If you’re wondering why your cat doesn’t chew his food, you’re not alone. Many cats can have issues with eating, including issues related to resorptive lesion, pica, and stress. To address these concerns, you may need to learn more about your pet’s eating habits and diet.
Contents
Eating too fast
If your cat is consuming too much food, there are many ways to slow him down and keep him healthy. However, it is important to understand what is normal for your cat before you try anything. A quick consult with your veterinarian can help determine whether your pet is eating too much.
Your pet’s digestive system is not designed to eat a lot of food at once. It is meant to eat in small amounts throughout the day. By making a habit of feeding your pet more frequently, you can ensure he gets the nutrients he needs without having to worry about overeating.
A lot of cats enjoy smelling and tasting their food. They also get excited when they hear a kibble drop into their bowl. These behaviors may lead to a cat eating too fast. The most exciting part about this is that there are actually ways to curb your cat’s appetite.
One way is to elevate the food bowl. This means that your pet has to reach higher to reach the food, and you can slow down his intake by doing it yourself. Another method is to feed your feline friend in a separate area.
Stressed cats
You might have noticed that your stressed cat doesn’t chew his food. If so, there are a few things you can do to fix the situation.
First of all, try to keep your feline happy. A healthy diet and plenty of playtime are two ways to go. Putting a feline-safe deterrent in your home can also make a difference.
One of the most common reasons your cat doesn’t chew his food is because it’s boring. Give him some interesting toys to chew on and he’ll be more likely to give you his business.
Another reason he doesn’t chew his food is because he’s unwell. If he’s sick, his body has a hard time digesting a large amount of food.
Cats that don’t chew their food are likely to choke. Large pieces of kibble or treats can pose a serious choking hazard.
When you see your cat regurgitate something, it’s a good idea to investigate the underlying cause. This could be a problem with the intestines, parasites or food allergies.
Resorptive lesion
If your cat is not eating, it could be suffering from a resorptive lesion. These lesions appear like a hole in the tooth. The tissue will eventually grow back out of the hole. However, it is important to know what resorptive lesions are and what to do if your cat is affected.
This type of oral condition is very painful for cats and can lead to infections. You might notice your cat chewing abnormally or trying to eat food that he can swallow without chewing. He may also experience drooling or bad breath.
Teeth affected by resorptive lesions usually splinter during extraction. Depending on the severity, your veterinarian may recommend that the tooth be removed.
Dental radiographs are useful in determining the extent of the lesions. Some lesions might be localized, while others might be deep. When there are multiple lesions, it is important to treat them all. Typically, the first teeth to be resorptive are the bottom molars.
Pica
Pica is a condition in which cats eat non-food items such as wool, plastic, cardboard, and bandages. Fortunately, there are treatment options for pica.
Depending on the underlying cause, a veterinarian will help you develop a treatment plan. This could include making some dietary changes, preventing non-food items from being available, and modifying the environment.
You may also need to consult an animal behaviorist. If your cat is suffering from compulsive behaviors, such as chewing, he or she might need a change in the home or environment.
When your cat starts to exhibit these unusual behaviors, it is best to contact your veterinarian right away. The vet can take a physical exam, perform bloodwork, and run diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of the problem.
One of the most common causes of pica is a change in the electrolytes in the cat’s blood. A heightened stress level can also increase the risk.
Some cats are genetically predisposed to this condition. Oriental breeds are more susceptible to the disorder, but domestic cats without this ancestry can also suffer from it.
