My cat won't eat or drink much but acts normal. Is something wrong?

Question

My cat used to eat all of her 2.8 oz canned food in one sitting. Now she barely eats any of it. She would also eat her 1/4 cup dry food in one sitting but now she just eats a little at a time. I’m worried that’s she’s starving herself or not eating enough. I also don’t see her drinking her water. She is 3 yrs old and 10 lbs. Other than eating, she is behaving normally. She is also using the litter box normally. She had a vet checkup about 6 months ago and she seemed fine. Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 1 year and 10 months old | 10 lbs

Stacey Anstaett, DVM · Accepted Answer

Is she losing weight? I would encourage you to weigh her weekly at the same time of day (you can weigh her by holding her and weighing yourself while holding her, then stand on the scale by yourself and subtract your weight) . If she is holding her weight over a 2-3 week period I don't think you need to be too terribly concerned (though I would recommend continuing to weigh her weekly), it may be that she's just become more of a "grazer" than a meal eater, and she may have developed a preference for her dry food. However, its also possible that she has something causing pain in her mouth (dental disease, an ulceration or sore on her tongue, gums, or roof of her mouth). Or she may have a systemic issue that is resulting in decreased appetite (liver or kidney issue, gastritis / upset stomach, etc). If she is losing weight, take her in. If she develops any other symptoms, take her in. If you can see an issue in her mouth, take her in. I hope that helps you... thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

My cat won't eat or drink much but acts normal. Is something wrong?

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