As a cat owner, I understand it can be difficult to deal with a cat hiding and not eating at the same time, whether it is related to visiting the vet or not.
There are some reasons why your cat is hiding and not eating after a vet visit, some of which are easy to fix, while others take time and effort.
In this post, I will keep it short and simple by discussing the possible reasons why your cat might be hiding and not eating after a vet visit and recommend some effective things you can do to address such a situation.
Feel free to tell us what you think in the comment section, that being said, let’s get started!
Typical Experience of a Cat During a Vet Visit
Your cat may experience a mixture of curiosity and anxiety when seeing the veterinarian. Most cats could have an uncomfortable ride in the carrier because of the strange noises and vibrations.
The waiting area in the vet may be a jumble of sights and smells when the cat arrives, which could increase their curiosity or anxiety.
In order to protect the cat’s health and well-being, the inspection itself is conducted with gentle handling and comforting voices, and the visit concludes with a treat or a reassuring pat by the vet.
The purpose of the veterinary appointment is to ensure your cat’s health and well-being, as they will quickly return home and be ready to play and relax as usual.
All this will definitely affect your cat’s behavior when you get home, especially if it’s the first time your cat is going to the vet.
Why Is My Cat Hiding and Not Eating After Vet Visit
In my opinion, most cats frequently hide and refuse to eat following a veterinarian visit because they are uncomfortable and stressed with the process of going to the vet.
Cats may seek out a safe and quiet hiding place due to the overwhelming odors and new surroundings of the vet facility.
Most cats may also experience nausea or soreness after medical procedures or treatments, which can further suppress their appetite.
It’s crucial to allow your cat space to heal and a tranquil, comfortable area so they can feel protected and secure.
Let me break it down further…
Reasons for Cat Hiding and Not Eating After Vet Visit
As I stated above, there are many reasons why your cat might be hiding and not eating after a vet visit.
In my opinion, here are some of the most common reasons why your cat is hiding and not eating after a vet visit and what to do:
1. Pain or discomfort: After a vet visit, it’s not uncommon for cats to hide and refuse to eat due to pain or discomfort. Because cats are experts at hiding their pain, it’s critical to watch out for any clues that they might be in pain.
Among the possible causes of pain or discomfort are:
Pain or tenderness at the injection or immunization site: Cats may feel pain or discomfort at the injection or vaccination site. They may become reluctant to exercise or eat as a result.
Dental issues: Cats may find it difficult to eat if they have mouth soreness or pain from dental surgeries or treatments.
Surgical procedures: Your cat can be feeling pain or discomfort as they heal if they had surgery. Swelling, soreness, or other discomforts may accompany the healing process and impair their appetite.
To address pain or discomfort:
Provide a quiet and comfortable space: Create a calm environment for your cat where they can rest and recover without feeling stressed or anxious.
Offer soft and palatable food: If your cat is experiencing mouth soreness or dental issues, try offering soft, wet food that is easier for them to eat. You can also warm up the food slightly to enhance its aroma and make it more enticing.
Consult your vet: If you suspect that your cat is in pain or discomfort, it’s important to consult your vet. They can assess the situation and prescribe appropriate pain relief medications or recommend further treatments if necessary.
2. Fear of Confinement: Cats may find it stressful to have to spend a lot of time in a small examining area or carrier when they see the veterinarian. A decrease in appetite and concealment may result from this fear of confinement.
Due to their territorial nature, cats may feel compelled to hide and abstain from feeding when they are in an unfamiliar setting to avoid the repeat of confinement.
To address the fear of confinement:
Establish a secure area: Make sure your cat has a special place at home where they may go to when they’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed. This could be a peaceful space with comfortable bedding, games, and hiding places.
Gradual desensitization: Acclimate your cat gradually to their carrier or tight areas to help them get over their phobia of being confined. Open the carrier at first in a place they are comfortable with, and then progressively introduce pleasant associations while they are inside or close to it, like rewards or playtime.
Employ soothing aids: Take into consideration employing pheromone sprays or diffusers that imitate the naturally peaceful aromas of cats. These can aid in calming the atmosphere and lowering tension.
3. Side effects of medications: Some medications prescribed by the vet can have side effects that may cause cats to hide and lose their appetite. These side effects can vary depending on the medication and the individual cat’s sensitivity.
To address the side effects of medications:
Follow dosage instructions: Ensure that you are administering the medication according to the vet’s instructions. Incorrect dosage or timing may increase the likelihood of side effects.
Monitor for adverse reactions: Keep an eye out for any unusual behavior or physical symptoms that may indicate a negative reaction to the medication. If you notice any concerning symptoms, contact your vet immediately for further guidance.
Discuss alternatives with your vet: If the side effects are severe or persistent, talk to your vet about possible alternative medications or adjustments to the treatment plan.
4. Unfamiliar Scent Alteration: With their acute sense of smell, cats may become agitated by slight changes in scent. Cats may smell strange things from other animals or cleaning supplies when they visit the vet; this might make them nervous and cause them to hide or lose their appetite.
Try to reduce strange smells by using unscented cleaning supplies at home to address this. Give your cat the freedom to investigate and become accustomed to their environment at their own speed.
To make your cat feel more at ease, you can also employ fragrance-swapping techniques, such as rubbing a cloth on them and then putting it in their hiding place.
5. Stress and Anxiety: Due to their habitual nature, cats prefer comfortable environments. A trip to the vet throws off their schedule, which makes them anxious and stressed. This may lead to hiding and an inability to eat.
Provide your cat with a regular schedule at home to help the cat manage stress and anxiety. To give them a sense of security, provide them with toys, hiding places, and scratching posts.
Pheromone diffusers and sprays are a good option since they provide relaxing aromas that can aid in lowering anxiety. If the stress doesn’t go away, talk to your veterinarian about possible anxiety-reduction techniques like behavioral therapy or medicines.
6. Trauma: Similar to people, cats may suffer trauma following a visit to the clinic. For them, the strange surroundings, handling, and procedures might be daunting. Anxiety and panic brought on by this experience can cause concealment and appetite loss.
Make your cat a peaceful and secure area in your house to solve this. Give them a peaceful space with their preferred toys, blankets, and litter box. Allow them enough time and room to heal from their vet visit.
Don’t force them to socialize or eat; instead, be understanding and patient with them. Reintroduce their regular schedule gradually, keeping an eye out for any indications of improvement or additional distress in their behavior.
Related: Cat behaviors after vet visit.
Tips to Help Your Cat Feel Comfortable and Start Eating Again After a Vet Visit
In my opinion here are some effective tips to help your cat feel comfortable and start eating again after a vet visit:
1. Create a Safe and Quiet Space: Your cat can be feeling nervous and overwhelmed following a vet appointment. It is imperative that you create them a peaceful, safe haven where they may hide away and feel comfortable. It is best to keep this space free from pets, heavy foot traffic, and loud noises. To create a cozy room, arrange their bed, litter box, and cherished toys in this area.
2. Offer Varieties Tempting Food: It can be worrying when a cat declines food. Try a variety of food varieties to see what grabs their attention. You may try providing them with a range of foods, both wet and dry, with varying textures and flavors. Certain cats might love wet food in the form of pate, while others might favor chunky or shredded foods. To whet their hunger, you can also try preparing a straightforward homemade supper of boiled chicken or fish. Don’t forget to speak with your veterinarian before implementing any big dietary adjustments for them.
3. Provide Warmth and Comfort: Particularly in times of stress, cats gravitate toward warmth and comfort. Make sure their space is comfortable and warm by giving them a heated bed or a comfy blanket. Another nice place to put their bed is next to a window that lets in plenty of light. The warmth will promote their comfort and speed up the healing process.
4. Encourage Hydration: For the general health of your cat, proper hydration is essential. Try giving your cat wet food, which has a higher moisture content, if they aren’t drinking water. To help them drink more fluids, you can also try drizzling a little water over their dry food. Purchasing a cat water fountain is an additional choice since some cats prefer the sound of running water.
5. Maintain a Routine: Cats love consistency and comfort. Adhere to their meal schedule and do their daily activities in a consistent manner. This involves giving them their meals at the same time every day and making sure their playtime, grooming, and snuggle times go according to schedule. A regular schedule will give them security and facilitate quicker adjustment.
6. Provide Enrichment: Playing with your cat and giving them mental stimulation will help divert their attention from their nervousness. Puzzle feeders, interactive toys, and scratching posts help keep them occupied and happy. By refocusing their attention, these activities also make youngsters feel more at ease in their environment. Furthermore, engaging in interactive play with your cat can improve their confidence and let you two spend valuable time together.
7. Try a Different Feeding Schedule: There are occasions when altering your cat’s food schedule will increase their appetites. Have a regular feeding schedule in place of free feeding. Spread out the amount of food they eat each day into smaller, more frequent meals. This can encourage your cat to eat at set times by building up anticipation. To keep food fresh and prevent spoiling, make sure it is always available and don’t leave it out for too long.
8. Use Pheromone Diffusers: Synthetic feline face pheromones are released via pheromone diffusers, like Feliway, which can assist in soothing your cat’s surroundings. These pheromones are similar to the organic odors that cats employ to identify and mark their space. You can lessen stress-related behaviors and give your cat a more cozy environment by dispersing these pheromones. Your cat spends the majority of their time in this location, so place the diffuser there.
9. Provide Emotional Support: Your cat needs your emotional support now more than ever at this difficult period. Give them lots of love, tolerance, and reassuring words. Spend time with them, caressing them gently and speaking reassuringly. They can feel safe and cherished a great deal from your presence and affection. Make an effort to provide a peaceful and soothing atmosphere for them, with as little noise and disturbance as possible.
10. Use Palatable Treats: Giving your cat treats is an excellent method to get them to eat. Provide tasty treats made especially for cats that are of the highest caliber. They can use these goodies in addition to their normal meals or as a reward for good behavior. Giving goodies out too frequently might result in weight gain and other health problems, so be careful how much you offer them.
Related: Cat Traumatized After Vet Visit.
When to Seek Veterinary Help
Following a veterinarian visit, your cat may be hiding or not eating, indicating stress or discomfort.
Observe their actions and keep an eye on their appetites, after feeding them their favorite food or treats, they still refuse to eat.
To be sure there are no underlying medical conditions affecting their behavior, it is essential to seek veterinarian assistance if they hide and refuse to eat for longer than twenty-four hours.
Related: When to take your cat to the vet.
Conclusion
In summary, if your cat is hiding and not eating after a vet visit, it’s important to understand that this behavior is not uncommon. It could be a result of stress, discomfort, or medication side effects. Give your feline friend some time and space to adjust, offer tempting and familiar foods, and consult your vet if the behavior persists. Remember, patience and understanding are key in helping your cat bounce back to their usual self.
