Cats may get away with a lot of strange habits or picky preferences but not eating shouldn’t be one of them. When a cat stops eating, it’s usually a sign that their health or the environment is affecting them. Problem with cats is, when they stop eating, their health can drastically decline quickly.
While most cats can go 36 to 48 hours without food, their health will start to decline after the 24 hour mark. This can lead to more severe health issues like liver failure. That’s why troubleshooting what’s wrong with your cat’s appetite is important — and you should do it with a vet.
But there are some addressable causes for a cat refusing food. We walk through 11 reasons a cat stops eating and how to boost their appetite.
Why Has My Cat Stopped Eating?
Cats may stop eating for many reasons, from small issues to serious health concerns. A normal reason for your cat skipping meals is getting core vaccinations, which can cause mild side effects like a loss of appetite.
Health causes
If your cat was recently diagnosed with a health issue or illness, loss of appetite is a likely side effect. Kidney disease, diabetes, parasites, hypothyroidism, or even cancer, can cause appetite changes, says Dr. Laura Robinson, a consulting vet for Canidae Pet Food.
Other health reasons for your cat not eating include:
- Digestive issues: Dr. Victoria Carmella, DVM, Director of Veterinary Scientific Affairs at Blue Buffalo says tummy troubles like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or discomfort can lead to a poor appetite.
- Dental problems: Issues like gingivitis or broken teeth can make eating painful. Drooling or bad breath can be signs it’s time to see the vet.
- Foreign objects: Hairballs or swallowed objects like string can cause tummy problems and require immediate vet care.
- Respiratory problems: Illnesses that cause a stuffy or runny nose can lower a cat’s appetite since they rely on their sense of smell to eat.
- Allergies: Food allergies can upset a cat’s stomach and cause them to stop eating, says Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, a Rover veterinary panelist and Chief Veterinarian at Kleinburg Veterinary Hospital.
Behavioral causes
Most behavioral causes for not eating should resolve itself in a day or two. If your cat goes without food or water for more than 48 hours, see a vet.
- Pickiness: “Cats can be very finicky eaters,” says Victoria Carmella, DVM, Director of Veterinary Scientific Affairs at Blue Buffalo. Things like the smell, taste, or texture of food might make them skip a meal.
- Stress or anxiety: Anxiety affects cats differently, but it often changes their eating habits. New routines or loud environments can make them lose interest in food.
- Traveling: Changes in routine or car rides can stress cats out or cause motion sickness, making them less likely to eat.
- Sadness or depression: Cats can experience sadness and depression, which may include a loss of appetite, says Mikel Delgado, Rover’s resident cat behavior expert.
How to Help a Cat Regain Their Appetite
When cats stop eating, they can quickly become weak and feel worse. It’s important to help them eat before the cycle gets worse.
In the first 24 hours, try these tips to encourage your cat to eat:
- Replace their food bowl: Dirty bowls or ones that cause whisker fatigue can turn cats off. Dr. Robinson suggests switching to an elevated ceramic bowl if your cat avoids metal ones.
- Move the bowl to a less stressful area: Stress or anxiety can stop a cat from eating. Dr. Robinson says to keep the food bowl away from busy areas, other cats, the litter box, or the water bowl.
- Change the food type: If you recently switched foods—like dry to wet—it might cause your cat to refuse meals. Offer their preferred food until they’re back to normal. Any food changes should be slow and gradual.
- Make food smellier: Dr. Greenstein says cats rely on smell to eat. Heating up food or adding strong-smelling toppings can make it more appealing.
- Add a topper: Dr. Robinson says flavored toppers like plain turkey, chicken, scrambled eggs, or probiotics can tempt picky eaters. Tuna can work in a pinch but too much can cause nutritional deficiencies.
- Try a new recipe or brand of wet cat food. Picky cats may be protesting what you’ve chosen for them. If switching to a new brand or recipe works, then you can identify pickiness as a behavioral cause.
Should I try human food for my cat?
While serving your cat approved human food is not recommended for meals, you may try it while waiting for your vet appointment. As mentioned above, use human food as a topper rather than a full meal replacement for your cat.
When to See a Vet
Once you suspect your cat hasn’t eaten their meals in the last 24 hours, contact your vet immediately. Even if your cat has only been eating treats, it’s important to make sure they don’t have any other underlying issues that may be causing a lack of appetite.
Signs your cat may be declining include:
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Weight loss
At the clinic, you and your vet can make a plan to help your cat eat again. In the most extreme cases, you may need to learn how to syringe-feeding your cat but, for the most part, your vet may prescribe appetite stimulants and prescription wet food.
