Appetite Stimulant For Cat | 100% Naturally Effective

Cats are picky eaters, but there comes a point where being picky poses a much more serious problem. A loss of appetite that persists for more than twelve hours is a sign that your cat could be ill or in pain. If the lack of appetite continues, you may need to seek out a vet for medical attention and possibly medication. However, there are a few things you can try as a natural cat appetite stimulant if you prefer a more natural approach and decide not to use drugs that could have adverse effects. Let's take a look!

 

 

Why Is My Cat Eating Very Little?

If your cat is eating very little, it's important to identify the underlying cause quickly. While some issues might be minor and manageable at home, more serious concerns could signal a health problem that requires prompt veterinary attention. Several factors can contribute to a cat's decreased appetite:

 

• Illness: A sudden loss of appetite is often one of the first signs of an underlying illness. Conditions like chronic kidney disease, liver disease, or gastrointestinal tract issues can cause significant decreases in a cat's appetite. Other symptoms, such as vomiting, weight loss, or lethargy, may also accompany the reduced intake of food.
• Pain: Even minor pain, such as a toothache or an upset stomach, can cause a cat to avoid eating. Cats are skilled at hiding discomfort, so a reluctance to eat might be one of the only visible signs of pain.
• Vaccinations: It's common for cats to experience a temporary loss of appetite after receiving vaccinations. This side effect is usually mild and resolves within a day or two, but monitoring your cat’s overall health during this period is crucial.
• Change in Routine: Cats are creatures of habit, and any disruption to their routine—such as travel, a new environment, or changes in household dynamics—can lead to stress and reduced appetite. This is particularly true for cats who are sensitive to changes in their surroundings.
• Anxiety or Depression: Psychological issues like anxiety or depression can also cause a cat to eat less. Factors such as the loss of a companion pet, a new addition to the household, or even subtle changes in their environment can lead to emotional distress, resulting in decreased appetite.
• Medications: Some prescription medications can have side effects that reduce a cat's appetite. It's important to monitor your cat when starting any new medication, as this could be a potential cause of their lack of interest in food.

 

If your cat's lack of appetite persists for more than 24 hours, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting or lethargy, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian. Early intervention can prevent more serious health issues, such as hepatic lipidosis—a potentially life-threatening condition that can develop when cats stop eating.

 

 

Prescription Appetite Stimulants for Cats

Conventional medicine offers a few treatment options for stimulating your cat's appetite. Most people turn to these kinds of drugs as a first option because they are prescribed by the vet. The truth is that these drugs can have serious side effects when used for long-term treatment.

 

 

Mirtazapine

Mirtazapine is an antidepressant drug commonly used as a prescription appetite stimulant in cats. It works by blocking the receptors to which norepinephrine and serotonin normally bind. Possible side effects include:

 

• Twitching
• Hyperactivity
• Increased vocalization

 

 

Cyproheptadine

Cyproheptadine is a serotonin antagonist and an antihistamine that used to be popular for appetite stimulation. The more effective mirtazapine is often used in place of this drug because it does not need to be administered as frequently. Possible side effects can include:

 

• Hyperexcitability
• Dry mouth
• Increased heart rate

 

 

Corticosteroids

Drugs like prednisolone or prednisone can be effective in stimulating a cat's appetite. Long-term use can have serious side effects, however. Possible side effects:

 

• Aggression
• Thirst
• Cushing's disease (long-term use)

 

 

Natural Cat Appetite Stimulants

You'd want the best cat appetite stimulants out there, and when it comes to your sick cats, it's better to stick with the natural ones. Here are some favorable options to consider when you're working on stimulating appetite for your felines:

 

• Catnip: Most cats absolutely love catnip. It comes from the mint family, so it is natural and therefore safe for your cat. A sprinkle of catnip on a toy or on the floor can significantly change your cat's behavior and stimulate the appetite.
• New smells: Cats love salty and savory foods. You can try adding some bacon pieces or cheese bits to your cat's food. These desirable smells might increase your cat's interest in the food.
• Increase blood flow: An increase in blood flow can help increase your cat's appetite. Playing with your cat is a great way to do this. You can also try giving them a massage to stimulate blood flow.
• Relaxing environment: Loud people or other pets may cause stress to your cat and depress his hunger. Making your cat's environment comfortable for him can greatly change his mood and improve appetite.

 

 

CBD As A Cat Appetite Stimulant

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural cannabinoid that comes from the hemp plant. It has many healing and therapeutic properties that can help your cat relax and potentially stimulate their appetite. CBD helps support the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to help provide a strong internal balance within your cat. All cats and virtually all other mammals have an ECS that's responsible for regulating many functions in the body, like sleep, mood, immune response, appetite, and digestion.

 

 

What Are the Benefits of CBD for Cats?

Because CBD interacts with the body's cannabinoid receptors, it can help support your cat's ECS, thus boosting your pal's overall wellness. Here are some of the many benefits to adding CBD to your feline friends' diets:

 

• Provide alleviation from discomfort or soreness, thus helping with mobility struggles.
• Act as an appetite booster, which can help with weight gain.
• Calm nervousness. If your cat requires assisted feeding, this may make mealtime easier for both you and your cat.
• Relax an upset stomach, which can help stimulate appetite.
• Assist with proper digestion so your cat's body has time to absorb all of the nutrients it needs to function well.

 

 

But Will CBD Benefit My Cat?

We know that every pet is unique, and our suggestions are not a replacement for professional veterinary advice. If you're unsure if CBD is right for your cat or if they're already taking medications or any prescription appetite stimulants for cats, contact your vet before adding CBD to their diet. A vet will always be able to help you make the best decisions for your cat's health.

 

 

Amazing Calming Effects

Remember that loss of appetite can be due to one of many reasons. Stress can certainly be one of the reasons. If your cat is nervous, it may not want to eat. CBD may help reduce nervousness and promote an overall calming effect. Making your cat calm may allow him to eat more comfortably.

 

CBD may help to calm the muscles of a tense cat. Calming the stomach muscles of a cat with discomfort in the gut might be just the trick to getting it to eat in peace. With less tension in the stomach, the cat can eat without feeling discomfort. In some cases, your cat may be feeling slight discomfort. CBD offers the perfect solution to manage some of the symptoms from a stomach bug, indigestion, or decreased appetite.

 

 

Does CBD Have Any Side Effects?

CBD is generally well-tolerated by all cats and shouldn't get your cat high at all! It typically does not have intoxicating effects and there are minimal side effects associated with it! It's one of the many reasons many pet owners have started to try CBD for their cats. CBD is often confused with THC, which is the compound in marijuana plants that is responsible for getting people high.

 

Even though hemp and marijuana are both cannabis plants, they are actually completely different! This popular and well-known side effect of THC is not present in CBD. You might find some full-spectrum that do contain minimal amounts of THC (legally up to 0.3%). However, these small amounts are not enough to get your cat high!

 

As an appetite boost, CBD is typically safe and non-toxic for cats, and no overdoses have been reported. Even if your cat takes a large dose of CBD, they'll be okay and probably feel a bit drowsier than usual. Keep in mind that since you will already be controlling the CBD dosage for your pet, your pet may not even experience any side effects. Nevertheless, some of the possible side effects of CBD include:

 

• Dry mouth
• Upset stomach or diarrhea
• Drowsiness or fatigue

 

 

How Much CBD Should I Give My Cat?

The regular strength dosage for pets is 0.25 milligrams of CBD per 1 pound of body weight. For a stronger dosage, the recommended amount is 0.50 milligrams of CBD per 1 pound of body weight. Remember, CBD overdose is unlikely, so don't be too worried about making adjustments to the dosage if you feel that it will meet your pet's needs.

 

Some pets react better to higher doses, while others react better to lower doses. Keep in mind that regular, consistent doses of CBD may be necessary to notice changes in your cat's behavior. For more information regarding dosage recommendations check out our easy-to-use dosing chart!

 

 

CBD Product Suggestions for Your Cat

At HolistaPet, we make products that'll help boost your cat's appetite so that they can get back to being their happy, full-bellied selves again.

 

 

CBD Cat Treats

Specially formulated with your cats in mind, these come in delicious salmon and tuna juice flavor, which will leave your pal begging for more. They're broad-spectrum, contain no THC (so you don't have to worry about your kitty feeling high), and are non-GMO, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

 

Use them as a positive-enforcement treat for good behavior, or mix one into your cat's food bowl to help encourage them to finish their meal and increase appetite. Do your elderly cats have trouble with hard snacks? Whether they have sensitive teeth or tummies, don't worry! HolistaPet also makes Soft Calming Chews that are soft and easy to eat, so your furry friends won't miss out on any tasty treat.

 

 

CBD Capsules

These vegan capsules are mess-free and contain both CBD and hemp seed powder. Hemp seed powder is considered a superfood and contains added proteins, vitamins and minerals, unsaturated fats (like omega 3), and more that'll help increase your cat's wellness. Better yet, you won't have to worry as much about proper dosing when you give your cat capsules since each dose is already pre-measured for you!

 

 

CBD Oil

If your feline friend has a specific diet that you prefer they stick to, you can try adding Holistapet's Cat CBD oil to their bowl at mealtime or to the cat treats you already have in your cupboard. Suppose you want your cat to benefit from CBD's effects sooner. In that case, you can also apply a dose directly into their mouth sublingually (this means underneath the tongue) by using the easy-to-use dropper tool that comes in every bottle of tincture.

 

If you've never given your cat medication by mouth before, it may be helpful to look up instructions online before trying to give them CBD sublingually. It is possible with mindful planning and patience, but be sure to take your time and give your cat lots of praise if you try out this method. If they don't like consuming CBD this way, it may be better to apply their dose onto a treat instead. Want to learn more? Why not visit these No.1 Trusted Guides for your cat's nutrition.

 

 

Final Thoughts - Appetite Stimulant for Cat

Stimulating a cat's appetite, especially in times of illness or stress, requires a thoughtful approach that balances effectiveness with safety. Whether opting for natural appetite stimulants, prescription medications, or innovative uses of CBD, it's crucial to monitor your cat's response and consult with your veterinarian regularly. By exploring these options, you can help ensure your cat maintains a healthy appetite and overall well-being.