Advise to get my cat eating again.

Amy (16) stopped eating and drinking about 4 or 5 months ago. Amy came to us about 6 months ago when my boyfriends grandpa passed away so we took her in.

She didn't come to us in great shape. She had a bladder infection for who knows how long and hyper thyroidism. A little after we got her she got another really bad bladder infection and stopped eating and drinking.


Since then we've been syringe feeding her and giving her fluids. We finally have gotten all of her health problems under control (constipation, hyperthyroidism, and chronic bladder infections) but she still is not eating and drinking. The vet doesn't really know why she isn't eating now.

She takes her syringe feeding well (actually she will wait for it and her ears are forward the whole time) but it would be nice if we could get her eating or drinking a little something on her own. I feel awful putting her down when she seems so happy and still loves her favorite things.

Any advice on types of food to try?

I have had luck with Fancy Feast Classic Flavors Pate Style as far as cat food. I have also used meat flavored baby food with no garlic or onions in it. I have also used plain cooked chicken and put it in a food processor to make tiny pieces. I have heard otter people have had success with Tuna. Another option would be full fat goats milk, You could also try kitten replacement milk (KMR) or full fat plain yogurt.

Did the vet check the cat's teeth? Dental problems can be really painful and makes it difficult to eat anything other than liquified food.

What are you syringe feeding? Regular canned food that has been watered down?

FortiFlora helps to entice many cats to eat on their own. The vet has this or you can buy online. A little sprinkle over food is all you need.

Try canned food with texture and gravy / sauce. Many cats love that. Weruva and Tiki Cat and Soulisic are good choices.

You have mentioned kitty has been treated for Hyperthyroid? May I ask what treatment is being given?  Just wondering because when my kitty Tiger was waiting for her Radioiodine treatment for hyperT, I had to pill her with Tapazole, which is very bitter and caused her to vomit and become lethargic.

Is your kitty nauseous? Lip licking, sniffing and walking away? You can discuss anti-nausea meds with your vet.

Also was your kitty given antibiotics for the Urinary Tract Infection?  Antibiotics kill off good and bad gut bacteria and can make a kitty feel nauseous and not want to eat. Fortaflora is a great addition as it  has probiotic properties and most kitties love the taste of it.

Sorry for the late reply. Life has been hectic. She is on a low dose of felimazole. She has also been on antibiotics off and on since we got her. I'm definently seeing signs of nausea. Lately she been throwing up every time she poops yay for new things. (She's on mirilax already) I'll ask the vet about anti-nausea meds. I've been thinking about a probiotic. I'll give that a try. Thanks! ruthm