Hi all, I know this can be a common problem and I've been scouring the internet and trying all the usual advice. Had 3 yr old male moggy at vet's a few weeks ago as his appetite went from the usually ravenous and mooching cute pest to virtually nothing. Vet gave him thorough check (apart from bloods/xrays etc), wormed him, vitB12 shot and antibiotic (his temp was 1+ degree over normal - vet wasn't sure if that was just the stress of being there) but pretty much gave him a very clean bill of health. He started eating again - always had eaten Sheba meat 'n' gravy, had reverted to Fish in jelly in the previous month but seemed to prefer the meat again - all good.
Because I had so much damn Sheba fish, I ran out of the meat so he had the Sheba meat 'gourmet' pouches these last few days, which he was eating fine (along with the odd fish one) but this has tailed off again. I bulk buy cat food, so his 'favourite' meat Sheba arrived today and I was hoping that would trigger his appetite again but, no!
Reason for previous detail: was wondering if there had been too much change to his diet in the process of trying to get back to normal eating habits? But I have niggling concern there is something else going on and wondered if anyone had experienced same or had advice, before we return to the vets. Having turned his nose up at the latest Sheba, he's nibbled some tuna and some dry food and gone back to bed.
I've tried:
- various different brands of wet food the past few days(in case of Sheba boredom). Offer him only freshly opened food.
- moved his eating area - we sometimes have another cat coming into the house at night so was concerned he might be stressed/smell other cat (which actually hasn't been in for a while - i know that because it always eats my cats' food and the bowls have been full in the morning)
- stimulating appetite with tuna, chicken etc
-ensuring plenty water available in case of dehydration
- warming food slightly to make it smell stronger
He's bright eyed and bushy tailed - does not look unwell. Though as of today, certainly less active. Still going outside. Still purring when looking for food i.e hungry; generally sniffs it and walks away or does this thing where he scrapes the ground as if to cover it up for later (both cats do this and always have done). Have no way of knowing what his bowel movements look like or if he's eating rubbish outside...
Sorry for essay, appreciate any thoughts! Will obviously be returning to vet in the next day or two if he doesn't eat a full meal again.