As a cat parent, it can be worrying when your cat won’t eat, and even frustrating when you don’t know the reason why. Various factors could be causing your cat’s lack of appetite, the most common being dietary preferences, environmental changes, medical illness, stress and mouth pain. 

In this article, we explore the possible reasons why a cat doesn’t want to eat, how you can help them and when it’s time to contact a veterinarian. It’s crucial to discover the underlying cause of why your cat won’t eat so you can resolve the problem and keep them healthy. 

Dietary Changes

Cats are known to be picky eaters, which is why the most common answer to ‘why won’t my cat eat’ is linked to their diet. Cats are very sensitive to changes, including taste and smell, so if you’ve changed your cat’s food to a different flavour or brand, they may be put off by it. This can also be the case for treats, which is why it’s helpful to learn what treats are right for your cat so you have a few options.

If you need to change your cat’s food for any reason, it’s important to make a gradual transition. You can do this by putting small amounts of the new food in their normal food for exposure, and slowly increasing the amount until you’ve completely transitioned to the new food. This transition is recommended by experts as it allows cats to adjust to the new taste and can also help to prevent digestive upset.

Stress & Anxiety

Another common reason a cat won’t eat is due to stress and anxiety. Cats can become stressed in unfamiliar situations and by human behaviour. For example, if you have a new pet or person in the home and they aren’t respecting your cat’s space, your cat could feel cornered or overwhelmed. This is particularly common to children who can be more heavy-handed with animals. You should advise guests on how to get a cat to come to you to ensure your cat’s boundaries are respected.

Other factors that can cause anxiety could be loud noises, for instance, if there is ongoing construction within or outside the home. In this case, make sure your cat has a safe space to retreat to and consider catnip or feline pheromone room diffusers to calm their nerves. Some cats can experience separation anxiety if they are left alone for too long, such as when family members are at work or school. Take time to play with your cat every day to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. This can help reduce stress and anxiety and hopefully resolve the reason your cat won’t eat.

Environmental Changes

Cats are creatures of habit, which is why they are often hyper-aware of even small changes in their environment. Linked to the reason above, cats can feel stress and anxiety with new situations. It could be a simple change in their daily routine, such as a change in the location of their food bowl or being fed meals at a different time. Cats are also affected by changes in the climate, and warmer weather could be why your cat won’t eat.

On the other hand, a new pet or family member moving into the home could be unsettling for your cat, and the same goes for if your family has moved to a new home. Cats can also be affected by the loss of a pet or family member. It’s important to offer plenty of love and affection to your cat during changes and try to keep the impact on them as small as possible. 

Dental Pain

If a cat doesn’t want to eat and you’ve ruled out the above factors, your cat could be experiencing dental pain. Many conditions affecting the mouth can be uncomfortable for your cat, including tooth decay, gum disease and oral infections, as well as foreign bodies, growths or injuries. In these cases, biting food may be painful and therefore be the reason why your cat won’t eat. 

You may notice your cat prefers wet food over dry food in this case as it is softer, although this isn’t a tell-tale sign alone. Other accompanying signs could be your cat pawing at their mouth, drooling excessively, exhibiting bad breath, being quieter than normal or shying away from having their head touched. It’s important to take your cat to the vet practice for health check-ups with a vet or vet nurse regularly so their dental health can be assessed. 

Illness

A common and early sign that could indicate illness is a lack of appetite, so if your cat won’t eat, you may need to consider their health status. Medical conditions can make cats feel nauseous and uncomfortable. Your cat won’t eat if they’re experiencing pain. 

Cat parents must observe their cat’s behaviour to be aware of any changes that could be an issue. If you’re ever worried that your cat doesn’t want to eat, and notice other symptoms such as lethargy or gastrointestinal problems, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Cat playing at home

What to do if your cat won’t eat

If your cat won’t eat, there are specific actions cat parents can take to help their cat to eat, including slightly warming their wet food to emphasise the aromas or offering tinned sardines in tomato sauce as the strong smell and flavour can often tempt them enough to try a bit. You can also tempt your cat with a treat to encourage their appetite.

Here are some other tips if your cat won’t eat:

  • Try different foods. Experimenting with different wet and dry foods, such as a different flavour or brand could entice your cat.
  • Hand-feed your cat. If your cat won’t eat, hand-feeding could be the small encouragement they need to start eating again.
  • Reduce stress. In stressful situations, cats won’t eat. Try to create a safe, calm and nurturing environment for your cat.

How to help your cat adapt to environmental changes

When changes are happening in your cat’s environment, there are specific actions you can take to help them adapt. Here are some ideas:

  • Minimise disruption to routine. Keep feeding your cat their meals at the usual time and maintain playtime regularly.
  • Create a safe space. It’s important that your cat can retreat to a cosy and quiet corner when they feel overwhelmed.
  • Keep familiar items close. Your cat will feel relaxed by the scent of their toys and bedding. You could also try catnip.
  • Make gradual transitions. When changing anything in your cat’s environment, give them time to explore at their own pace.
  • Give plenty of love and affection. Petting and playing with your cat will ease their anxiety and help them feel reassured. 

When should you talk to your vet about your cat not eating?

As a cat parent, you’ll know your cat best, especially in terms of what’s normal and what’s not when it comes to their behaviours and habits. If you are worried that your cat won’t eat, it’s highly recommended that you consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. This is crucial if your cat hasn’t eaten for more than 24 hours, as there can be dangerous implications on their health. Once you identify why your cat doesn’t want to eat, you can work to resolve the underlying problem and hopefully get your cat feeling like themselves again.

FAQs: Cat not eating

What to do when a cat won't eat?

If a cat won’t eat, you can try to entice them with treats, slightly warmed wet food or tinned sardines in tomato sauce. If this doesn’t work, and it has been longer than 24 hours since your cat last ate, contact a veterinarian to find the underlying cause and treatment.

When should I worry about my cat not eating?

You should worry about your cat not eating if it has been more than 24 hours since their last meal. This is because cats need protein to survive, and without it can experience weakness and lethargy, and be at risk of other serious conditions, as well as organ failure.

What happens if my cat doesn’t eat for 3 days?

If your cat doesn’t want to eat for 3 days, you should take them to the veterinarian immediately. Without food, your cat’s body will utilise its fat reserves for energy, putting them at risk of hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), which is a serious condition requiring immediate treatment.