If your cat suddenly refuses food, eats less, or stops eating altogether, it's cause for concern. Loss of appetite in cats is not uncommon – the reasons for this are varied. Whether it's stress, a new environment, or health problems: many cat owners have experienced this situation.

Fortunately, there are natural ways to stimulate a cat's appetite – and one of the most effective is using freeze-dried chicken or duck liver. Here you'll learn why liver is such a great appetite stimulant, how to use it correctly, and what creative feeding methods you can employ.

Why is my cat not eating, or only eating very little?

When a cat suddenly stops eating, many people immediately wonder: What's wrong? Possible reasons for loss of appetite in cats include:

• Stress caused by moving, new furniture, or other animals
• Toothache or difficulty swallowing
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
• Boredom with the usual food
• Heat or hormonal changes

Many people report that their cat eats little but seems otherwise healthy. This is also a warning sign, because even slight food refusal can lead to nutritional deficiencies in the long run.

Important: If your cat doesn't eat anything for more than 48 hours, you should seek veterinary advice immediately.

What is freeze-drying?

Freeze-drying is a particularly gentle method of preservation. Fresh meat – such as chicken or duck liver – is flash-frozen and then dried under vacuum. This process preserves almost all of its nutritional value.

Advantages for cats:

• The full aroma is preserved.
• No sugar, no preservatives
• Very long shelf life
• Ideal as a snack or topping

Particularly picky cats often respond very positively to freeze-dried products.

Why chicken and duck liver in particular?

Liver is one of the most nutrient-rich organs and is a true superfood for cats:

• Vitamin A for skin, eyes and immune system
• Iron for healthy blood formation
• Taurine , which cats cannot produce themselves
• High-quality protein

Chicken liver has a milder taste and is ideal for sensitive cats. Duck liver has a more intense aroma and is excellent for cats that are not eating or are showing a marked refusal to eat.

Further information: Taurine for cats: Essential amino acids at a glance

How liver can stimulate appetite in cats

The effects of liver are not solely determined by taste – the method of administration also plays an important role. Here are some proven feeding scenarios:

• As a topping for dry or wet food: Crush a piece of liver between your fingers and sprinkle it over the food. This will make even unpopular food interesting again.
• Hidden inside a food toy: Encourages activity and makes feeding an adventure. Ideal for bored or inactive cats.
• As a treat during clicker training or as a reward: Small pieces of liver are easy to dose and motivate your cat to cooperate.
• Dissolved in water as "liver water": Grind a small piece of liver into a powder and add it to fresh water. The intense aroma encourages many cats to drink – ideal in hot weather or for cats that rarely drink.

These methods can effectively help stimulate the appetite of cats, especially those who eat little but do not appear ill.

How to feed freeze-dried liver correctly

Even with natural products like liver, the dose makes the difference. The high vitamin A content, in particular, requires a certain degree of caution.

Recommended feeding:

• Maximum 1–2 g of liver per 5 kg of body weight per day
• 2-3 times a week is sufficient
• Do not use as a main meal
• Always provide fresh water

Pay attention to individual tolerance in older cats or chronically ill animals.

Further information: How much food does your cat need?

More tips for combating loss of appetite

In addition to using freeze-dried liver, the following measures can help:

• Gently warm the wet food (to body temperature).
• Maintain fixed feeding times
• Keep the feeding area quiet and clean
• Combining different textures and flavors
• Use chicken broth or liver powder for added flavor.
• Small portions, spread throughout the day

When is veterinary help necessary?

If the cat persistently refuses to eat or shows other symptoms, a medical examination is essential. This is especially true in the case of:

• Refusal to eat for over 48 hours
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or apathy
• Rapid weight loss
• Changes in behavior or appearance

Conclusion: Small tricks lead to great success

Freeze-dried chicken or duck liver is more than just a snack. It's a natural aid to stimulate a cat's appetite – especially during periods of stress-related food restriction or in summer when many cats eat less.

When dosed correctly, used in a varied way and combined creatively, liver can help to sustainably improve your cat's eating habits.