I recently took my cat to the vet because we’ve been dealing with fleas. They gave her a pill that kills all the fleas within 24 hours and then give her a topical flea treatment. In the last few days she has very little interest in food. This is very strange to me because she is a very food motivated animal. I’m wondering if those treatments may have caused this.
While flea treatments, both oral and topical, are generally safe, they can occasionally cause side effects in some cats, including a loss of appetite, although this is relatively uncommon.
Firstly, keep an eye out for any additional symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or signs of discomfort. These could indicate a more serious reaction or another underlying issue.
Next, try offering some of her favorite foods or something particularly enticing like cooked chicken or tuna. Sometimes, warming the food slightly can make it more appealing to her.
Ensure she is staying hydrated by drinking water. Dehydration can become a concern if she's not eating well.
And, even if cats do not eat for at least 48 hours, they will develop fatal liver damage (hepatic lipidosis). So, if your cat hasn't eaten in two days, it's important to re-establish her appetite, but veterinarian treatment must be done for the two days of anorexia.
It would be most accurate to ask the veterinarian who prescribed the medication.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you.
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