at all, or eating very little food for about three or four days in a row.
How often should I Feed my cat free choice?
“If a cat can maintain his weight, free choice feeding is okay,” says Dr. Kallfelz. Even dry food left out for your cat to free feed needs to be fresh, so be sure to provide new food each day. If free feeding doesn’t work, you need to control how much they eat. “Several small meals may make them feel less hungry,” says Dr. Kallfelz.
What causes an older cat to stop eating?
Though any cat can develop kidney problems, kidney disease is more common in older cats and it frequently causes a cat to stop eating. One of the primary symptoms of kidney disease in cats is nausea, though this condition may also cause your cat to become lethargic and he may lose weight.
What should I do if my Kitten doesn’t eat?
Contact your veterinarian if your kitten has not eaten for one to two days or if your adult cat has not eaten in two days. Adult cats, especially those that are overweight, can develop a serious disease called hepatic lipidosis if they stop eating, so prompt action is important.
Do you need to feed indoor cat food?
Do indoor cats need indoor cat food? Indoor cats are less active, and therefore require fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight than their outdoor counterparts. Foods that are formulated to contain an ideal calorie content for an indoor lifestyle can help indoor cats maintain a healthy weight.
