How do you get a cat to eat?

[rhialto]

How do you get a cat to eat, who clearly is hungry and wants to eat, but doesn't recognize the food that is put in front of him as food?
He has a blocked nose due to cat flu (or something) so he doesn't smell anything properly. He was always a picky cat anyway where eating is concerned.
Due to this not eating, he has already lost 3 of his 6 kg of weight... and feels really skinny. We are getting really desperate... help?

Comments

Something you can try

[moem]

Tuna from a can. Warm it up a little so it smells even stronger. Dip a finger in the juice and smear it on the cat's snout so he'll lick it off and get a taste. I hope it helps!

Is he drinking? Not drinking is worse than not eating. The vet can inject liquids if need be, don't wait too long to go and ask. A cat that doesn't drink is in trouble and needs help right quick.

If he's drinking, use liquid food: cat milk contains fats and proteins. Even the water from a tuna can contains some goodness.
Good luck and I hope it gets better soon!

Re: Something you can try

[rhialto]

Thanks! Magically he started eating a bit very late last night (and an hour later, and an hour later...) so we don't have to try this yet. Fortunately.