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Why Is My Cat Not Eating? Causes & When to See a Vet

A cat refusing food is never something to ignore. Unlike dogs, cats can become seriously ill after just 24–48 hours without eating. Loss of appetite in cats is one of the highest-value warning signs veterinarians take seriously.

If you’re asking “Why is my cat not eating?”, this guide will help you understand:

  • Common and serious causes

  • When it becomes an emergency

  • What vets look for

  • Safe steps you can take at home

  • When to seek immediate veterinary care

Cat refusing food, a common sign of illness in cats


🚨 Why Loss of Appetite in Cats Is So Serious

Cats are biologically different from dogs. When a cat stops eating, their body starts breaking down fat rapidly, which can overwhelm the liver and cause hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) — a life-threatening condition that often requires hospitalization.

This is why vets treat appetite loss as a medical priority, not a minor issue.

⏱️ How Long Is Too Long for a Cat Not to Eat?

  • 12 hours: Concerning if your cat is already sick

  • 24 hours: Call a vet

  • 48 hours: Emergency vet visit strongly recommended

Kittens, senior cats, and cats with chronic illness are at higher risk.

🔍 Common Reasons Why Cats Stop Eating

1️⃣ Stress or Environmental Changes

Stressed cat hiding and refusing food

Cats are sensitive to change. Appetite loss can be triggered by:

  • Moving homes

  • New pets

  • New baby or visitors

  • Loud noises

  • Schedule changes

Key clue: Cat is alert but withdrawn, hiding, or anxious.

👉 If appetite doesn’t return within 24 hours, see a vet.

2️⃣ Dental Pain or Mouth Problems

Cat with dental pain causing loss of appetite


Dental disease is extremely common and very painful.

Signs include:

  • Sniffing food but not eating

  • Dropping food

  • Chewing on one side

  • Bad breath

  • Drooling

3️⃣ Kidney Disease (Very Common)

Senior cat with kidney disease refusing food

Kidney disease often causes nausea and appetite loss.

Other signs:

  • Drinking more water

  • Weight loss

  • Vomiting

  • Lethargy

This is one of the most expensive chronic cat conditions, making early vet care critical.

4️⃣ Gastrointestinal Problems

Stomach and intestinal issues often cause appetite loss.

Possible causes:

  • Hairballs

  • Parasites

  • Inflammatory bowel disease

  • Intestinal blockage

👉 Vomiting + not eating = urgent vet visit.

5️⃣ Upper Respiratory Infection (Cat Colds)

Cats rely heavily on smell to eat. When congested, food becomes unappealing.

Signs include:

  • Sneezing

  • Runny nose

  • Watery eyes

  • Mouth breathing

Loss of appetite often improves once breathing and smell improve.

6️⃣ Pain or Injury

Cats often hide pain.

Possible causes:

  • Falls

  • Internal injury

  • Arthritis

  • Bite wounds

Pain frequently causes appetite loss even when no wounds are visible.

Alt text: Cat hiding due to pain and refusing food

7️⃣ Fever or Infection

Just like humans, cats with fever often stop eating.

Other signs:

  • Lethargy

  • Warm ears or paws

  • Dehydration

Infections require veterinary diagnosis and treatment.

Alt text: Sick cat with infection showing lethargy

8️⃣ Poisoning or Toxin Exposure

Cat exposed to toxin showing illness

Toxins can quickly shut down appetite.

Common toxins:

  • Lilies (extremely dangerous)

  • Human medications

  • Cleaning products

  • Pesticides

👉 This is an immediate emergency.

🩺 How Vets Diagnose Appetite Loss in Cats

A veterinary clinic may perform:

  • Physical exam

  • Blood tests (kidney, liver, infection markers)

  • Urinalysis

  • Dental exam

  • X-rays or ultrasound

  • Blood pressure check

This is why appetite loss is considered a diagnostic red flag.

🏠 What You Can Safely Try at Home (Short-Term Only)

⚠️ These are temporary steps, not replacements for a vet.

  • Offer warm wet food

  • Try strong-smelling food (tuna water, vet-approved)

  • Hand-feed gently

  • Reduce stress

  • Ensure fresh water

❌ Do NOT force-feed without vet guidance
❌ Do NOT give human medication

🚑 When Loss of Appetite Is an Emergency

Go to an emergency vet immediately if your cat:

  • Has not eaten for 24+ hours

  • Is vomiting repeatedly

  • Is weak or collapsed

  • Is hiding and unresponsive

  • Is straining to urinate

  • Has pale or yellow gums

🐾 Prevention Tips

  • Annual vet checkups

  • Dental care

  • Senior cat blood work

  • Stable routine

  • Pet insurance for chronic conditions

✅ Final Thoughts

If your cat isn’t eating, trust your instincts. Appetite loss is one of the clearest ways cats tell us something is wrong.

Early veterinary care:

  • Saves lives

  • Reduces emergency costs

  • Improves long-term outcomes

When in doubt, call a vet clinic sooner rather than later.


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