Why Is My Cat Not Eating? When to Worry

Call your vet now if

• Your cat has eaten nothing, or very little, for around 24 hours
• They are a kitten, an elderly cat, or have an existing health condition and have missed even a meal or two
• They are vomiting, have diarrhoea, or can't keep water down
• They seem lethargic, weak, are hiding, or don't want to be touched
• They are drooling, pawing at their mouth, or seem to want food but back away from it
• They are straining in the litter tray, passing little or no urine, or crying while trying to go
• Their breathing seems fast, laboured or open-mouthed
• They may have eaten something harmful, such as lilies, string, medicines or a toxic food (see our toxic foods list)
• The whites of their eyes, gums or inside of the ears look yellowish

Why a cat not eating matters

With some animals, a missed meal is no great worry. Cats are different. When a cat stops eating, their body starts breaking down its fat stores for energy, and a cat's liver does not cope well with this. In some cats, particularly those carrying extra weight, this can lead to a serious liver problem that makes them feel even less like eating. The longer it goes on, the harder it can be to turn around.

That is why "wait and see" is not a safe approach with a cat. Contacting your vet early is not an overreaction; it is the right thing to do.

Common reasons cats go off their food

There are many possible reasons, and some are much more serious than others. Your vet is the one who can work out what is going on, but it can help to know the kinds of things they will be thinking about.

Stress or change. Cats are sensitive to their surroundings. Moving house, building work, a new pet or baby, visitors, a change in routine, or even a bowl moved to a busy spot can put them off eating. Tension with another cat, sometimes subtle, can also stop a cat feeling safe enough to eat.

Food changes. A sudden switch of food, a new recipe from the same brand, or food that has gone stale or been left out can lead to refusal. Some cats are also put off by bowls that are too deep or narrow.

Dental pain. Sore gums, broken teeth or other mouth problems are common, especially in older cats. A cat with a painful mouth may approach the bowl hungrily, then walk away, chew on one side, drop food or drool. Our guide to dental care for dogs and cats explains what to look for.

Nausea. Many illnesses make cats feel queasy, including problems with the kidneys, liver, gut, pancreas or thyroid. A nauseous cat might lick their lips, sit hunched over the water bowl, or vomit.

Blocked nose. Cats rely heavily on smell to want their food. A cat with a cold or cat flu may not be able to smell their dinner, so loses interest. Read more in our post on cat sneezing.

Pain or illness elsewhere. Fever, infection, injury, constipation, urinary problems and many other conditions can all reduce appetite. A cat not eating is often a sign of something else rather than a problem in itself.

What you can gently try

While you are arranging to speak to your vet, or if your cat has only been a little picky for part of a day and is otherwise bright, these steps are reasonable:

• Offer their usual food fresh. Throw away anything left out and put down a fresh portion.
• Warm wet food slightly to body temperature, stirring well and checking there are no hot spots. Warmth makes food smell stronger.
• Use a shallow, wide dish in a quiet place, away from the litter tray, other pets and busy doorways.
• Give them space and calm. Sit nearby quietly if they like company, or leave them in peace if they prefer.
• Keep fresh water available and notice whether they are drinking.

What you should not do:

• Never force-feed. Pushing food into a cat's mouth or syringing food without vet guidance can cause choking, can lead to food going into the lungs, and can make them dislike food even more. If your cat needs help eating, your vet will advise on the safest way.
• Don't give human medicines or remedies without speaking to your vet, as many are dangerous to cats.
• Don't offer foods that may be harmful in an attempt to tempt them. Check our toxic foods page if you are unsure.
• Don't wait it out. If they are still not eating properly by the time a day has passed, or sooner if they seem unwell, call your vet.

Tracking your cat's appetite

It can be surprisingly hard to know how much a cat has actually eaten, particularly in a home with more than one cat or where food is left out all day. Some ideas:

• Measure out each day's food so you can see what is left over
• Feed set meals rather than leaving food down constantly, so changes are obvious
• Feed cats separately if one may be eating another's share
• Note the time and roughly how much was eaten at each meal

Logging meals in Petopedia can help you spot a gradual drop in appetite over days or weeks, and gives your vet a clear picture rather than a best guess. A slow decline is easy to miss day to day but can be just as important as a sudden stop. It is also worth keeping an eye on weight; our healthy weight guide explains how to check body condition at home.

What your vet may want to know

When you call, it helps to have answers ready:

• When your cat last ate normally, and how much they have had since
• Whether they are drinking, and how much
• Any vomiting, diarrhoea, or changes in the litter tray
• Changes at home, to their food, or to their routine
• Whether they could have eaten something unusual
• Any other signs, such as sneezing, drooling, weight loss or hiding

The bottom line

A cat skipping part of one meal and then eating normally is rarely a concern. A cat that goes off food for around a day, or sooner if anything else seems wrong, needs a vet. You won't be wasting anyone's time. For more on recognising when your pet needs help, see signs your pet needs a vet.