Cat Not Eating
Cat
Loss of appetite (anorexia) in cats is a serious concern because cats can develop hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) in as little as 2-3 days without food. Unlike dogs, cats cannot safely go without eating for extended periods. Any cat that has not eaten for more than 24 hours should be closely monitored.
Possible Causes
- Upper respiratory infection causing loss of smell
- Dental disease or oral pain
- Kidney disease or urinary tract issues
- Gastrointestinal issues (nausea, constipation, obstruction)
- Stress from environmental changes (new pet, move, new people)
- Pancreatitis
- Cancer or other serious illness
- Recent vaccination side effects
- Food change or food aversion
- Pain from any source (injury, arthritis, post-surgery)
When to See a VetImportant
Seek veterinary care if any of the following apply:
- Your cat has not eaten anything for 24 hours or more
- Loss of appetite is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy
- Your cat is drooling or pawing at their mouth
- You notice weight loss over days or weeks
- Your cat is also not drinking water
- There are other symptoms like hiding, labored breathing, or jaundice (yellow gums/ears)
- Your cat is a kitten, senior, or has a chronic health condition
First Aid TipsHome Care
These tips can help while you monitor the situation or wait for your vet appointment:
- Try warming the food slightly to enhance its aroma
- Offer strong-smelling foods like tuna or sardines to stimulate appetite
- Ensure the food bowl is clean and placed in a quiet, stress-free area
- Try hand-feeding small amounts or offering food on your finger
- If your cat has nasal congestion, gently wipe the nose with a warm damp cloth
- Do not force-feed your cat — this can cause aspiration and increase stress
Related Symptoms
Is this an emergency?
If your pet is in severe distress, call your vet or an emergency animal hospital immediately. For poisoning emergencies, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
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