Why Is My Cat Not Eating?

There are so many reasons why your cat might turn their nose up at their food, and your vet is the best one to diagnose the underlying cause. 

Cats can be picky eaters, but refusing food for too long can become dangerous. “Advising pet parents that a cat will eventually eat when hungry can lead to severe consequences,” says Tracey Deiss, DVM in Richmond, Texas. Cats who go too long without eating can develop serious complications such as hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease).  

Exposing kittens to different flavors and textures early on may help reduce picky eating later in life. 

Infection can reduce a cat’s appetite, especially if congestion affects their ability to smell food.  

Young or newly adopted cats are especially prone to upper respiratory infections, says David Israel, DVM, medical director at Veterinary Emergency Group in Denver. A stuffy or runny nose can limit their ability to breathe and smell, potentially reducing their appetite. 

A more serious infection Dr. Israel sees in younger cats is feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). One form of the virus causes a cat to develop a large, bloated stomach, despite having stopped eating. 

Give your cat’s vet a call if you notice any signs of infection or illness. 

It’s not uncommon for cats to eat something they shouldn’t. When a foreign object, such as string, ribbon, or even a hairball, gets stuck in the gastrointestinal tract, cats may stop eating. 

Other signs of intestinal blockages include: 

• Vomiting 
• Straining to defecate or not defecating at all 
• Lethargy
• Urinary tract blockages—especially in young male cats—can also cause pain and appetite loss.  

Digestive or urinary obstructions are medical emergencies and require immediate veterinary care. 

Digestive problems, such as constipation, nausea, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), can cause cats to stop eating.  

“Anything that causes abdominal pain can make the cat stop eating,” says Jessica Bell, DVM, veterinarian at Washington State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Pullman, Washington.  

Dehydration, diet, and certain medications can contribute to constipation in cats. Cats with IBD may also experience gas, chronic diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, or drooling. 

Several chronic diseases can cause a loss of appetite in cats, including:  

• Diabetes 
• Pancreatitis 
• Kidney disease 
• Cancer 

Changes such as increased thirst or reduced grooming may signal an underlying health issue. 

Pain from injuries, arthritis, or other conditions can reduce a cat’s appetite.   

While dental pain can sometimes cause cats to stop eating, Dr. Israel says dental disease alone is not usually the main reason unless there’s a broken or infected tooth.  

Stress can also cause cats to lose interest in food. Changes in routine, moving, loud noises, or a new family member may all affect appetite. 

Cats thrive on routine and can become stressed when their environment suddenly changes. 

Breathing problems can make eating uncomfortable for cats. “Cats really hate breathing through their mouth,” Dr. Israel says.  

Conditions such as a stuffy nose or asthma may make it difficult for cats to chew and breath at the same time.  

According to Dr. Israel, a neurological event such as a blood clot, ruptured blood vessel, brain tumor, or toxin exposure affecting the nervous system can all impact appetite. 

Signs that your cat may have ingested something toxic include: 

• Vomiting 
• Drooling 
• Diarrhea 
• Decreased activity and/or lethargy 
• Stumbling or walking differently 

Inhaled toxins can cause breathing problems. 

Specific warning signs that your cat needs to go to the vet include: 

• If your cat skips more than one meal or hasn’t eaten for more than 24 hours. 
• If your cat isn’t eating and has other symptoms, such as lethargy, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or changes in behavior. 
• If your cat isn’t eating and has an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, or any chronic illness. A lack of appetite could indicate the condition is worsening. 
• If your cat isn’t eating and is showing signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes, decreased skin elasticity, or lethargy). 
• If your cat isn’t eating while recovering from a recent surgery or illness. 
• If your cat is a kitten (under 1 year old), older (over 10 years), or has a compromised immune system and shows a loss of appetite. These cats may be more vulnerable to the effects of not eating, so any decrease in appetite should be taken seriously. 

If your cat has lost their appetite, our experts offer some strategies to entice them back to their food bowl: 

• Try offering wet cat food, as it has a stronger aroma than kibble. 

• Warm up their food slightly to enhance its smell. 
• Add low-sodium chicken broth to your cat’s food. 

• Offer baby food (chicken or meat flavors—ensure they contain no onion or garlic, which are toxic to cats) or a small amount of tuna (canned in water, not oil). 
• Feed your cat from something other than their regular food bowl to promote eating, such as a food puzzle, a plate, or even hand-feeding. 

Dr. Deiss emphasizes the importance of hydration, especially when a cat isn’t eating: 

• Always provide fresh, clean water in multiple locations around the house. 
• Cats may prefer moving water, so consider using a cat water fountain. 

• Offer wet cat food or mix canned food with water, tuna juice, or low-sodium chicken broth to increase moisture content. 
• Consult your veterinarian, who can assess your cat’s hydration. 

How long can a cat go without eating before it becomes serious? 

If your cat hasn’t eaten for more than 24 hours, contact your veterinarian. Cats who go too long without eating can develop serious health complications, including fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis). 

What are common reasons a cat stops eating? 

A cat not eating can be caused by many different issues, including infections, digestive problems, pain, stress, chronic disease, respiratory illness, or even a dislike of their food.  

When should I call the vet if my cat is not eating? 

Call your veterinarian if your cat skips more than one meal, goes longer than 24 hours without eating, or develops symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, dehydration, weight loss, or behavior changes. 

How can I encourage my cat to eat again? 

To help encourage your cat to eat, try offering wet food, warming their food slightly, adding low-sodium chicken broth, or offering a small amount of tuna packed in water. You can also try changing your cat’s feeding setup and making sure they stay hydrated.