Appetite Booster For Cats

Is your cat refusing to finish their food? Are they finicky and losing some weight? This behavior could be caused by many factors, from an underlying medical reason to hairballs in their stomach. Hence, it is imperative to visit your vet when your fur baby doesn’t eat for 24 hours or more. The vet will identify the cause and rule out any underlying health problems. 

However, you could still encourage your four-legged buddy to eat their food by giving them a natural appetite stimulant. Appetite stimulants for cats come in a variety of forms – you can try luring them with a few pieces of their favorite wet food or chunks of fresh tuna. While these are just a few common examples, let’s take a deep dive into appetite stimulants for cats, both natural and prescription options. 

Natural ways to stimulate your cat's appetite

Not only is it easy to get, but natural appetite boosters for cats are also safe and ensure they get all the nutrients they need. Here are some natural appetite stimulants for cats that you can try out. 

1. Sticking to a feeding schedule

   Providing natural appetite stimulants for cats does not require you to add some supplements. Try sticking to a feeding schedule. VCA Animal Hospital states that the number of meals a cat eats daily depends on the family schedule. Cats should eat at least two meals a day, 12 hours apart. More than 12 hours gap between meals will upset their stomach and become hyper acidic, which can cause nausea.

2. Try new food

   Providing variety in their meal plan can also be a natural way to increase cats’ appetite. Trying a new food out is one of the most natural appetites stimulants for cats. Cats prefer buffet-style offerings rather than mixing foods. This lets you offer different textures and flavors, like wet and dry food.

3. Make their food more appetizing

   Just like humans, warm food is more attractive than cold food. Try to heat wet food and serve warm food as an appetite booster for your cat at home. You can also add warm water to dry kibble.

4. Move food bowls around

   Another appetite stimulant for cats is to feed your cats in different locations. This way will allow your cat to bring out their natural hunting instincts. Try to put the food bowl in the kitchen one day and move it to the living room the next morning.

5. Stimulate their instincts

   Using food toys is a great appetite stimulant for cats. You can fill the food toy with dry kibble or crunchy cat treats like TEMPTATIONS™. Then, throw the food toy, let your feline friend catch it, and find some delicious surprises.

   You can also creatively create a mini box with some dry kibbles inside and let them flip the box to find the tempting treasures! This little game will prevent boredom and become your cat’s food stimulant.

6. Catnip

   Another appetite stimulant for cats is catnip. Yes, the plant that can make your fur baby act high. This native plant to Europe and Asia is also called Nepeta cataria. Cats get high off catnip by inhaling the live, dried, or oil extraction plant.

   The chemical binds to receptors inside your fur baby’s nose. This stimulates sensory neurons leading into the brain. Besides getting them to act high, catnip is also an enhancer of appetite for cats.

   Besides stimulating your fur baby’s appetite by letting them sniff some dried catnip, you can treat your four-legged buddy with crunchy snacks from the TEMPTATIONS™ Cat Treat Mix Up with catnip, chicken, and cheddar flavor! It contains only 2cal per treat, which is perfect for your cat.

Encourage Active Blood Flow

Besides all the natural enhancers of appetite for cats, have you ever heard of active blood flow? Yes, getting your cat’s heart rate up can boost your feline’s appetite in a natural way. 

Encouraging active blood flow doesn’t require many sets of pet workouts. You can encourage them to run more around the house. Use your cat toy to make them run for a few minutes. Cats also love observing human activity. Open the bedroom window up and let them peer into the great outdoors. Setting up a sturdy viewing seat or shelf will also help this simple and free appetite booster for your cat works very well. 

Prescription Appetite Stimulants For Cats

If natural appetite stimulants are not working for you and you find yourself wondering, what can I give my cat to stimulate her appetite, your veterinarian may be able to help you with prescription appetite stimulants for cats. It is important to note that prescription stimulants can have powerful effects on your cat's appetite. Always follow your veterinarian's advice and instructions for these medications to ensure your cat's health and well-being:

1. Mirtazapine

   Mirtazapine for cats, initially developed as an antidepressant for humans, has become one of the leading appetite stimulants for felines. It helps reduce nausea and boosts appetite and is available in various forms, including the Mirataz transdermal ointment. This topical option is beneficial for cats that struggle with oral medications. It is FDA-approved and generally well-tolerated, with drowsiness being the most common side effect.

2. Entyce and Capromorelin:

   Capromorelin is an oral solution designed for cats, especially those with a kidney disease. It mimics the hunger hormone ghrelin, helping to stimulate appetite. This vanilla-flavored liquid is administered by a syringe and is approved for daily and long-term use, if prescribed by a vet. Capromorelin for cats is effective but should be used with caution as it can have side effects on felines with certain health conditions like cardiovascular diseases.

3. Cyproheptadine:

   Cyproheptadine is another popular choice, often prescribed for its dual role as an antihistamine and an appetite stimulant. This compound is available in both pill and liquid form, making it versatile for different feline needs. It's a good option if your cat's eating troubles are linked to allergies.

4. Vitamins:

   Vitamins, such as B12 injections, can also play a significant role in naturally boosting your cat's hunger. These supplements are particularly effective in enhancing a cat's energy levels and overall vitality.

5. Corticosteroids:

   Corticosteroids are additional options, although they're typically used with caution due to potential side effects.

6. Diazepam: 

   Diazepam is another medication that may be prescribed, though it should only be used under veterinary supervision.

Note: These appetite stimulants can be administered to cats only if they are prescribed by a veterinarian.

Keeping your cat happily fed and full of energy is key to their overall well-being. Natural appetite stimulants, when they work, can be fun, rewarding, and effective. When natural methods don't quite do the trick, your vet can provide prescription options like Mirtazapine or Entyce to ensure that your cat's appetite is satisfied. Last but not least, a little bit of TEMPTATIONS™' tasty treats can go a long way, making mealtime more exciting for your feline friend!