Cat symptom
Not eating / loss of appetite in cats
Refusing food or eating far less than usual. Appetite loss is a non-specific sign of many problems; in cats, sustained not eating can lead to hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver), so do not wait several days.
Common causes of not eating / loss of appetite in cats
- Nausea, dental pain, or an upset stomach
- Pain or illness anywhere in the body
- Stress, a new environment, or a recent food change
- Side effect of a medication
Who's most at risk
- Cats — even 1–2 days without eating risks fatty liver disease
- Puppies and kittens
- Pets on medications that cause nausea
- Pets with dental pain or chronic illness
What you can do at home
- Try warming the food slightly or offering a strongly-scented favorite
- Make sure fresh water is available and the feeding area is calm
- Do not force-feed unless your veterinarian tells you to
- Note any other changes (energy, vomiting, hiding) to tell your vet
When to see a vet
- A cat has not eaten for 24 hours, a kitten has missed more than one meal, or any cat is hiding or acting sick
- A dog has not eaten for more than 24-48 hours, or sooner for a puppy, senior, or toy-breed dog
- Also lethargic, losing weight, vomiting, or in pain
When it's more serious
- Cats that stop eating can develop life-threatening fatty liver disease quickly — see a vet.
- Appetite loss plus other signs points to a real illness — get them examined today.
- More than two days without food warrants a vet visit to find the cause.
What your vet may do
- Exam to find pain, nausea, or dental disease
- Bloodwork and possibly imaging to find a cause
- Anti-nausea meds, appetite stimulants, or fluids
- Treat the underlying problem and support nutrition
Questions to ask your vet
- Could pain or nausea be behind this?
- Does my cat need treatment to prevent liver problems?
- Should we run bloodwork or imaging?
- How do I safely get calories in right now?
Frequently asked questions
What causes not eating / loss of appetite in cats?
Refusing food or eating far less than usual. Appetite loss is a non-specific sign of many problems; in cats, sustained not eating can lead to hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver), so do not wait several days. Common causes include: Nausea, dental pain, or an upset stomach; Pain or illness anywhere in the body; Stress, a new environment, or a recent food change; Side effect of a medication.
Is not eating / loss of appetite in cats an emergency?
See a vet today. See a vet right away if: A cat has not eaten for 24 hours, a kitten has missed more than one meal, or any cat is hiding or acting sick; A dog has not eaten for more than 24-48 hours, or sooner for a puppy, senior, or toy-breed dog; Also lethargic, losing weight, vomiting, or in pain.
What can I do at home for a cat with not eating / loss of appetite?
Try warming the food slightly or offering a strongly-scented favorite Make sure fresh water is available and the feeding area is calm Do not force-feed unless your veterinarian tells you to Note any other changes (energy, vomiting, hiding) to tell your vet
Sources
Reviewed by the Webvet Veterinarian Team
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis, and does not replace an exam by your veterinarian. If your pet is in distress, contact your vet or an emergency clinic right away.