Appetite Stimulants for Cats: Options, Safety, and How They Work

Vet-approved medications combined with home remedies can help your cat enjoy meals again.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 10, 2025

Vet-approved medications combined with home remedies can help your cat enjoy meals again.

Appetite Stimulants for Cats: What Are They and How Do They Work?

Cats are famously finicky eaters, but when your feline friend begins picking at meals, eating only a few bites, or refuses food altogether, it’s a clear sign something more serious could be at play. Loss of appetite (anorexia) in cats is a medical concern that rarely resolves on its own and can be life-threatening if left untreated. This guide covers everything you need to know about appetite stimulants for cats—from when they’re needed, to types available, safety, and answers to common questions about getting your cat eating again.

What Are Appetite Stimulants for Cats?

Appetite stimulants are medications prescribed by veterinarians to encourage cats to eat when they are not eating enough due to illness, surgery, chronic health issues, or stress. They help restore nutritional intake and promote recovery by targeting the underlying causes behind decreased appetite or anorexia.

Mirataz (mirtazapine) is a commonly prescribed FDA-approved medication available in a transdermal (skin applied) formulation.
Elura (capromorelin) and cyproheptadine are other commonly used prescription appetite stimulants for cats.
Some prescription anti-nausea medications, like Cerenia, can indirectly function as appetite stimulants, particularly if nausea is reducing food intake.
Always consult with a veterinarian to determine if an appetite stimulant is needed and which one is most appropriate for your cat’s situation.

When Do Cats Need Appetite Stimulants?

Cats may need an appetite stimulant if they are not eating enough for 24 hours or more or if their appetite is consistently poor. Common situations where appetite stimulants are considered:

Cats recovering from illness, such as chronic kidney disease, cancer, or gastrointestinal disorders
After surgery or medical procedures that reduce food interest
Senior cats experiencing chronic appetite decline
Highly stressed or anxious cats, including newly adopted pets who are not adjusting well
Weight loss in cats caused by underlying disease or pain

Loss of appetite in cats can quickly lead to a dangerous condition called hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), so veterinary evaluation is crucial if your cat is not eating. Appetite stimulants are not a substitute for diagnosing and treating the illness causing appetite loss; they are supportive tools to help maintain nutrition while the primary condition is managed.

Prescription Appetite Stimulants for Cats

Mirataz (Mirtazapine)

Mirataz is the only FDA-approved transdermal medication specifically for increasing appetite and supporting weight gain in cats. Mirtazapine was originally developed as an antidepressant in humans but has been found to be highly effective for cats due to its appetite-stimulating and anti-nausea effects. The transdermal formulation makes it easy to administer to cats who do not tolerate oral medication well.

Brand/Drug Name	Formulation	Common Uses	Prescription Required?
Mirataz (mirtazapine)	Transdermal ointment	Stimulates appetite, counters weight loss from illness or chemotherapy	Yes
Elura (capromorelin)	Oral liquid	Stimulates appetite & weight gain in chronic kidney disease	Yes
Cyproheptadine	Oral tablet, compounded solutions	Appetite stimulation, especially in cats unresponsive to other medications	Yes
Cerenia (maropitant)	Tablet, injection	Anti-nausea, indirectly improves appetite	Yes

Mirtazapine acts by increasing norepinephrine and serotonin activity in the brain, leading to increased hunger signals and reduced nausea. Studies show that small, daily doses are effective and safe for most cats, with minimal side effects when used as directed.

Elura (Capromorelin)

Elura is an oral liquid solution that mimics the activity of the hunger hormone ghrelin. It is specifically approved for cats with chronic kidney disease who are experiencing weight loss, but may be prescribed in other situations at a veterinarian’s discretion.

Cyproheptadine

Cyproheptadine is an older antihistamine with appetite-stimulating properties. It is less commonly used than mirtazapine or capromorelin but may be effective for some cats, particularly those who are not responsive to first-line medications.

Cerenia (Maropitant citrate)

Cerenia is primarily an anti-nausea drug (antiemetic) for cats, but since nausea is a leading cause of food refusal, its use can indirectly restore normal eating behaviors in affected cats.

Natural Appetite Stimulants and Supportive Strategies

In addition to prescription medications, there are non-pharmaceutical ways to encourage your cat's appetite, especially in mild cases or alongside veterinary treatment.

Try new foods: Novel protein sources, different textures, or switching between wet and dry food can sometimes reinvigorate interest in eating.
Warm up the food: Slightly warming canned food can enhance aroma and palatability, making meals more enticing.
Add fish oil or broths: Low-sodium chicken broth or tuna juice (without garlic or onions) can provide appealing smells and flavors.
Use catnip: For some cats, a sprinkle of catnip near the food bowl can stimulate appetite due to its mood-elevating effects.
Reduce stress: Stress and anxiety are major appetite busters in cats. Provide quiet, safe feeding spaces away from household noise or other pets.
CBD products: Some owners have explored cannabidiol (CBD) supplements to address anxiety and appetite. However, evidence in cats is largely anecdotal, and safety has not been fully established. Always consult your vet before attempting these strategies.

Compounded Medications: What to Know

In some cases, your veterinarian might prescribe a compounded formulation of an appetite stimulant. Compounded drugs are custom-made for individual patients who have difficulty with commercially available products (such as cats who cannot swallow pills or require uncommonly adjusted dosages). Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and should only be used when medically necessary and with veterinary oversight.

Possible Side Effects and Safety Precautions

While appetite stimulants are usually safe when prescribed and supervised by a vet, all medications have risks. The most common side effects include:

Mild drowsiness or sedation
Vocalization (especially with mirtazapine)
Restlessness or increased activity
Changes in heart rate, blood pressure
Behavioral changes (rare)

Cats with liver or kidney disease, hypertension, or certain cardiac conditions may need their regimen adjusted. Always inform your vet of all health concerns and medications your cat is taking to avoid dangerous interactions. Never use human medications or change your cat’s dosage without professional advice.

Why Loss of Appetite in Cats is a Serious Emergency

Because cats are obligate carnivores and metabolically unique, they are especially vulnerable to health complications from even short periods of fasting. If a cat does not eat for 24 hours, breakdown of body fat can overwhelm the liver, causing hepatic lipidosis—a severe, potentially fatal disease. Persistent anorexia is always a medical emergency that warrants immediate veterinary care and professional follow-up until your cat is eating independently again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What should I do if my cat stops eating?

A: Take your cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Loss of appetite is usually a sign of underlying illness and should not be managed at home without professional input. The sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome.

Q: Can I use appetite stimulants without seeing a vet?

A: No. Appetite stimulants are prescription medications and must be given under veterinary supervision. They are not a substitute for diagnosing the cause of a cat’s poor appetite.

Q: How quickly do appetite stimulants work?

A: Many prescription appetite stimulants, such as mirtazapine (Mirataz), begin working within 1–2 days. Some cats respond after just one application, while others may need several doses. Always follow your veterinarian's instructions for expected response times and monitoring.

Q: Are there any over-the-counter appetite stimulants for cats?

A: There are no safe or effective over-the-counter appetite stimulants for cats. Using human products or non-veterinary supplements can be harmful or fatal to pets.

Q: How can I encourage my cat to eat at home?

A: Offer foods with strong aromas, different varieties of food, and try warming meals. Ensure your cat’s feeding area is quiet and free from stress. If the problem persists for longer than 24 hours or if your cat shows signs of illness, seek veterinary advice immediately.

Key Takeaways

Loss of appetite in cats is a medical emergency.
Appetite stimulants are prescription medications that help cats begin eating again during illness, stress, or recovery.
Common prescription stimulants include Mirataz (mirtazapine), Elura (capromorelin), Cerenia (maropitant), and cyproheptadine.
Natural strategies—like changing food type, using catnip, and reducing stress—can be helpful alongside medical evaluation.
Never attempt to treat anorexia in cats at home without veterinary input due to the risk of hepatic lipidosis and underlying diseases.

If your cat is refusing food or eating significantly less, time is of the essence—see your veterinarian promptly for the best care and prognosis for your feline companion.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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