We have tested several appetite stimulants for cats to try to find out the most effective one.
Most cats are picky eaters, but everything has a limit. At a certain point, refusing to eat can be a huge cause of concern amongst cat owners.
If a cat refuses to eat for longer than 12 hours, this is a bad sign. Usually, vets prescribe medications for this condition, but it is highly suggested that you try some appetite stimulant for cats.
Cats are finicky by nature, but there is a distinction between a picky eater and a cat losing appetite. In fact, lack of appetite is one of the main reasons why pet owners contact their vets.
Sometimes, the cause of this is a serious matter and you’ll have to get an adequate therapy for your cat.
On other occasions, your feline friend will be good to go with the right appetite stimulant for cats.
Here are our top products, and below you can find some other, alternative solutions.
Top 3 Appetite Stimulants for Cats
1. Lexelium Weight Gainer and Appetite Stimulant for Cats and Dogs
This product has a veterinary approved formula and uses natural ingredients to improve your four-legged friend’s appetite. It can mix easily with any food, wet or dry, and your cat will love the taste of it.
At the same time, it is suitable for dogs, rodents and farm animals alike. If you have a diverse pet family this one product will satisfy their needs.
Even if you don’t have a cat that won’t eat, this is a nice product to help your kittens grow.
Also, it comes with a 30 days guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the results of this appetite stimulant for cats, you can get a full refund.
Keep in mind that this product has a small balance of good nutrients. This means that it will take up to a few weeks to work. However, this is a best solution for an otherwise healthy feline.
On the other hand, if your cat is ill or has acute infections, you should give her a medical treatment.
2. NHV Yucca for Cats
NHV Yucca is a well known supplementation product that serves as a pain reliever.
It is extremely good for cats with arthritis and joint problems. However, a few people know that Yucca is a great appetite stimulant for cats.
This product will encourage healthy digestion and aid with chronic pain. At the same time, it will improve your cat’s appetite and help her eat more.
It’s highly nutritive and contains various vitamins. Other healthy ingredients include beta-carotene, magnesium, calcium, iron, protein, manganese, phosphorus and niacin.
Yucca root is well known in the alternative medicine and it has been used for centuries.
It works great for improving your pet’s immune system and it helps with inflammations.
The only downside? This product is a bit on the expensive side. However, as only a few drops are required, this small bottle can last for a long time.
3. Vetoquinol Care NutriCal
This gel appetite stimulant for cats is great for kittens, as well as for older cats with appetite problems. You can even feed it to your aging pet who is losing the will to eat.
It will help your pet gain weight by boosting calories in a healthy way. Not only that, but it will provide your four-legged friend with extra energy.
All this is possible thanks to soybean oil and malt and corn syrup.
It contains omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, which will do wonders for your cat’s fur. Also, it’s filled with vitamins that can improve feline’s immune system.
It’s palatable and easy to digest, so even if your cat has weaker teeth she won’t have any problems eating.
You can feed this product to your cat by mixing it with other foods.
Also, you can give it to her straight from the tub or syringe-feed it to her.
It smells like fish, which your cat will love – although the owner might not be so happy about the scent.
CBD as an Appetite Stimulant for Cats
Cannabis oil has been used by people for centuries due to its healthy effects. CBD is a natural cannabinoid that is collected from the hemp plant.
The effects of it are still being researched. It is important to note that CBD is NOT meant to prevent or treat any illness.
On the other side, all mammals have an internal endocannabinoid system that reacts to cannabinoids. This system is responsible for many bodily functions, including appetite.
Also, it is responsible for regulating stress, which is a common reason behind an appetite loss. CBD can help reduce distress that your cat might be feeling.
This is why it is considered to be an appetite stimulant for cats. It might calm the muscles of a cat who is tense and help her eat and digest in peace.
There are various CBD products currently on the market, from treats to oil tinctures. A lot of pet owners have reported improvement in their cat’s appetite after feeding them with CBD.
Of course, all pets react differently and no product can guarantee improvement of the condition.
And, no, CBD won’t get your cat high. In fact, most mammals have a high tolerance for CBD and won’t experience any negative effects.
Your cat can’t overdose on it – at worse, she might become drowsy. Still, try to not give more than 0.50 milligrams per 1 pound of body weight.
This is the recommended high dosage. Some cats react differently to various dosages, so feel free to experiment. Consult your veterinarian just to be sure that you are doing everything right.
Effects of Poor Nutrition in Cats
Cats are carnivores. This means that they have a higher amino acid and protein requirement than omnivores and herbivores. They just can’t eat any food like dogs for example.
When cats stop eating, they will rapidly lose protein and become malnourished.
Even if your cat isn’t ill, loss of appetite can cause a lot of serious issues with her health. A cat who doesn’t eat can become sick with hepatic lipidosis, a serious liver disease.
It is important to always consult a veterinarian when you notice a change in your cat’s appetite.
However, no matter what her condition is, it is also important to help her get her eating habits back.
Appetite stimulant for cat is a good choice to try to make your cat eat on her own.
This is always a better solution than to make her eat against her own will.
Keep in mind that appetite stimulants can’t replace medication and don’t provide cure for your cat’s underlying condition.
Also, if your cat is very ill, you might have to help her feel better before paying for specialized food.
Appetite stimulants are usually used in these conditions:
- As a short term treatment, while you are waiting for the diagnosis.
- If your cat has a persistent appetite loss but no underlying condition.
- If your cat has a persistent appetite loss and some illness, but the therapy doesn’t help her with her weight gain.
- When stress is the cause of appetite loss, and no other diet change has been successful.
- When your cat has an aversion to food, despite the underlying cause being resolved.
- To help nutrition of a chronically ill cat who is on a treatment.
Why Support Is Needed
Cats are friendly creatures and sometimes your support is needed. Some cats love to have you around while eating.
Try sitting and lying next to your beloved pet to provide her with comfort.
Rub her cheek or stroke her to let her know that she is safe. Just don’t go overboard, or your cat will become spoiled.
Another good option is to try to hand-feed your cat. Smear some wet food on her mouth to make her lick it or give her a few biscuits like treats.
Some cats prefer eating from their owner’s hands. This isn’t a long-term solution, but it’s better than nothing. This way you’ll at least know that your cat has eaten something.
Read Also: Can Cats Eat Mango
Conclusion
Diagnosis is the key to completely resolving your cat’s appetite problems. Most felines who refuse to eat have some sort of an underlying condition that is causing them to stop eating.
Finding the right appetite stimulant for cats is important, but it can’t replace prescript medication.
However, it can surely help your cat’s immune system and help her fight with whatever is troubling her.
If your cat doesn’t respond to appetite stimulants, then the veterinarian might suggest some drastic measures.
This can include feeding tubes or intravenous feeding. You should know that all of this is for your cat’s well being. As an owner, you are responsible that she gets adequate treatment.
