Why is my cat not eating?

Cats are creatures of habit, and even subtle changes in their environment can suppress appetite. A new pet in the household, moving to a new home, changes in schedule, a new food, or even rearranged furniture can cause enough stress that a cat stops eating. Stress-related appetite loss is usually temporary, but it still warrants monitoring.

Medical causes are also common. Dental disease — including tooth resorption, gingivitis, and oral infections — can make eating painful. Gastrointestinal problems such as inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, constipation, and intestinal obstructions can all suppress appetite. Kidney disease, urinary tract infections, and systemic infections are additional causes that require veterinary attention.

Because cats are small and metabolically distinct from dogs, the consequences of not eating develop faster and can be more severe. This is why appetite loss in cats is taken more seriously than in most dogs, and why prompt evaluation is recommended.

Hepatic lipidosis is a condition that is uniquely associated with cats and is one of the most important reasons why feline anorexia should not be ignored. When a cat stops eating for an extended period — typically two to three days or more — the body begins mobilizing fat stores to the liver for energy. The liver becomes overwhelmed with fat, impairing its ability to function normally.

Signs of hepatic lipidosis include continued refusal to eat, vomiting, lethargy, weight loss, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin, gums, or the whites of the eyes). Without treatment, hepatic lipidosis can become life-threatening. With prompt veterinary care — including nutritional support and treatment of the underlying cause — many cats recover successfully.

The most effective way to prevent hepatic lipidosis is to address appetite loss early. If your cat has not eaten in more than 24 hours, contacting your veterinarian is recommended. Do not wait to see if the appetite returns on its own when a cat has completely stopped eating.

Dental disease is extremely common in cats, particularly as they age. Tooth resorption — a painful condition in which the tooth structure is gradually destroyed — affects an estimated 28% to 67% of cats at some point in their lives. Gingivitis, periodontal disease, and oral infections are also frequent causes of decreased appetite.

Cats with dental pain may approach food with interest but then turn away, eat on only one side of the mouth, drop food while chewing, drool excessively, or vocalize while eating. Some cats will eat only wet food and avoid dry kibble, while others may stop eating entirely.

A thorough oral examination, often performed under sedation, is necessary to fully evaluate dental health in cats. Treatment may involve extraction of affected teeth, professional cleaning, and pain management. Many cats show a dramatic improvement in appetite and overall well-being once dental pain is addressed.

Cats rely on routine and familiarity for a sense of security. Changes that humans might consider minor — a new piece of furniture, a change in work schedule, construction noise, a visitor staying over, or a new pet in the home — can cause enough stress to reduce or eliminate food intake.

Multi-cat households present additional stressors. Competition for resources, social tension between cats, or the introduction of a new cat can affect appetite in one or more household members. Providing separate feeding stations, litter boxes, and resting areas can help reduce resource-related stress.

While stress-related appetite loss often resolves once the cat adjusts to the change, it is important to rule out medical causes before attributing decreased appetite to stress. A veterinary evaluation — including blood work and a physical exam — helps ensure that an underlying illness is not the primary cause.

Unlike dogs, cats generally should not be allowed to go without food for more than 24 hours. The risk of hepatic lipidosis and the cat's small body size mean that prolonged anorexia can lead to serious metabolic consequences more quickly than many owners realize.

Contact a veterinarian promptly if your cat has not eaten in a full day, is eating significantly less than normal, is also vomiting or showing signs of lethargy, or if the appetite loss is sudden and complete. If your cat is also not drinking water, the situation is more urgent.

Cats that are additionally straining in the litter box, urinating outside the litter box, or showing signs of pain should also be evaluated without delay. The sooner your cat is seen, the sooner any underlying cause can be identified and treatment can begin.

When a cat presents with decreased appetite, the evaluation begins with a thorough history and physical examination. Your veterinarian will assess your cat's body condition, hydration, temperature, and look for signs of oral pain, abdominal discomfort, or other abnormalities.

Blood work — including a complete blood count, chemistry panel, and urinalysis — is typically the first diagnostic step. These tests help evaluate kidney and liver function, check for signs of infection or inflammation, and identify metabolic conditions that may be causing appetite loss.

Ultrasoundimaging may be recommended to evaluate the abdominal organs in more detail, particularly if blood work results are abnormal or if a GI obstruction is suspected. In some cases, dental radiographs under sedation are necessary to fully assess oral health. Your veterinarian will recommend the appropriate combination of diagnostics based on your cat's specific situation.