My cat can't eat?

Question

My cat (age 14yr) is trying to eat but can't because she has lost most of her teeth. I've tried giving her canned food, but all she does is lick the gravey off; she doesn't eat it. I've tried hot water in her dry food, gravey, chicken broth, even warm milk, but still she can't eat it. Any tips save going to the vet?

Answer 1

feed her with a syringe, like the type you get for meds they sell them at pet stores I had to do it with my cat when he couldn't eat cause he couldn't breath through his nose. he had to chose to eat or breath and that didn't work too well.
You might want to try one of those gel supplements too they are chock full of vitamins and minerals your cat is probably lacking from not eating.
My friend also gave her cat baby food when he got old.

Answer 2

If you have had and loved this kitty 14 yrs isn't she worth a vet visit? She will die slowly and painfully if she doesn't get nourishment.

You could try making her a sort of soup (wet food, a bit of dry food, and warm water in the blender or a bit of rice and chicken broth blended) and see if that appeals to her. There are also liquid foods that you can get from a vet. It is important to be sure there is not a problem that goes beyond bad teeth that is making her unable to swallow or making her unable to process and eliminate foods.

If this is a one day thing give her a day as long as she will drink. If it has gone on 3 days or more she is very seriously in need of vet help.

Answer 3

My cat had a tumor on his tongue but before we had it removed I would put cooked fish ( flounder or Shrimp) through the food processor so that it was almost like a thick liquid. - sounds gross but he licked it up. You could probably even do that with her favorite canned food.You can also buy whats called kitten milk and that may add some nutrition.I've even been to cat shows where Ive seen them feeding their pets baby food. ( I tried that but my guy wouldn't touch it). I would be concerned if she hasn't eaten in days especially if shes not drinking any water because dehydration as well as the lack of nutrition will make her so weak especially that she 14 yrs old. If you use a vet I would call them and maybe they can offer some help over the phone. I used this web site in the past check it out maybe it will offer some other help.www.felinefuture.com/nutrition . Good luck I wish you and you cat the best.

Answer 4

She probably should have her mouth checked to see that everything in there is alright with the remaining teeth. So don't neglect that as older cats need good dental care.

You can probably pick up some Hill's a/d from the vet. It is very high in protein and fat and is quite mushy in consistency so it should be easy for her to get down and will be a nutritious food for her. Other good foods are Natural Balance and Wellness which are in pate form and you can add a tsp of filtered water to each serving to make it soupy. I would use some a/d, and some of the other brands mentioned which you can get from a pet store.

Please do have her mouth checked though. One of the remaining teeth may be abcessed and need to come out. Don't use cheap grocery store canned food (the kind with "gravies") as they are very poor quality foods.

Answer 5

I recently visited my vet and asked them about tooth decay in cats and she said that it has recently been found that cat's don't actually chew their food - they just swallow it. So, I guess, that means that your kitty doesn't really need her teeth to eat. I agree with some of the ideas above - give her tuna, but not too much. Also the idea about breaking up the canned food in many pieces. Try putting it on a flat plate so she doesn't have to try too hard.
BE CAREFUL with baby food make sure it doesn't have garlic or onion (not even powder) because it's fatal for cats. My vet suggested putting a dab of salmon flavored cream cheese, so you can also try that. Good Luck!

Answer 6

You already have a lot of good answers. Try to soften some kibble with tuna juice or buy some low sodium beef and/or chicken broth ( heat it a little to soften it more quickly) Also you can thin down her canned food with some broth. She should do OK, and maybe a vitamin supplement that your vet would recommend. Lots of luck. Maybe you could even try to use a blender.

Answer 7

You must go to the vet for tests. Cats can eat canned food, even without teeth. If she is not eating, this could indicate another problem, and she may need urgent treatment for that and then change of diet. I would tell you to try to mix her canned food with water and make it like a soup, but this may not be the solution, she may need special diet because of some other problem, so just have blood tests first.
I hope this is not it, but loss of appetite and loss of teeth often indicates kidney failure. Good luck.

Answer 8

She really doesn't need to do more than lick some of the things you mention you have given her. I would continue to offer her gravy, a little milk but not much. You might want to consider giving her baby food. They have mashed stuff that's something like pudding but contains meat and protein. I use to feed that to my dog when he lost most of his teeth. For a cat, smell is everything so mix some tuna juice in the baby food so it's really smelly. I bet she goes for it.
Eating solid food isn't as important as getting the calories and protein she needs.
Good luck with your kitty!

Answer 9

If she is hungry enough, she would eat. Even animals with no teeth can "gum" their soft food. At 14, she likely has some health problems that are causing her appetite to decrease. She should be examined as soon as possible. There may be things that can be done if you catch it early. If you wait until she has lost weight and is weak, it will be too late and you will have to have her put to sleep. Your veterinarian will recommend blood work to evaluate her. Don't delay!!
jms

Answer 10

Cats can eat without teeth but usually are limited to
having canned food or dried food softened with a little water

Answer 11

Why do people put their money above their beloved pets.. I'Ll never understand that.. Anyway your cat is old and I suggest you make sure all its food is mashed up so it can lick it.. In the wild some animals lose their teeth when they get old and starve to Death like Elephants for example..