The Secret Weapon to Get Your Cat Eating Again (And Why Science Says It Works)
Ever tried convincing your cat to eat when they’ve decided, “No thanks”?
Yeah, it’s like negotiating with a furry, four-legged dictator. But science might have found a game-changer — a simple ear ointment that helps cats get their appetite back. Yep, you read that right. You just rub it on their ear. 🐱✨
What’s This Magical Ear Goop?
It’s called mirtazapine transdermal ointment (brand name Mirataz).
Originally designed as an antidepressant for humans, mirtazapine has an interesting side hustle: it makes cats hungry. Really hungry. Think “3 a.m. zoomies to the food bowl” hungry.
Veterinarians across Europe and the U.S. now prescribe this ointment to help cats who’ve stopped eating — especially those battling kidney disease, liver issues, or recovery from surgery.
😻 Real Pet Parents Tried It — Here’s What They Said
A new international survey from veterinary researchers in Portugal and Italy asked 70 cat owners how this appetite-boosting ointment worked for their feline friends.
The results? Pretty paws-itive:
- 77% said it helped their cat eat more.
- 97% found it easy to apply (just swipe it on the inside of one ear each day).
- Only 20% noticed side effects, like extra meowing, ear redness, or restlessness — most of which were mild.
One cat owner summed it up perfectly:
“It was the first time my senior cat actually looked excited about dinner again.”
🐾 Why the Ear? Isn’t That… Weird?
Great question! The inner ear has thin skin and lots of blood vessels, which means medicine can sneak through fast — no swallowing pills, no drama, no scratches.
In fact, the researchers found that owners overwhelmingly preferred this ear-based approach over traditional pills, which can turn into a daily wrestling match.
As one veterinarian joked:
“If it’s between a pill and your cat’s claws — go with the ointment.”
🚨 Are There Any Side Effects?
A few cats got a little too energized (more meowing, pacing, or acting like they’d just discovered catnip). Some had minor ear irritation. But here’s the kicker — these reactions were less common than those seen in earlier clinical trials, suggesting real-world use might actually be easier on most cats.
Still, always apply as directed (alternate ears daily!) and talk to your vet if you notice anything unusual.
⏱ How Fast Does It Work?
According to the survey:
- 40% of owners noticed their cats eating more within 24 hours
- Another 50% saw results within a week
And here’s a fun stat: cats treated for the full two weeks were far more likely to keep their appetite up than those who stopped early. Science says patience — and consistency — pays off.
🧠 The Science-y Bit (Made Simple)
Mirtazapine works by tweaking brain chemistry — boosting “feel-good” messengers like serotonin and norepinephrine that also control appetite. So in a way, it helps cats feel better and eat better.
🐈⬛ Bottom Line: Hope for Picky (or Sick) Eaters
If your cat’s been skipping meals due to illness, stress, or aging, ask your vet about transdermal mirtazapine. It’s vet-approved, owner-friendly, and might just bring back the purr at dinnertime.
💬 Share Your Pet’s Story!
Has your cat tried appetite stimulants like mirtazapine?
Did you notice a difference in their mood or appetite? Tell us in the comments — your experience might help another worried pet parent!
