Appetite Stimulants for Cats: 5 Vet-Recommended Picks

It’s worrisome when your cat isn’t eating enough. Changes in their eating habits can mean they’re sick, stressed, or have other health issues. But sometimes, they might just be excited, bored, or not interested in their food — cats can be quite picky!

If you’re concerned about your cat not eating, it’s important to see a veterinarian. They can check for any illnesses that might be affecting your cat’s appetite. Based on their findings, your vet might suggest appetite stimulants, medications that help increase hunger hormones and get your cat interested in food again.

Here’s a handy guide to help you understand appetite stimulants for cats and how they’re used. 

What Are Appetite Stimulants for Cats?

If your cat isn’t eating, appetite stimulants can be a great way to help them feel hungry again. “Appetite stimulants work by increasing the production of hormones that stimulate hunger,” explains Dr. Bethany Hsia, DVM, co-founder of CodaPet. “Some stimulants signal the brain to increase hunger. Others can also increase the release of dopamine that can make food more appealing to cats, encouraging them to eat.”

These medications come in different forms, such as oral tablets, liquids, and topical gels. Most of them need a prescription. So, you’ll need to see your veterinarian to get them.

You can also find over-the-counter appetite stimulants for cats that can help boost your kitty’s appetite. Unlike prescription options that target hunger hormones, these non-prescription alternatives attract cats with appealing smells and flavors, making them especially effective for picky eaters.

Why Your Cat Might Need an Appetite Stimulant

If your cat isn’t eating enough, the first step is to see your veterinarian. Dr. Hsia notes that cats can lose their appetite for various reasons, including stress, illness, or even excitement.

For cats experiencing stress, your vet may recommend changing their diet or trying other strategies to spark their appetite. Prescription appetite stimulants are more often suggested for sick cats. 

According to Dr. Kim DiMaio, VMD, owner of Main Street Vet, in Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania, “The most common use of appetite stimulants in cats is when they have a chronic illness that may decrease their desire to eat.” This is to avoid prolonged inappetence, which can lead to serious and even fatal health complications.

Best Cat Appetite Stimulants: Our Picks

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Great Pet Care editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author.

• Best Overall Appetite Stimulant for Cats: Cyproheptadine
• Best Tablet Appetite Stimulant for Cats: Mirtazapine
• Best Liquid Appetite Stimulant for Cats: Elura
• Best Topical Appetite Stimulant for Cats: Mirataz
• Best Over-the-Counter Appetite Stimulant for Cats: Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet Supplement

5 Best Appetite Stimulants for Cats

Best Overall Appetite Stimulant for Cats

Our Pick: Cyproheptadine

Cyproheptadine is a prescription medication that your veterinarian may use to increase your cat’s hunger. “I typically recommend cyproheptadine for my patients because it is effective in stimulating appetite, has few side effects, and is relatively inexpensive compared to other prescription medications,” says Dr. Hsia.

This medication is actually an antihistamine that’s used to treat allergies, but it’s also effective as a way to increase appetite. Cyproheptadine comes in easy-to-administer tablets. There are also compounded options available, including liquid and powder forms, as well as transdermal pens. Talk to your veterinarian about what might work for your cat, like sugar-free liquid medication or flavoring options such as chicken or fish to make the medicine more appealing.

Highlights

• Prescription medication
• Minimal side effects
• Available in both liquid and tablet form
• Flavored for easier dosing

Things to Consider

• Could take a few days to reach full effect

Best Tablet Appetite Stimulant for Cats

Our Pick: Mirtazapine

If your cat is experiencing loss of appetite due to stomach disease or renal failure, your veterinarian may prescribe Mirtazapine, an appetite stimulant and anti-nausea medication. It works by blocking signals from the intestine and stomach to the brain, increasing your pet’s appetite.

Mirtazapine comes in tablet form, which is usually given to cats twice a week. The medication is also available in several compounded options, including capsules, mini-melt tablets, and liquid form. 

“The most common side effect of Mirtazapine is drowsiness, though hyperactivity can occur,” says Dr. DiMaio. “There can also be a transient drop in blood pressure.” Because the medication can cause hypotension, it’s not usually recommended for pets with cardiac or cerebrovascular disease. 

Highlights

• Prescription medication
• Helps to prevent nausea 
• Used for cats with stomach disease or renal failure
• Available in tablet form, or compounded liquid, mini-melt tablets, and capsules

Things to Consider

• Can cause drowsiness
• May not be suitable for cats with cardiac or cerebrovascular disease

Best Liquid Appetite Stimulant for Cats

Our Pick: Elura

Many felines are somewhat finicky about taking tablets or capsules, no matter how expertly you try to give your cat a pill. So if your tabby is known for spitting out tablets, a liquid formula like Elura could be just the perfect solution. “Elura is a liquid, which in some cases can be easier than a pill to administer,” explains Dr. DiMaio. This prescription medication is designed to help manage weight loss in cats with chronic kidney disease. In addition to increasing appetite, it can also stimulate weight gain. 

Elura is safe for long-term daily use, and it should be given to your cat on an empty stomach, generally 30 minutes before you feed them. However, this medication isn’t suitable for all cats: “It should not be used in diabetic cats because it can cause a transient increase in blood glucose,” says Dr. DiMaio.

Highlights

• Prescription medication
• Easy-to-administer liquid formula
• Safe for long-term daily use
• Often stimulates weight gain

Things to Consider

• Should be administered on an empty stomach
• Not suitable for diabetic cats

Best Topical Appetite Stimulant for Cats

Our Pick: Mirataz

If your cat puts up a fuss for medications in both tablet and liquid form, never fear. Mirataz is a topical prescription medication that can help increase their appetite. “For cats that will not take an oral medication, Mirataz gel can be applied to the skin of the ear and is absorbed transdermally,” says Dr. DiMaio.

Mirataz generally results in weight gain in as few as 14 days, but it shouldn’t be used for cats with kidney or hepatic disease. Additionally, you’ll want to wear disposable gloves when applying the gel to your cat’s ear to prevent accidental topical exposure. And you’ll need to avoid touching the cat for two hours after application.

Highlights

• Prescription medication 
• Topical application  
• Easy to administer
• Recommended to help stimulate weight gain

Things to Consider

• May not be suitable for cats with kidney or hepatic disease
• Disposable gloves should be worn for application

Best Over-the-Counter Appetite Stimulant for Cats

Our Pick: Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet Supplement

For cats who don’t necessarily need a prescription medication, a product like the Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet Supplement is a tried-and-true over-the-counter option. “I often recommend omega-3 fatty acid supplements because they can help improve overall health and may also help stimulate appetite in some cats,” says Dr. Hsia.  

This liquid formula contains essential fatty acids EPA and DHA from wild-caught fish. The supplement is non-GMO and gluten- and dairy-free, and it doesn’t contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. (Note: This means you will have to refrigerate the liquid after opening.) In addition to potentially increasing your cat’s appetite, the supplement may also promote skin, joint, heart, and coat health.

Highlights 

• Available over-the-counter
• Liquid formula is easy to administer 
• Benefits skin and fur health
• Third-party purity tested

Things to Consider

• May not be effective for all cats
• Requires refrigeration after opening 

Other Ways to Boost Your Cat’s Appetite

If you’ve confirmed that your cat isn’t eating due to illness, consider trying some non-medical ways to boost their appetite. These methods can also help sick cats but should only be used with your vet’s approval and alongside any prescribed medications.

“You can try to stimulate your cats’ appetite by offering a variety of foods with different textures,” recommends Dr. DiMaio. “Heating up wet or soft food for a few seconds in the microwave will boost the taste and smell. You can try adding toppers to the food, which can include low-sodium chicken broth or tuna juice,” she adds. 

Another option is to offer several small meals throughout the day to entice your cat. If your home is busy, make sure to provide a quiet, secure space without distractions so your cat can eat comfortably.

Dr. Hsia says you can also try playing with your cat for several minutes before feeding them, which can help them work up an appetite. 

Appetite Stimulants for Cats: Tips and Precautions

When giving your cat a medication to increase their appetite, it’s essential to follow your veterinarian’s directions, especially if it’s a prescription medication. 

“Pet parents should always follow their veterinarian’s instructions when giving an appetite stimulant to their cat,” says Dr. Hsia. “They should closely monitor their cat for any vomiting or diarrhea. Additionally, pet parents should never give more than the recommended dose of any medication or supplement without consulting their veterinarian first.”

By working with your veterinarian, you can find the best appetite stimulant for your cat’s health needs. This will help ensure your cat gets the nourishment they need, no matter why they’re not eating.