- Appetite loss can be a symptom of a minor issue or a sign of serious medical conditions and should be taken seriously.
- Dental issues, illness, or recent vaccinations can be the cause of this appetite loss, though it is mostly temporary in the case of vaccinations.
- Vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and fever are all emergency signs that require immediate medical attention.
- If your cat has not eaten for 24 hours, or your kitten has not eaten for 12, seek medical care right away.
- Dehydration in cats is serious and can lead to life-threatening conditions, so ensuring they eat and drink is key to keeping them healthy. Treats, new food flavours, and bowl placement are all strategies you can use at home to encourage eating.
Cats not eating can be attributed to many factors, so it’s important to watch for any other symptoms that may arise, and to take them to a professional as needed.
Why Is My Cat Not Eating? Common Causes
As a cat parent, it can be worrying when your cat won't eat, especially if you don’t know 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.
If your cat hasn’t eaten for 24 hours, or your kitten hasn’t eaten for 12, you should contact a veterinarian right away.
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 resorptive lesions, 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, as many conditions cause nauseousness in cats, so if your cat won't eat, you may need to consider their health status. Conditions such as kidney disease, pancreatitis, hyperthyroidism, liver disease, and cat flu can all begin with a loss of appetite in your cat.
Cats often hide their symptoms, and a change in appetite may be the first change that you will notice.
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, vomiting, weight loss, or gastrointestinal problems, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Vaccinations
It is completely normal and common for cats to temporarily lose their appetite after vaccinations, and these symptoms will typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours.
If symptoms persist, however, or if swelling, fever, and unusual lethargy develops, then it’s best to contact your veterinarian.
Cat Not Eating or Drinking: Key Warning Signs
If your cat is refusing both food and water, it is important to seek veterinary attention immediately, as this behaviour can lead to dehydration and stress on vital organs.
Dehydration in cats can be life-threatening and can trigger kidney failure and organ damage, so it is paramount that your cat takes on board enough water to drink and that you encourage them to eat wet food which naturally contains moisture.
How Long Can a Cat Go Without Eating
Adult cats should not go longer than 24 hours without food. If your cat isn’t eating for 24 hours or more they should be seen by a veterinarian.
Kittens have lower energy reserves due to their early development, and must eat more frequently. As a result, you should see a vet if your kitten hasn’t eaten for 12 hours.
In both instances, prolonged periods without food can lead to hepatic lipidosis or fatty liver disease, and dehydration as a result of not eating or drinking can become critical within 24 to 48 hours.
Signs Your Cat's Health May Be at Risk
If you notice a loss of appetite in your cat or kitten, keep an eye out for the following symptoms. If you notice any of these, seek veterinary attention:
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Jaundice
- Breathing Difficulty
- Hiding
- Dehydration Signs
- Weight Loss
- Not Eating or Drinking for 12 Hours (Kitten) / 24 Hours (Cat)
Any of these symptoms can be an indication of an underlying illness or disease and should be taken seriously.
What to Do When 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.
Steps to Encourage Eating
There are a few different steps you can take to encourage your cat to continue eating once you’ve noticed a loss of appetite:
- 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.
- Offer treats – Providing highly palatable treats like Dreamies can help to restart appetite.
- Improve aroma – Refrigerating wet food and then warming it up before serving it can improve its aroma and make it more enticing for your cat.
Home care strategies should not be used in place of veterinary care when your cat displays serious symptoms.
Hydration Tips for Cats
Cats typically get much of their moisture from food, and so if your cat stops eating, their hydration is reliant solely on water intake. As a result, it is crucial to offer your cat means of hydration, such as water fountains, wet food.
It is also important to note that cats prefer not to drink in the same place they eat. This is the result of a hardwired desire not to drink contaminated water and can be remedied by placing their food and water bowls away from one another.
Signs of dehydration in your cat may be tacky gums, sunken eyes, poor skin elasticity, and general lethargy. If your cat is showing any of these signs, seek veterinary attention immediately.
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 See a Vet If Your Cat Is 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. Kittens, senior cats, and cats with health conditions all require earlier intervention than this, though, so it’s important to keep track of their eating habits once you notice any appetite issues.
Warning signs that warrant immediate medical care are vomiting, jaundice, breathing difficulties or collapse.
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
Treatment Options for a Cat Not Eating
There are different options for treating cats that are refusing to eat, but each depends on the underlying cause.
Vets may require blood tests, urine tests, or imaging to determine what this cause is, and treatment may range from dietary changes to medical intervention.
Veterinary Interventions
One solution your vet may provide is medication to stimulate their appetite. These are given in order to encourage your cat to resume their eating habits.
IV fluids may also be needed in cases of serious dehydration, to bring your cat’s fluids back to a healthy level. In other instances, cats who refuse food or water may simply be prescribed antibiotics.
Dental procedures may be offered if mouth pain is the reason for a lowered appetite, while chronic disease management and assisted feeding may be needed for cats with serious underlying conditions.
Preventing Appetite Loss in Cats
In many cases, appetite loss can be prevented before it develops with proper routine care. Consistent feeding, dental care, and regular vet visits for necessary vaccinations and check-ups can prevent or identify any underlying issues before they become a problem.
Routine Health Checks
Annual check-ups for adult cats and six-monthly checks for senior cats or cats with health issues can be a great way to stay on top of any issues as they arise, and could be a means of preventing symptoms such as appetite loss before they appear.
Vets can offer blood tests which are able to detect diseases early and can also provide vaccinations as part of preventative care. Both of these can go a long way in keeping serious conditions and symptoms at bay.
Regular Dental Care
Dental disease is one of the most common and preventable causes for cats not eating. Annual dental checks, tooth brushing and dental treats are all surefire ways of ensuring your cat’s dental hygiene is at a healthy level.
Warning signs that your cat may have a dental issue that needs attention are bad breath, drooling, or pawing at its mouth. In many instances, mouth pain is the reason cats lose their appetite or refuse to eat.
Find out more about your cat’s health here.
Cat Not Eating FAQs
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 and contact your vet for advice if it has been more than 24 hours since their last meal.
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.
How long can a cat go without eating?
Cats should go no longer than 24 hours without eating before being taken to a vet, less if it is a senior cat or cat with health issues. For kittens this number is 12 hours.
Why is my cat not eating but acting normal?
Cats are known for hiding their symptoms wherever possible, so it’s not abnormal for cats to seem normal when they are not. If your cat doesn’t eat for 24 hours, or shows other symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, jaundice, diarrhoea or breathing difficulties then they must be taken to a professional.
Can vaccinations cause my cat to stop eating?
Yes, a loss of appetite is a normal immune response to vaccinations, and should subside within 24 to 48 hours on its own. If it does not subside, or if symptoms such as swelling, fever, or lethargy arise, then seek veterinary attention.
