Mostly cats love food, but for some cats, eating disorders cause serious health problems. While human eating disorders are frequently on the agenda, feline eating disorders are not talked about much. There are many different causes and treatments for eating habits. You should consult your veterinarian if you see any unusual behavior. So what are the eating disorders that affect cats?
overeating
Some cats consume as much food as given. This is normal to a certain extent. Because cats are known to be opportunistic eaters in nature, most prefer the food they take the least effort to consume. Some cats will compete with another pet in the household, consuming as much food as possible. In general, the problem of overeating is more of an overeating problem. Overeating causes obesity, liver disease, diabetes, respiratory ailments and gastrointestinal problems. Cats may get hungry more often due to old age. Or the drugs used can increase appetite. Also, some breeds are more likely to overeat. If you have been observing behaviors such as overeating or begging in your cat for a long time, you can consult a professional behaviorist or veterinarian.
eat very quickly
Eating food too quickly can come with overeating, but they are different problems. Some cats eat food without chewing it enough. This behavior carries a risk of choking or vomiting. Cats that eat too fast may develop gastritis over time. On the other hand, when approached while eating, these cats may display aggressive behavior and have behavioral problems to protect their food. Competition may be the reason why cats eat too quickly, such as overeating. This situation can sometimes be seen at an early age, during the lactation period, when they have to compete with their siblings for breast milk. Over time, this behavior may become stronger. Although it is common in cats living with other animals, it can also be seen in cats living alone. To prevent this behavior, methods such as small portions, individual bites, or individual feedings can be applied to your cat. If more than one pet is together, environments where the cat can eat comfortably away from other pets can be created.
Malnutrition or anorexia
Undereating or anorexia is a big problem for cats. Symptoms include weakness, weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, depression. Experts distinguish anorexia in two ways. The first of these is excessive loss of appetite. The second is known as pseudoanorexia, where the cat is unable to eat when trying to eat due to pain or medical reasons. Knowing the cause of malnutrition will be decisive for treatment. The causes of anorexia in cats are many and varied. A veterinarian should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment. If the reason for the loss of appetite is psychological, it is necessary to eliminate the stress of the cat. Physical and mental stimulation can be provided. If the cat’s environment has changed, safe areas can be created with the help of boxes. If the cat does not like all food, the new food can be mixed with the old food. Or the cat’s diet can be changed in consultation with the veterinarian.
Pica
Pica is called eating things that are not food. Products such as cotton, plastic and paper can be examples of this. Some cats are predisposed to develop pica due to their breed. Cats weaned very early as kittens may develop a sucking habit, which can be a precursor to pica. Pica can cause choking, poisoning, and gastrointestinal blockages. Pica can occur for many reasons, including physical and psychological causes. Dietary deficiencies can also cause abnormal eating. Psychological causes can be listed as life stress, attention seeking and separation anxiety. Dietary adjustments or medication may be given for treatment. Elimination of stress factors in the environment will also positively affect this process.
Eating feces (Coprophagia)
Coprophagia, called fecal eating, is more common in dogs, but can also be seen in cats. Feces contain harmful bacteria and parasites. Sometimes eating out is a normal behavior. An example of this is when new mother cats eat the feces of their kittens. Cats may also eat feces to clean their personal spaces. There are some medical reasons that cause coprophagia. A veterinarian should be visited for medical reasons. Some diseases that cause an increase in appetite can cause the cat to eat everything, including feces. In addition to these, neurological diseases can also cause coprophagia. Eating stool can have the same causes as pica. Some even call it a kind of pica. Psychological causes of eating stool are factors such as stress, anxiety and boredom. In this respect, it is similar to pica. Make sure the cat has a place to go to the toilet. cat’s exterior
The filth must be cleaned up immediately to keep it away from the kiwi eating behavior. Reducing anxiety and creating safe spaces are also very important in this regard.