Fussy Eater

[Christinajan]

My cat Charlie is about 11 years old and has always loved his food and pretty much cleaned his dish. Just lately though he doesn't really want to eat any kind of food that I give him, he will eat dried pretty much ok. I've tried him all different varieties of wet food, gravy and jelly and thought that I had found something that he would eat which was whiskers supermeat but after just a third of a tin he seems to be turning his nose up at that too. He's is asking for food though so had a brief look in his mouth but can't see any problems his teeth look ok.....does anybody have ideas?

[booktigger]

I'd take him to the vet and have a full blood panel done ASAP to rule out a medical reason for going off his food

[Christinajan]

Thanks but why would he need bloods taken?

[booktigger]

To check his kidney / liver function in case they are the reason for his loss of appetite

[Christinajan]

Ah I see. ...well he hasn't lost his appetite coz he keeps asking for food just doesn't want what I give him.. he'll eat a really small amount and give up or sniffs at the food and won't eat anything. Do you still think he needs bloods taken?

[booktigger]

Yep, and get them to check his teeth. After the age of 8, it's sensible to have blood done yearly, picks things up earlier

[MarkB]

So many reasons why a cat could go off its food. I would always want to rule things out.

[Kay]

In my admittedly limited experience, a cat who eats dry OK but struggles with wet, though apparently wanting to eat it, can have a sore place in the mouth from an infected tooth or gum, which the wetness stings

[Crewella]

I must admit that in my experience a cat that seems to want food and then not eat it is usually ailing in some way. I would get him to a vet to be checked out. Good luck.

[Christinajan]

Thanks everyone for all your replies....I've made an appointment at the vets. Keeping my fingers crossed he's ok.

[meriad]

let us know how you get on please. Fusses to your boy