Difficulty Chewing and Eating in Cats
Key takeaways
Difficulty chewing in cats is a broad term referring to any difficulty picking up or chewing food.
- This is not to be confused with difficulty swallowing, vomiting, or regurgitation
- Difficulty eating or chewing can also involve pawing at the mouth, excessive drooling, oral bleeding, and vocalization when eating
- Causes vary but can include pain, disruption to the nervous system, muscular dysfunction of the lips/jaw, or a physical obstacle blocking the mouth or tongue
- Diagnosis of the underlying condition may include an oral examination, diagnostic imaging, blood work, urinalysis, muscle biopsy, and bacterial culture
- Treatment depends on the specific condition affecting chewing/eating, but can include surgery, symptom management, antibiotics, and oral care
- Prognosis varies similarly
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A closer look: Difficulty Chewing and Eating in Cats
This is an uncommon symptom in cats and can be confused with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), regurgitation, and nausea. Inability to eat is a cause for concern and requires prompt intervention to maximize health outcomes. Any cat that has gone over 24 hours without eating needs urgent medical attention.
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Possible causes
General causes of difficulty chewing stem from anything that causes pain, disrupts the nervous system, any muscular dysfunction of the lips or jaw, or anything which physically blocks movement of the mouth or tongue.
Risk factors
The severity depends on the underlying cause, duration of symptoms, and associated symptoms. Cats with predisposition for dental disease and kidney disease are at increased risk of difficulty eating or chewing.
If difficulty chewing or eating does not resolve itself, it can lead to an extended period of fasting. Cats are particularly sensitive to lack of calorie intake, and prolonged fasting for more than 24 hours can rapidly become life threatening.
Testing and diagnosis
After a physical examination and medical history, a number of tests can be done to determine the root cause of the difficulty in chewing/eating including:
- Blood work
- Diagnostic imaging
- Oral examination
- Bacterial cultures
- Urinalysis
- Dental x-rays
Treatment depends on the underlying cause but can include:
- Surgery
- Antibiotics
- Lifestyle alterations
- Oral care
- Symptom management
