Why is my pet not eating?

If your cat or dog isn’t eating as much as they normally do, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they have a serious illness. However, it is still worth seeing a vet to rule this out as several major illnesses can cause loss of appetite, including kidney failure, liver problems and cancer. Usually if your pet’s appetite has decreased due to an illness, you’ll notice other symptoms too. 

So why else might your pet not be eating?

Gum disease

Poor oral hygiene can lead to your pet developing gum disease, with symptoms including red, swollen, inflamed gums. Severe gum disease can even cause their teeth to become loose and fall out. This is understandably uncomfortable and may put your pet off their food simply because it’s painful to chew. 

Other dental and oral problems that can reduce their appetite include a broken tooth or tumour in their mouth.

A recent vaccination

Vaccinations are a must to keep your pet healthy and happy — they can quite literally save their life. However, in the short-term, your pet may experience some minor side effects, such as loss of appetite. Give your pet a few days and they’ll soon be back to normal and eating well.

A new environment

If your pet’s appetite suddenly decreased when you took them on a trip or moved home, it could be that they are feeling anxious or have motion sickness from travelling.

Behavioural challenges

Every pet has their own unique personality and some pets are just fussier with their food. Perhaps they don’t like the environment where they have their meals or the presence of other pets while they eat who they don’t get along with. Even if you suspect that this is the case, it is still important to take your pet to a vet to check that there are no underlying health issues causing their loss of appetite.