Exploring the Reasons Why My Cat Is Not Eating

1. Introduction

Cats can sometimes present a riddle to their owners when, for a few days, they refuse to eat their food. Vomiting, diarrhea, and laying around lethargic may prompt an owner to bring a cat in to the vet, only to leave frustrated when the exam and tests don't provide a clear answer. The cat's picky appetite means the vet can only order so many force-fed meals before the cat earns the label of "finicky." Cats in shelters refuse to eat as well, a problem that was over quickly if staff could drop some fish in front of each cat. However, meat shavings are not the mainstay of most veterinary clinic diets, so the problem should be resolved in a way that removes underlying signs of stress from the cat, if at all possible.Little could be more alarming to a cat owner than discovering that one’s feline companion has lost all interest in her most favorite things: the sunniest windows, the cozy hiding places, the playful toys, and the delicious meals. This, however, happens, and if early interventions are missed, it can lead to severe diseases and even death. There is no single universal reason for a cat not to eat food, and mostly it is a combination of several factors. Reduced appetite can be caused by stress, depression, or some diseases. Cat diseases that could cause your cat to ignore food are gingivostomatitis and other inflammations in the oral cavity, urethra blocks, and oral ulcers. Reduced appetite reveals that your cat might be suffering from hypertension, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, kidney disease, hepatitis, or cardiac insufficiency. The current tendency is to have as many pets as possible, so the pets sometimes get thrown away or abandoned if they refuse to comply with the diminished attention that is given to them each day. Most of these abandoned cats are poorly fed and live in stressed conditions, so they should be good cases of cats showing a reduced appetite. To our knowledge, however, no publication seeks to link these balls of floating fluff with specific behaviors. Maybe this causes the scarcity of papers regarding when and why animals refuse to eat food. Prolonged inappetence, however, has severe nutritional and clinical implications. Rabbits, non-human primates, and rats, for instance, that are inappetant for more than two to seven days often undergo a rapid progression of hepatic lipidosis known as fatty liver syndrome.

2. Understanding Feline Appetite

Each time we come face to face with a cat that is not eating, we have to dig deep to find all the reasons that may be behind this. The first three major health questions that every veterinarian needs to rule out have to do with the function of the mouth and throat, a cat's gastrointestinal system, and hormonal or metabolic disorders. When these diseases have been ruled out, we turn our sights to the overall picture of the pet, its behavior regarding food, and what has happened in its life.

An adult cat in a silent room will eat individual small meals 15-40 times per day and almost half of all outdoor cats only eat when no one is looking. With people or other animals around, however, a cat may significantly change its eating habits and eat less often with larger meals. The exterior elements also have an influence on their appetite, as people can often see their cats eat more in colder months. Most cats also only weigh between 4 to 12 pounds, making them very small in comparison to us, meaning they require much less food. And finally, it is pointed out that some cats only eat when their bowls are empty and, while that isn't something to worry too much about, it is a good habit to get and maintain for when playtime comes and that also may be a good time to feed your cat its meals.

2.1. Normal Eating Behavior

Most wildlife cats prefer to have several small meals a day with only a few larger meals in the evening. These are the predatory instincts of the cat. Most domesticated house cats eat as little as 10-20 meals a day, but because of our busy lives and often small kittens that wake us up at all hours of the night, most domesticated house cats are used to eating large meals 1-2 times a day. These larger meals often happen when you come home from work and right before bed. Cats are picky eaters by nature. Cats were originally designed to hunt for their food. Cats often take breaks in between meals and will approach the food, walk away, and then come back to it. An average meal for a wild cat would be a small bird, mouse, rat, or rabbit depending on their prey. They don't have to eat for every hour of daylight. The same goes for our pet cats. They often have small stomachs and cannot eat large amounts of food at one time. Picky eating can often be associated with behavior related to stress or anxiety that could be encouraging your cat not to eat. It can also be a symptom of many different medical conditions. Because of body weight, health history, behavior, and many other factors, you should always consult your veterinarian if this is happening to find out what is going on and why and have testing assessed to find appropriate treatment for your cat. It's important to note what is normal for your pet cat's behavior. If you feed dry food, make sure that it is not expired because it can lose its flavor after the expiration date.

2.2. Factors Affecting Appetite

A cat's appetite is affected by many factors that may be different from those of humans or other animals. First of all, feline appetite is usually less affected by psychological issues compared to human appetite, such as stress, depression, or anxiety, because the cat does not have the abstract ability for psychology but is creatures of keen habits. It is easy for cats to lose their appetites if the diet or eating habits are changed, which is usually one of the reasons for "my cat is not eating." These behaviors can easily be confused with stress and depression by pet owners who are unfamiliar with feline habits. For example, some cats like to hide and look for a quiet environment while eating, and some cats are afraid of the smell of new plastic bowls. However, some studies have shown that, for example, environmental factors like stressful situations can reduce the amount of ingested food in cats. Araujo et al. confirmed that the stress hamsters felt in their cages was greater, and the appetite of hamsters that felt afraid of the stressor was less. In the same way, if the eating environment of a cat changes, the cat may have less chance to eat because he is afraid. The history of development of eating habits in addition to environmental factors is another consideration in the trait of anorexia in cats.

In addition, different breeds of cats have different degrees of preference and anorexia which are usually passed on from the previous generation based on the background of cat evolution. Therefore, this kind of trait has become the most robust mechanism of predator in carnivores such as cats, whereas dogs have no carnivorous problems due to their history of being an omnivore. In addition to individual preference, Hairballs that remain in the stomach and cannot be expelled may lead to vomiting and disrupt a cat's feeding. Similarly, some cats may avoid eating due to urinary tract infections or diarrhea, which can cause them to ingest urine or stools inside or outside the house. To accurately identify signs of anorexia in cats, it is essential to take all factors affecting their appetite into account.

3. Health Implications of Loss of Appetite

The idea of a capricious cat who just doesn't want to eat the food it has been offered has become a cliché so strong that it is commonly portrayed in advertising campaigns, television, and movies to a level that borders on comical. But when the owner, concerned with its cat's eating preferences, observes a change of behavior that looks like a cat not eating because it is ill or simply because it feels bad, it is time to be very careful. The reason behind the loss of interest in food could just be a matter of taste or could be a sign of serious illness - it could also be the cat's way to convey to the owner it has not been feeling well and prompt medical attention. There are many physical ailments that could deter a cat from eating, and the longer the period an animal goes without food, the more weight it will lose, making it difficult to recover quickly.

The cat is an animal highly adapted to saving energy, which is why it sleeps a lot. However, its physiology has specific energy needs, such as a special protein metabolism, a constant need for protein, and essential nutrients that are lost during energy production. Even very low energy intake during fasting can cause a syndrome that quickly becomes fatal in cats - hepatic lipidosis. Thus, fasting over three days is already considered a medical emergency in cats! Many northern European keep cats in the winter period and boost the formula in the summer when the sun is sure to hit the feline pelts, fur, and skin, providing them vitamin D. Some benefits of solar exposure and luminotherapy on well-being, appetite, sexual behavior have been observed as well.

3.1. Nutritional Deficiencies

When a cat does not eat, the cat's deprivation is not only a caloric deficit, but also a deficit in essential nutrients, especially taurine (an amino acid), arginine (an amino acid), niacin (a water-soluble vitamin and essential dietary nutrient), the B vitamin family (specifically choline), and proteins. These deficiencies can lead to acute and severe consequences associated with both the natural role of these nutrients and the biological roles evident from contemporary research that removes these nutrients from the equation.

When a cat cannot eat and stops losing muscle mass and body weight, the cat's body starts to use up muscle protein, body fat, and carbohydrates to satisfy the energy demand of the body. During this time, anorectic cats lose muscle mass rapidly (compared to dogs) and develop metabolic complications associated with strongly pulsatile insulin secretions. The cat will develop ketosis and fatty liver syndrome, sometimes resulting in hepatic lipidosis or liver failure. Additionally, anorexia can also cause hypokalemia due to concurrent periods of fasting, malnutrition, and resultant abnormal regulation of potassium within the body. Therefore, an anorectic cat can become weaker and weaker as muscle is broken down for the body's needs. Sudden death may occur due to simultaneous arrhythmia and anemia (low WBC count) or a lower resistance to satisfy important body needs like fighting off a second infection or even slight trauma.

3.2. Dehydration and Kidney Health

Health implications of loss of appetite: When a domestic cat's normal appetite is reduced for a period longer than 12-24 hours or is lost completely, it can reflect an array of underlying medical problems. The list is long and includes diseases of the mouth, parasites in the gastrointestinal tract, and an over-accumulation of a protein called amyloid in association with aging. Alternatively, stress is known to reduce brain feedback to the stomach and intestines, resulting in a loss of appetite. Some medications are also capable of reducing the sensibility of the feed intake center in the brain. Consequently, one reduced response occurs with prolonged reduced firkinosis that often incites a thin body condition due to a failure to meet total daily energy and nutrient requirements. Another is dehydration, which occurs when an animal drinks less than normal for about 1-2 days and is often referred to as anorexia of thirst in domestic cats.

Dehydration and kidney health: Cats, whether healthy or not, are known to have decreased sensation of thirst when compared to other mammalian species. They often do not compensate for decreased water intake by increasing the consumption of moist foods or increased water from bowls or fountains. Consequently, cats are at risk for increased urine concentration and an inability to adequately dilute acquired waste from the blood and normal metabolism. If the situation is experienced for long enough, damage to the tiny filtering units of the kidney results, initially leading to inadequate water filtration and the development of higher concentrations of toxins within the blood compartments.

3.3. Overview of Factors Affecting Cat's Eating Habits

A comprehensive list of what might affect a cat's desire to eat extends to four separate categories: health, environment, behavior, and clinical feline dietary needs. Some health-related reasons cats may not eat include toxic tissue accumulation, organ compromise, or stress-related conditions. Environmental factors might range from temperature preferences of the individual to the location of the food in relation to food and water, respectively. Behaviors such as food aversion and preference for a single macronutrient over other foods within the diet have been briefly explored and have set the tone for understanding how external attributes of the food available may sway their eating habits. But because there's so much we don't know about a cat's diet from their point of view, the interpersonal actions of the caregivers can also impact one's pickiness or the ability to eat freely.

The purpose of this study is to investigate each of these factors influencing a cat's eating habits. Understanding each of these factors is as important as understanding the interactional extremes to which a singular cat might be influenced by each. The conceptual reach of this consideration thus covers some of what we know a little more about two things until this moment: who decides if and why a cat doesn't want to eat. That is, not only do health problems have an impact on the desire of a cat to eat, but the environmental complexities and the everyday behaviors of the cat have the same impact as well. The above topics will be discussed in the following subsections.

4. Health Factors

Health factors are likely to play a significant role in determining the appetite and well-being of a cat. Points of concern and intervention also stem from the risk that certain health conditions can be exacerbated by or may contribute to a decrease in eating behavior. Conditions leading to a decreased interest in food include dental pain and infection, digestive disorders, cancer, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, and inflammatory bowel disease, to name a few. Recognizing signs of these conditions can help inform you of when a cat might be exhibiting a health-related decrease in appetite. While some conditions are easier to detect in terms of physical symptoms, others may be far less obvious to non-veterinary professionals.

Health issues not only affect appetite but can also alter mental well-being and overall temperament. For example, cats with hyperthyroidism may be agitated, irritable, and restless. If a cat is acting out of character, dietary and environmental modifications might not be enough to fix the problem. As a veterinarian or vet behaviorist, I would typically advise a disgruntled client that cats often suffer from one or more undetectable health problems – most of which don't announce themselves with obvious clinical signs. Only a veterinarian can assess for these through a physical exam, complete blood count, blood chemistry panel, blood pressure check, urinalysis, stool analysis, and/or imaging. Some pet owners wonder whether their veterinarian is running diagnostic tests to make money. In this circumstance, your veterinarian really is trying to make sure that you aren't inappropriately struggling to solve a cat behavior problem that's primarily health-related, and that could change over time.

4.1. Common Health Issues Impacting Appetite

Health can be a major reason for appetite changes in a cat. Kidney disease, especially in older cats, is a common reason for a cat not eating and being off their food. Cats are the same as humans, and if they feel ill or unwell, it can put them off their food, so it makes sense that any illness like kidney disease would cause them to go off their food or not eat as much as they used to. Some infections, such as cat flu, can cause the sense of smell to be affected in a cat, and this makes food less appealing and can put the cat off eating or stopping eating completely. Hyperthyroid disease is another old-age problem for senior cats and can cause a cat to have a bigger appetite. However, not all cats with weight loss and hyperthyroidism will have a bigger appetite, but some certainly will. The good news is that if it is hyperthyroidism and it is well managed, there is a high chance the appetite will go back to normal; however, if left untreated, it will cause the cat not to eat. Owners need to look out for a cat not eating.

It is also seen more often in cats with hyperthyroidism than in dogs with hypothyroidism. This is because it is a problem with the parathyroid gland and not the thyroid gland itself. Regular check-ups at the veterinary clinic will help to pick up the early signs of kidney disease and hyperthyroidism in cats. Both can be managed very well, but the earlier that it can be detected, the better it can be managed, and therefore the better it is for the cat.

4.2. Symptoms to Look Out for in a Cat's Health

In cats, there are many signs that they may show to indicate an underlying health problem. Cats are classic at hiding when they feel under the weather or when they become very ill with a disease. As a cat guardian, it is very important for you to watch over your cat’s symptoms and collect individual data on your cat to document any changes in their overall health. As cats are pure carnivores, they are less likely to become sick as they normally groom themselves. So, if they stop grooming themselves, then there is something concerning about their health to look for. Some other common symptoms that cats may show that can give you an indication that they are not feeling very well or are unwell include lethargy. This is an indication of a lack of energy in the body and this can be seen as an overall depression in your cat’s personality. Vomiting is an important sign of a sick or unwell cat that will come along with inappetence and anorexia.

Cats in an anorexic state can also demonstrate some mild dehydration as well as weight loss. The gum color and the gum texture of the mucous membranes play an important role in indicating many underlying diseases as well as any process that hinders any single body part’s functionality. The cat will also show a raised rectal temperature or a low one depending on the type of disease the cat is dealing with. Any process that alters any body process in the cat’s body will result in changes in the rectal temperature. A rise and decrease on a long-term basis may mean that there is an underlying disease or a hormonal imbalance in the cat. It is important to document these changes in the rectal temperature so that it is easier for the veterinary doctor to know what could be wrong with the cat. Changes in the urination patterns as well as water intake are also important. It is important to monitor your cat’s water intake and see if there are any increases or decreases in the water consumption. In addition, the number of times your cat urinates in a short time can give an indication if your cat is dehydrated or not.

5. Environmental Factors

Various aspects of the environment can influence a cat's willingness to eat. Noise can highly influence some cats' behavior, and they might feel very uncomfortable and rather not eat with background sounds. Cats living with other cats have some rules about social behavior, including eating together. This is not because they are like dogs, but because before or after hunting, they can feel "high" on adrenaline and need to cool down with a large meal and a nap. When cats have full-time access to their favorite meal, they might see others feeding as a threat and would rather not have the meal. Cats do not like people near their feeding area if they are not fully relaxed. That explains why my cat looks at me with suspicion when I want to check his food while he is eating.

The fact that cats feel uncomfortable eating with "strange" people around or eating food that has been placed in an area where "unexpected people" can come in could explain why cats that had no problems in the past suddenly are not eating anymore or eat very little. In this case, it is the feeding area and the contact with strangers that are influencing the cat's behavior, not the context. This example confirms that "the environment" inside the home and the way the owner interacts with her or his cat is crucial for the cat's well-being. Cats prefer to eat in a clean area and when the food does not smell bad. Transparent bowls help the cat see immediately if water is running out. If the house is large, it is very important to have feeding and drinking stations at different levels of the house so that cats that would like to be alone can be. Routines are particularly important for cats. When an animal does not have the same routine every day, any change may create stress, and the cat will react by reducing or stopping eating. The more stable this routine is, the better for the cat. However, the routine you create must be "his" routines, not yours.

5.1. Impact of Surroundings on Cat's Eating Behavior

The surroundings of a cat can influence its eating behavior due to a number of syndromes associated with the system that controls how it processes food. Lighting can be modified with slightly warmer lights at feeding time, or reduced blueness to mimic a later time of day. Locating the food in a place where it feels relatively safe and secure should prevent predatory animals from sneaking up on it, increasing its comfort, and thereby its desire to stop for a meal. Reducing competition with other house cats, possibly with other species as well, and reducing odors or noises that might alert other cats to mealtime will likely increase intake for some cats. Cats prone to obesity, vomiting, or other health ailments when eating too quickly often prefer to eat alone, in peace, in locations they feel secure.

If an animal has developed negative emotions about its surroundings, or if it simply finds the sensory lack of change familiar and comforting, it may stop eating in the presence of anxiety-provoking noises, smells, or new objects of attention. Cats also commonly stop eating when a new cat is added to the household no matter how much the people in the house enjoy each other. Even when the two cats only live near each other, not even interacting, they frequently stop eating. Some cats prefer to eat off the ground despite being able-bodied. For these cats, a pile of kibble on a hard surface is preferred over a bowl on an elevated structure, unless the bowl is a particularly soft or flawed material.

5.2. Creating a Cat-Friendly Feeding Area

Cats that aren't eating well need a quiet place where they feel comfortable to eat. Both the location and presentation can affect appetite. It's best to feed them in an area that has a low level of traffic, so the cat doesn't feel threatened and knows that he or she is safe. You can also consider elevating the food and water bowls, which serves as a prevention method to avoid contamination from flies and insects, as well as providing dental benefits. It's a good idea to use small glass, stainless steel, or china bowls that allow you to rinse, wash, and dry them easily, which will prevent the risk of bacterial accumulation and contamination of the food or water. Some clients swear by plastic cups, which are stain-resistant and durable. Keep in mind that cats prefer niche-shaped feet to square-edged shoes that push the whiskers to the side. Try offering your pet an assortment of foods on a set schedule. Cats, unlike dogs, are usually good at self-regulating once they adapt to the routine. Not only does choice take into account a cat's picky nature, but it also fosters a sense of independence. When you offer various menus, take time to uncover the pet's favorite food and treats, which may include freeze-dried chicken, chunks of freshly cooked protein, or baby food meat. Soft mats made of rubber or microfiber add to the comfort of the pet. You want it to be as welcoming as possible. Never substitute the food for treats. A cat that is fussy may not be drawn to the new food, which may lower its threshold for meals and trigger aversion to the previous diet. Suitable food resembles a tasty appetizer tray, providing portion-controlled options and adding nutrients and moisture. While there are a variety of choices, pet owners should strive to provide at least one canned meal per day, if possible. Water is rarely a cat's first choice, and they need to be suitably hydrated.

6. Behavioral Factors

Some cats are finicky about their source of nutrition. Some only wish to eat wet or dry food. Some only want to eat off a plate, while others prefer to eat out of a bowl. A cat's behavior will also influence its desire to eat. Behavioral issues such as eating while anxious, zero grazing in multi-cat households, or being distracted by a forever blaring television are created by these decisions to eat or not eat. Understanding a cat's natural instincts and quirks can aid in resolving these potential mealtime problems. Because your cat typically has a similar routine every day, small changes can be disturbing. They may become frightened and retire to the farthest, safest location they can find if they are startled. Changes to the environment, such as the addition of new individuals or a new pet, the purchase of new or relocated furniture, the creation of a new area, the movement of a litter box, the placement of new or more litter boxes, the purchase of new food or treats, can have an impact on the environment. A little kitty or the thought of driving to the vet may cause a cat to stop eating. If an illness is the cause, this change should be evident. Food aversions can evolve immediately after a meal in some situations. Mistakenly, a cat can and will connect gastrointestinal disease with a particular type of food. A cat's perception of food may be altered by a food item.

6.1. Understanding Cat Behavior and Eating Patterns

It is important to recognize that domestic cats have the same instincts and natural behaviors as their distant relatives. These behaviors and the needs that drive them to eat have undoubtedly been linked to their survival as a species. Hunting, which begins with "stalking" and ends with "capturing," is a normal behavior that all cats instinctually have. Artificially creating an eating environment that is as close as possible to their hunting and foraging habits in the wild may be a fairly effective way to attract a cat to eat at home. Moreover, not only intense fear or anxiety, but also low-level anxiety or chronic stress, may affect whether or not cats eat. For example, there may be an individual cat that stops eating when a new cat is introduced into the household, while another has no appetite when there are visitors at home. Some cats may refuse to eat when their owner goes on a trip and leaves them alone.

The behaviors and physical conditions that cats exhibit when they refuse to eat include a bent neck during eating; frequent frowning and looking suspicious; the amount of head rotation increasing when eating food; and the position of the ears, tail, and body lying frequently and washing the head. In addition, the feeding practices preferred by cats were "eating alone," followed by "eating small amounts and multiple times a day," while "eating alone" and "eating anywhere, anytime" together. The results suggest a reason why cats may not eat, even if there is no change in their environment or food. Changes in the living environment, employment, day cycle, sleep and wakefulness, and eating are all likely to lead to the loss of a cat's appetite. It is thought that consecutive changes may put stress on the cat and produce a loss of appetite.

7. Common Medical Conditions Affecting Appetite

Decreased food intake in cats, referred to as anorexia, is a common occurrence seen in feline practices. Some owners find it easy to correct this by changing the cat's diet or surroundings in which they eat. If these solutions do not work and the cat continues to lose weight, it is important to consult a veterinarian as the cause may be medical. There are numerous diseases or conditions that can decrease appetite. This may require a range of diagnostics and treatments as the cause may range from lack of interest, infection, drug effect, cancer, chronic disease, hormonal imbalances, bacterial infections, and toxin exposure.

Some common medical conditions that are known to decrease appetite in cats include: cancers, kidney disease, dental disease, hyperthyroidism (thyroid gland secretes excess hormones), and diabetes mellitus. Other causes include any cat that is in pain or has any injury, a cat with an excessive amount of bowel worms, or from eating blue/green liver from anticoagulant poisoning. When a veterinarian or feline specialist examines cats for being anorexic, they will begin with a physical exam to try to rule out any masses or foreign objects that are physically preventing your cat from eating. Next, a veterinarian will typically run blood work like a complete blood count, a serum biochemistry panel, and a certain thyroid gland hormone should be tested for. Hygiene and your cat's mouth will also be checked for any dental problems. Some vets may recommend urine and maybe called to spot any sugar in it for diabetes mellitus. In addition to blood work, other vets may recommend x-rays and ultrasounds to image your cat's chest, abdomen, and pelvis to look for any cancer growth or traumatic injury.

8.Strategies for Encouraging Healthy Eating

This approach emphasizes the importance of consulting with a veterinarian before implementing dietary changes. This can be important to check for underlying health concerns and provide options for medical support before other strategies are sought. This chapter provides advice on suitable feeding and food choices and also highlights the importance of the cat's preference and health requirements. It is also important to consider preference when advancing the diet, as well as being mindful of gastrointestinal signs at the time of change. Educating the owner on the importance of observing their cat's responses to the intervention is very important.

Key Messages: Practical feeding advice should include a variety of enrichment methods to keep feeding exciting. Due to the importance of a timely diagnosis, the chapter advocates for timely veterinary checks to exclude any existing health concerns that could be associated with changes in appetite. Practice Points: It is useful to use a good history to guide food selections based on the cat's choice, access, and social environment. Food propensities should be assessed utilizing a wide scope of food types, including domestic feline food, unrefined flesh, canned food, and kibble. Feeding techniques and strategies should feature a way for the owners to re-engage with the cat to help keep it playful and enjoyable for all concerned. Feeding plans must be negotiated with the cat's affection and emphasized during regular veterinary exams. Feeding and food suggestions must be individually tailored. Offer choice not just with food types but also when using food to try to get the cat to put it into the digestive system and go further with the choice of dishes, plates, and placement of food.

9. Veterinary Consultation and Diagnosis

Undertaking a thorough medical examination gives animal doctors all the clues they need to establish whether the cat's disinterest in food is due to a possible illness or lack of appetite. This includes eliminating possible causes that change the state of the cat’s behavior but do not actually affect their feeding behavior. This is why any variation in patterns of behavior observed in our cats, ranging from the remoteness of the usual environment to sitting in places that are not normal, should be communicated to our veterinarian. Based on this information, various diagnostic examinations can be performed in order to confirm the diagnosis and the predisposing cause.

Smelly food, whatever its source, is a strong alert signal when a cat does not eat. Normally, we would not react if the cat withdraws from the meal. Some cats are very sensitive to taste and aroma and may abandon food if it has been tinged by an unusual taste. Therefore, measures for health prevention, including giving food that smells and tastes good, involve visiting the veterinarian at least twice a year. It would be best to visit a veterinarian every quarter. Treatments and further visits will develop a basis of the animal's medical history, which is very important to know when to embark on the diagnosis and to implement an effective prevention of animal disease.

10. Dietary Modifications and Food Choices

A diet's moisture level is of particular importance for determining its appeal, especially for cats. In the wild, cats obtain much of their needed moisture through food; to rehydrate their food or to make the act of eating itself more enjoyable, cats may prefer canned or other moist diets over dry ones. Adaptive for desert dwellers from the Middle East, Savannah, and Egyptian regions, domesticated cats are generally somewhat thrifty with water intake, relative to other domestic species, and may sometimes consume insufficient water to maintain proper kidney health. In such cases, an all-dry, extruded diet may sometimes lead to the accumulation of concentrated urine, a predisposing factor that could theoretically contribute to the development of lower urinary tract signs and illnesses given a sufficient combination of risk factors.

Commercially available diets that can serve as long-term feeding options for cats are designed to be complete and balanced in terms of nutrients. Since they are typically fortified via supplementation with industrial sources of vitamins and various minerals, it is considered inappropriate to feed a pet vitamin-mineral supplements on top of such a diet. When one is considering which diets or diet formulations to offer cats, in general, diets that are approved for the appropriate life stage are sufficient to meet the nutritional requirements of healthy cats. Although scientific studies have shown that, given those ingredients that are present in pet foods available nowadays, even higher-risk struvite-containing stone-forming purebred cats will not produce sufficiently concentrated urine to support the spontaneous formation of sterile or infective bladder stones, such diets exist.