The anorexic cat

Anorexia is one of the most common presenting signs in sick cats and is important to address since it has a number of potential adverse consequences including reduced immune function, altered drug metabolism and increased susceptibility to potentiallyfatal hepatic lipidosis. Nutritional assessment is a vital component of all feline consultations and support of appetite is indicated if voluntary food intake is inadequate. Where possible, the cause of the anorexia should be identified and addressed. In those patients where a cause of poor appetite is not clear, common causes such as dehydration, pain and nausea should be addressed before instituting appetite stimulants or tube feeding.