Why Is My Cat Not Eating? Causes, Risks and When to Call the Vet
When a cat turns away from its bowl, it is usually trying to tell you something. Appetite loss in cats, called anorexia, is a sign that can come from dozens of causes, and cats are unusually vulnerable to the effects of not eating. That makes it something to act on, not wait out.
Why not eating is risky for cats
Cats rely on a steady supply of protein and calories. When a cat stops eating, the body mobilizes fat for energy, and the liver can be overwhelmed by the fat, causing hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver disease. It is most common in overweight cats, but can affect others too. It can develop within days. See hepatic lipidosis in cats. That is why vets advise seeing a cat that has eaten little or nothing for more than a day.
Common causes
Medical
- Dental pain. See cat dental disease.
- Nausea, and gut problems. See cat vomiting causes, pancreatitis in cats and inflammatory bowel disease in cats.
- Kidney disease. See chronic kidney disease in cats.
- Upper respiratory infections, which block the sense of smell. See upper respiratory infections in cats.
- Fever and infections.
- Diabetes, thyroid and other hormonal diseases. See diabetes in cats.
- Constipation. See constipation in cats.
- Pain, from arthritis or injury. See signs of pain in cats.
- Cancer. See cancer in cats.
- Foreign body. See linear foreign body in cats.
- Medication side effects, or after vaccines.
- Poisoning. See cat poisoning: what to do.
Behavioral and environmental
- Stress, from a move, new pet or noise. See signs of stress in cats.
- Food changes. See how to switch cat foods.
- Spoiled or stale food.
- Dirty bowls, or a bowl placed in a bad spot. See how to clean cat food bowls.
- Competition in multi-cat homes. See feeding cats in a multi-cat home.
- Heat, which lowers appetite.
- Pickiness, though a truly healthy cat rarely starves itself.
Questions that help your vet
- How long has your cat gone without eating?
- Is it refusing everything, or only one food?
- Is it drinking, urinating and passing stool normally?
- Any vomiting, diarrhea, sneezing or drooling?
- Any changes at home, diet or medications?
- Any chance it ate something it should not have?
What you can try at home
These steps are for a cat that is bright and alert, and has missed only a meal or two:
- Warm wet food slightly, to boost the smell.
- Offer a favorite, such as plain cooked chicken, in small amounts. See can cats eat chicken.
- Give food in a quiet place, with a clean dish.
- Switch back to the usual diet, if you recently changed.
- Offer water, and fresh drinking options.
- Reduce stress.
Do not leave it more than a day, and do not use human medicine.
Force-feeding
Do not force-feed unless a vet tells you to. It can cause choking, aspiration pneumonia and food aversion. Vets sometimes use appetite stimulants, syringe feeding or feeding tubes.
Veterinary care
The vet will examine your cat, and usually run bloodwork and other tests to find the cause. Treatment depends on the cause, and may include fluids, anti-nausea drugs, appetite stimulants and nutritional support.
Kittens and seniors
Kittens can crash quickly if they stop eating, so seek advice the same day. Seniors often have underlying disease. See kitten feeding schedule and senior cat care guide.
Appetite stimulants and nutritional support
Vets have several tools to help a cat that will not eat. Appetite stimulants, such as mirtazapine, available as a tablet or a gel applied to the ear, can encourage a cat to eat while the underlying cause is treated. Anti-nausea medications, such as maropitant or ondansetron, help when nausea is the main problem. For cats that stay off food, a feeding tube, placed under anesthesia, can provide nutrition at home for weeks while the cat recovers. Many owners find this easier than expected, and it can be lifesaving.
Keeping a food diary
If your cat is a picky eater rather than ill, keep a diary of what is offered and eaten. Notice the time, the flavor and the form, and whether other pets or stress were involved. A pattern often shows up. Most picky eaters can be helped with a routine, warmed food and a quiet place. Avoid constantly changing foods and adding too many treats, which teach the cat to hold out for something better.
Dental pain and eating
A cat with a sore mouth may approach the bowl hungrily, then back away, drop food or chew on one side. It may drool or paw at its mouth. Dental disease is a major, often overlooked, cause of poor appetite. See cat dental disease.
When to see a vet
See a vet if your cat has not eaten for 24 hours, or sooner if it seems unwell. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.
Frequently asked questions
How long can a cat go without eating?
Cats should not go more than 24 to 48 hours, and sooner if they are unwell.
Why is my cat not eating but drinking?
It may be nausea, dental pain or illness, so see a vet.
Can stress stop a cat eating?
Yes, but rule out illness first.
Should I force-feed my cat?
Not without a vet's advice, because it can cause aspiration and stress.
Sources and further reading
Health information changes as research does. These organizations publish guidance worth reading alongside our articles.
- American Animal Hospital AssociationAccreditation body and practice guidelines for companion-animal hospitals.
- WSAVA Global GuidelinesGlobal vaccination, nutrition and pain guidelines for small-animal vets.
- Cornell Feline Health CenterFeline health information from Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine.
Tailwisp is independent and written under our editorial policy. Learn who we are, or browse all cat guides.
This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.