There are certain reasons why cats may stop chewing their food. These include dental issues, mouth issues and illness.
Most of the time, cats don’t chew their food properly. However, if they eat too quickly and gain weight, you should consult a vet to rule out any health issues.
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What is Chewing?
Chewing is the act of breaking up food, mixing it with saliva and permitting it to enter your stomach. This is the initial step in digestion, helping the body break down food for improved nutrient absorption.
Chewing also reduces the likelihood of indigestion, bloating, constipation and food reactions by breaking up large particles in your mouth. Furthermore, it increases saliva production and releases digestive enzymes that help break down food in your stomach for easier absorption.
Mastication, also known as mastication, is a chewing action involving the jaw muscles and teeth. The masseter, temporalis, and medial pterygoid muscles work together to move the jaws into intermittent contact with each other so that food has been thoroughly chewed before it’s swallowed.
Sensory neurons move throughout the mouth, sending messages to the brain about food texture and how much force needs to be applied during chewing. These cues are then picked up by neuronal circuits which create rhythmic patterns.
Dental Issues
When your cat neglects to chew his food, it can lead to several dental issues. These range from tooth decay and misaligned teeth and could have an adverse effect on your feline’s overall health and wellbeing.
Cavities are small holes in your tooth enamel caused by plaque from foods high in sugar or starch (breads, fruits, candy, milk and sodas). Bacteria feed on these foods which leads to deterioration of the enamel.
Your cat’s gums may become inflamed and swollen due to bacteria buildup that causes gingivitis. This inflammation can be painful, and if left untreated, could progress to periodontal disease.
Dental disease not only hurts your cat’s teeth, but it can have serious repercussions for their organs such as their heart, kidneys and liver. Therefore, dental problems in cats often serve as warning signs for more serious illnesses that might otherwise go undetected.
Mouth Issues
When your cat doesn’t chew his food properly, it could be indicative of a larger issue. Mouth issues may be due to several causes including dry mouth, dental disease, allergies and infection.
Generally, cats who don’t eat well or chew their food properly should be examined by a veterinarian. A dentist or veterinary surgeon can perform an oral exam on the feline patient.
The vet may also examine the cat’s jaw to check for any abnormalities that could be causing its lack of chewing. Congenital defects, trauma or a fractured jaw can all cause teeth misalignment and make chewing difficult.
Cats that lack good oral hygiene or are suffering from dental problems may display signs of oral pain such as drooling, pawing at the mouth or excessive yawning. Other warning signs to watch out for include bad breath, changes in appetite and weight loss.
Illness
When your cat doesn’t chew their food properly, it could indicate they aren’t digesting it correctly or have teeth issues which make it difficult to bite down. In either case, take them to the vet and discover what’s causing the issue.
A cat’s ability to chew their food properly, leading to dysphagia – the inability to release flavor through their mouth and into their stomach. If this condition exists in your pet, they cannot consume adequate nutrition.
Physical trauma such as being hit in the jaw can also cause it. If this is the case, take them to your veterinarian immediately so they can receive any necessary treatments or tests.
Illness has been used in medical practice for over 500 years to describe an individual or animal who is feeling unwell. It is defined as “a disease, disorder of health, or sickness”.
