Cat Only Eating 100 Calories A Day, Is This Normal?

I know you haven’t met Nala, my feisty feline with a peculiar appetite, but she has a similar eating habit to your cat. Unlike every other cat who indulges in various bites throughout the day, Nala only eats 100 calories and not a single bite more.

At first, I was baffled by this strange habit and was struggling to understand if it was a healthy habit. Nala has always been a slender cat, but as her calorie intake dropped drastically, I became frantic.

I wondered if she was just trying to teach me the value of portion control, being picky with her food, being depressed, or worse sick. But after a visit to the vet and lots of research about this, I got to understand the situation much better.

And now as a cat parent with a similar experience with you, I am ready to share everything there is to know about whether or not it is normal for your cat to eat 100 calorie worth of food daily. So buckle up as we dive into your cat’s peculiar eating habit, and uncover the mysteries behind this calorie-constrained lifestyle.

Is It Normal For Cats To Only Eat 100 Calories Per Day?

No, it is not normal for cats to eat 100 calories only daily. It is recommended that cats consume 20 – 30 calories per pound of their body weight per day to maintain their health properly.

The amount of calorie intake ensures they receive the necessary nutrients and energy needed for daily physical activities. And so if a cat is only consuming 100 calories in a day every day, there may be an issue, such as appetite loss which is usually triggered by a medical condition.

Most of the time, this issue should be addressed by a vet as cats who have an inadequate calorie intake are at risk of malnutrition which can lead to serious health conditions if left untreated. So always ensure that you monitor your cat’s food intake and ensure they consume the recommended daily amount of food.

Dangers Of Underfeeding Cats

When a cat is underfed or eating below the required amount of food, there are several negative consequences on its health;

1. Malnutrition

When a cat is not eating enough food or isn’t getting the necessary nutrients, it can develop malnutrition. This can further cause various health problems, including muscle weakness, weight loss, and metabolic imbalances.

2. Organ Failure

When cats do not consume the required amount of food with proper calorie intake, their organs, particularly the liver and kidneys, may become damaged. This can lead to organ failure which can be life-threatening for your feline companion.

3. Weakened Immune System And Behavioral Problems

Cats that do not eat well enough are at risk of a weakened immune system which can cause them to be vulnerable to infections and illnesses. Additionally, they can also develop behavioral problems, and get aggressive and anxious.

What Causes This Unusual Eating Habit In Cats?

There are several possible reasons why your cat can exhibit this kind of peculiar and unusual eating habit of consuming not more than 100 calories daily. Based on my findings the following are the common causes of this issue;

1. Underlying medical conditions like dental or gum disease, digestive problems, parasites, and viral infections can cause nausea, pain, and discomfort that could lead to loss of appetite in cats.
2. It is very natural for cats to be picky eaters and a slight change in their diet can totally disrupt their eating habits. This can trigger a decrease in their calorie intake and can also cause malnutrition if not sorted out.
3. Stress and anxiety due to various reasons such as the absence of their owner, change in environment, or a new pet addition can lead to loss of appetite.
4. Age can also be a contributing factor. As cats age there will be a major decrease in energy levels and metabolism and this may lower their appetite for food.
5. Cats can also develop aversions and preferences which cause them to only consume specific types or brands of cat food.

Tips And Tricks To Increase Your Cat’s Calorie Intake

For cats that are not getting enough calories or eating 100 calories, here are some tricks and techniques that helped me increase my cat’s calorie intake;

1. Mix wet food with your cat’s dry food as wet food contains a higher calorie count than dry cat food and it may be appetizing for picky eaters.
2. Add calorie-dense treats to your cat’s diet can help increase their calorie intake while also providing additional nutrients. Make sure to be mindful of the number of treats you give your cat.
3. You should also consider offering frequent small meals to your cat throughout the day. This can help stimulate their appetite while also allowing them to consume more calories all day long.
4. Adjust your feeding schedule to accommodate your cat’s eating habits. You can experiment by feeding your cat at different times of the day to see what works best.
5. Consider rotating their food flavors and trying out different food presentation styles to keep them interested in their meals just in case they are bored of eating the same food every day.
6. If you tried everything and your cat isn’t still consuming enough calories. This may indicate that it is not behavioral but a medical issue, consult with your vet immediately.

Conclusion

Cat eating only 100 calories a day is not normal at all. Proper nutrition is crucial for your cat’s over health and well-being, and it can also help avoid any long-term health complications associated with not eating enough calories.

It is best to determine the cause of this particular eating habit as it will help you figure out the best solution to the problem.

Fortunately, this article doesn’t only disclose cues on why your cat is eating 100 calories per day but also tips on how to increase their calorie intake. Always have in mind that reaching out to your vet is the ulmate solution to this problem.