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Finicky eating behavior and decreased appetite are often related in cats and dogs. Food preferences and minor behavioral issues are responsible for many instances of finicky eating behavior.
However, a very large number of diseases suppress appetite in pets. Pets with suppressed appetites may eat less, or may become more selective (finicky) about what they eat.
More common causes are listed first. Less common causes are listed later.
Cats
Overview
Feline asthma refers to a group of clinical syndromes with similar symptoms and treatments. The syndromes that comprise asthma cause inflammation (irritation) and swelling of air passages in the lungs. The inflammation and swelling lead to symptoms including episodes of coughing, wheezing, and, in some instances, difficulty breathing.
Corticosteroids are a class of medicines related to cortisone. Cortisone is a naturally occurring hormone.
Corticosteroids should not be confused with anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroids promote body and muscle growth. Corticosteroids are used in pets to treat inflammation, allergies, itching, immune system irregularities, pain, back or spinal trauma, and eye, ear, or skin problems.
More common causes are listed first. Less common causes are listed later.
Antihistamines such as hydroxyzine (Atarax®), diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton®) are used in veterinary medicine primarily to treat allergies that cause skin problems. Less often, they are prescribed to prevent carsickness, to treat severe allergic reactions to insect bites or stings, or as sedatives.
Fluoroquinolones are powerful antibiotics that are commonly prescribed for pets. They are used to treat infections of the skin, bladder, ears, kidneys, lungs (pneumonia), and prostate. Fluoroquinolones are prescribed many other types of infections as well.
Lactulose is a very effective laxative that is commonly used in veterinary medicine. It is frequently used in the treatment and prevention of constipation in pets.
Lactulose also is used to treat some types of liver disease.
Lactulose is available as a liquid suspension for oral administration. Lactulose may be administered as an enema by veterinarians.