My cat won't eat dry food, seems depressed, and has mouth pain.
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 12 lbs
My cat's been refusing to eat/eats very little(can tuna)for past 2-3 days. Normally, he eats dry food&I've noticed that it seems to get lodged in his gums/teeth-as he desperately tries to spit the piece back out. I'm not sure what'swrong. He drinks water&self-grooms, but for whatever reason his appetite has greatly decreased-he also seems depressed. I'm ashamed to say,we don't have enough cash&we're in a really bad situation right now. I'd explain more, if not for word limit. Not surewhat to do.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on August 19th, 2017
It's hard to say without an oral exam why Cookie can't seem to eat or swallow. I would try different flavors or wet food as some cats don't like tuna and do better with chicken or beef. If if he typically eats dry possibly soaking his food in warm water to see if that is easier to get him to eat. But if he continues to not eat well he really needs an exam to find out why. The longer it goes on the worse he may get. This article from the humane society may help with ideas if you need to get him seen. Good luck. Hope he's better soon! http://m.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on July 5th, 2019
Hello, sorry that Busrer is not well. If you think his mouth hurts him then he should see a vet - dental issues are very common. You don't want to wait until the problem gets worse before dealing with it. If his mouth hurts that is why he probably doesn't want to eat the dry food. Any diet change (like from dry to wet food) can cause stool changes. I would not be worried about that so much as long as he is passing some stool. Get the teeth looked at it by your vet as soon as you can get an exam.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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