Why Is My Cat Not Eating?

What it usually means

VCA divides poor appetite into two kinds, and the difference matters. In pseudo-anorexia, the cat wants to eat but cannot, usually because of pain: dental disease, mouth ulcers, a broken tooth, jaw pain or something stuck in the mouth. You may see a cat go to the bowl, show interest, then back away, drop food or chew on one side. In true anorexia, the cat has lost interest in food altogether.

Common causes of true appetite loss include nausea from stomach or intestinal problems, kidney disease, liver disease, pancreatitis, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, infections, cancer, a blocked nose from a cat cold, and swallowed objects. Stress is a big factor in cats too: a move, a new pet, a new food, boarding, or losing a companion can put a cat off food. Some cats simply refuse a food they dislike, but that should never be assumed until illness is ruled out.

Why it's riskier in cats

When a cat goes without food, its body starts breaking down fat for energy. The liver in cats is poorly equipped to handle a sudden flood of fat, and it can become swollen with fat and stop working properly. This is called hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver disease, and it can be life-threatening. University of Illinois vets note that overweight cats are at the highest risk, and that keeping cats lean is the best prevention.

This is why vets do not like a wait-and-see approach for a cat that is not eating. It is also why you should never try to make an overweight cat lose weight by withholding food. Kittens have even less margin: Cornell warns that 12 hours without food can be life-threatening for a kitten under six weeks old.

When to call your vet today

Call your vet the same day if your cat has eaten nothing for 24 hours, or very little for a day or two, especially if they are overweight, a senior, or have a known condition. Call sooner if not eating comes with vomiting, diarrhea, hiding, lethargy, drooling, weight loss, or a change in thirst or urination.

Kittens should be seen promptly after missing meals. Also call if your cat is eating but much less than usual for several days, is losing weight without explanation, or is only eating treats. Some cats keep nibbling while their body slowly struggles, and steady weight loss is easy to miss without a scale.

When it's an emergency

Go to your vet or the nearest emergency vet immediately if your cat is not eating and also has labored or open-mouth breathing, repeated vomiting, a painful or swollen belly, collapse, pale or yellow gums, or yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, which can be a sign of liver trouble. A male cat that is not eating and straining in the litter box with little or no urine needs emergency care.

If your cat may have eaten something toxic, such as a lily, antifreeze, human medicine or a cleaning product, call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (a fee may apply) and get to a vet. Not eating after possibly swallowing string or a toy is also urgent.

What you can safely do at home

While you arrange a vet visit, VCA suggests tempting a cat with small, fresh portions of strong-smelling wet food warmed to about body temperature, around 100°F; stir microwaved food well so there are no hot spots. A little low-sodium broth with no onion or garlic can make food more appealing. Offer food in a quiet, warm, comfortable spot away from other pets, and try a shallow dish.

Hand feeding a few bites can help a stressed cat. Do not force food into your cat's mouth, which VCA warns can cause food aversion and even inhaled food. Do not give human appetite or nausea medicine. Keep water available, and if you changed food recently, ask your vet about offering the old one again. These steps support a cat, but they do not replace finding out why it stopped eating.

What the vet will likely check

Your vet will ask how long your cat has been off food, whether they are interested but cannot eat, and about vomiting, stools, urination, stress and any changes at home. They will weigh your cat, check hydration, look closely in the mouth and at the teeth, feel the belly and take a temperature.

Depending on what they find, VCA lists tests such as a complete blood count, chemistry profile and electrolytes, urine tests, x-rays and ultrasound, and sometimes endoscopy or biopsy. Treatment targets the cause and may include fluids, anti-nausea medication, appetite support and dental treatment. If a cat has stopped eating for some time, a temporary feeding tube can be lifesaving while the liver recovers.

Prevention

Keep your cat at a lean, healthy weight, which lowers the risk of fatty liver disease if they ever do stop eating. Weigh your cat every few weeks at home or at the clinic, because gradual weight loss is an early clue to illness. Keep up yearly checkups, and twice-yearly checkups for seniors, including dental exams.

Make food changes slowly, over a week or so, and keep stress low during moves or when new pets arrive by giving your cat a quiet room with food, water and a litter box. Keep string, lilies and medicines out of reach. Most of all, act early: a cat that skips more than a meal or two is telling you something.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.