Cat Just Nibbles Food, no Other Symptoms

goodcat206

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My cat was adopted from a Humane Society; if they told the truth about her age she's about 13. She used to be a big eater - weighed 15 pounds!- and now she just nibbles. She is not vomiting or lethargic. She is interested in food but just takes a few bites and walks away. She washes herself, sleeps on my bed and is active and alert. In fact, even the vet said the cat looks totally healthy and happy; her tail is up and she purrs. I've given her fluids and she responds well. She's so feisty it's hard to do any treatments!

The vet ran blood tests -all negative; she couldn't get a urine sample the first time but just sent one away. She did say the cat has a bad tooth that needs to be pulled but she doesn't think that's the problem. She wants to do stomach xrays.  I'm wondering if I should get a second opinion.

I wondered if it could be acid reflux and the vet suggested IBS, but since she's not vomiting or crying with pain, those diagnoses don't seem likely. The vet said she could have an internal growth that was causing the problem. I am nervous about spending a fortune on tests that will reveal nothing; almost always blood tests have given me a clue.

Any advice?
 

sugarcatmom

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Have you tried offering her a different food? What does she eat now (brand/flavour/wet/dry)?
 

otto

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I would think the tooth is highly likely to be the problem. Cats instinctively hide pain, until it hurts so much they can no longer hide it. A cat who tries to eat and then stops, is showing she is either nauseous or in pain. I think it's really strange the vet doesn't think the mouth pain is the issue. I'd find another vet, or at least question the vet more closely about why she doens't think a rotten tooth could cause appetite loss. Toothaches hurt and can put anyone off their food, including cats.
 
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just mike

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I would think the tooth is highly likely to be the problem. Cats instinctively hide pain, until it hurts so much they can no longer hide it. A cat who tries to eat and then stops, is showing she is either nauseous or in pain. I think it's really strange the vet doesn't think the mouth pain is the issue. I'd find another vet, or at least question the vet more closely about why she doens't think a rotten tooth could cause appetite loss. Toothaches hurt and can put anyone off their food, including cats.
I'm thinking the same thing as Otto.  It could be a tooth... maybe not.  It might be something else too but the blood tests are coming up negative... Hmmm... Hopefully it is something simple.  I can't help but think this is not a food issue because the cat still has a mild interest in the food and is nibbling.  Speaking from my own experience only; When my cats don't like a particular brand or texture of food they refuse it altogether.  Won't even nibble on it.  But then, that has just been my experience so take it with a grain of salt. I think a second opinion might be in order here from a different vet.  Best of luck to you and sending positive vibes
 
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