FM2 Pt3-4 Food Aversion

Question 1

What is food aversion in cats?

Answer 1

Food aversion is a strong dislike or repugnance towards certain foods, often associated with nausea, vomiting, or gastrointestinal pain.

Question 2

Why does food aversion develop in cats?

Answer 2

Food aversion is a protective mechanism that develops when a cat associates a certain food with negative experiences, such as nausea, pain, or discomfort.

Question 3

Can food aversion develop even if the food isn’t the cause of discomfort?

Answer 3

Yes, food aversion can develop due to a temporal association between the food and illness, even if the food isn’t the actual cause.

Question 4

Why should prescription diets not be introduced to cats when they are unwell?

Answer 4

Offering prescription diets while a cat is unwell may lead to food aversion, causing the cat to refuse the diet long-term.

Question 5

Why is syringe feeding cats while they are unwell discouraged?

Answer 5

Syringe feeding is stressful, often poorly tolerated, and can lead to long-term food aversion, especially in nauseous cats.

Question 6

How can severe food aversions be managed in cats?

Answer 6

Severe food aversions may require the use of appetite stimulants to help the cat overcome the issue.

Question 7

Why should syringe or force-feeding be avoided in sick cats?

Answer 7

Syringe feeding sick cats can lead to stress and food aversion, worsening their refusal to eat in the future