Cat refuses to eat during foster care

There are several reasons why a cat might refuse to eat during foster care, including changes in its environment, spoiled or unpalatable food, gastroenteritis, and oral diseases. If the cat's mental state is good, you can observe it closely. However, if it continues not to eat for a long time, it's best to consult a veterinarian for a checkup and treatment.

Should you force-feed a cat that refuses to eat?

It depends on the situation whether to force-feed or not. If the cat is vomiting or has an infectious disease, it cannot be force-fed and should be fasting and abstain from water to prevent further loss of body fluids. Symptomatic treatment and anti-infective therapy are sufficient. If the cat has a poor appetite without vomiting, you can force-feed it with foods that stimulate appetite and have a mild gastrointestinal stimulant, such as low blood sugar and enteritis.

How long can a cat survive without eating?

It is very dangerous for a cat to go without food for a long time. Generally, if the cat doesn't eat for more than five days, it may die. If a cat goes without food for a long time, the liver's glycogen will become fatty and produce energy for the body, resulting in fatty liver. In addition, if the cat doesn't drink water, it can lead to kidney problems and eventually kidney failure.

What to do if a cat in foster care refuses to eat?

It's normal for a cat to refuse to eat for a day or two during foster care as it needs to adapt to the new environment. First, let the cat adjust to the new environment, then prepare food, water, and probiotics for it. Generally, after a day or two, the cat will start eating normally. If the cat hasn't recovered from not eating after three days, it's recommended to take it to a pet hospital for a diagnosis of the cause.