Arlo and Janis by Jimmy Johnson for November 06, 2021

There is rumor that when cats refuse to eat the food we offer it means they are hunting or scrounging their own food. Anybody know how much truth in that?

Whet?! Ludwig will eat the other cat?

Our cats got fussy anytime they could see the bottom of the food bowl, they would stand beside it until we added more or shook it to cover the empty spot

Then we got a kitten

Buddy will eat the food to the last crumb, now all of a sudden the other 3 cats aren’t so picky

When a cat gets old and is starting to shut down, they may stop eating. Another cat in the house may help interest them in food for a while. My vet told me to just take her home and enjoy the rest of her life. The cat I got helped get me through that sad time until she died. I was sad, but the end was happier for her.

Dogs will do the same. When we had two dogs, we would get raw hide “logs” or “flips” for them. When the old dog dies, Blazer completely lost interest in the rawhide; apparently he was only eating it to keep Pepper from getting any.

You try eating the same thing day in day out for months at a time.

Why do you think indoor cats don’t get a variety of flavors/textures? Some are given small samples of “people food” and packaged treats as well. It’s the feral cats who live paw to mouth, scrounging dumpsters and susceptible to injury or illness, that you should feel sorry for. Not that would help their situation in the least.

when older people stop eating they are getting ready for their end . the source is my family both grandmothers , Dad a few aunts .

Yeah. Arlo’s just as confused as the rest of us.

Had to take care of a sister’s cats (7) and her MIL’s cat once. MILcat was very picky, only ate one kind of one brand of canned catfood. Ran out the second day and she wouldn’t eat the kibble the other cats got. Third day, she was front and center and stuffed herself on kibble.

One of the things we love about our little fur balls is their mysterious and unpredictable nature.

A second cat would be nice.

14 year old cat slowed down on eating, lost weight. Took him to the vet, he has pacreatitis, which isn’t curable. Putting Mirataz on his ear every a.m. to stimulate his appetite, he’s doing better. Bring a cat to the vet if they’re off their food. Lost another guy a few months ago, a champion eater who started eating less. Unfortunately, in his case, he had very advanced cancer.

For many pets, not eating means a gastrointestinal issue. Has he peed or defecated lately? If not, possible anal gland blockage. If there is one, he may not be able to defecate and his intestines are backing up. A vet can purge his anal glands and advise better food. Squash and pumpkin are good fiber sources that helps digestion and defecation.As far as not peeing, it is possible that it is painful because of urinary tract infection causing crystals that block the urethra. It may take a vet to clear it. Then a low ash died helps prevent further crystals.If cats refuse food it is not usually because they are finicky. He is trying to tell you something is wrong with HIM.

Oh no! Luddie! You have to be OK!!!

How old is Ludwig?

he rumor was started by someone too cheap and uncaring to take their cat to the vet.

I think he’s been watching too much Garfield! Try some Lasagna!!!

being highly allergic to cats might be why I dont ‘get’ this at all

If he goes out he might be eating at the neighbors….

Jealousy is a powerful motivator.

My parents used to tell me they would feed the food to the dogs if I didn’t eat it. I had nothing against the dogs, but to this day I eat all I can of the food set before me.

Leave it for them, and leave the room. They’ll eat it if they’re hungry enough.

Yup…as soon as there is competition the appetite perks right up.

When our 17 year old cat stopped eating, she died about 2 weeks later. We may get another cat, but that’s a different cat, not Honey’s replacement.

Who cares. Wait long enough and they’ll start eating.