When a cat not eating is urgent
Cats do not handle going without food as well as many people assume. Veterinary sources commonly advise contacting a vet if an adult cat has not eaten for about 24 hours, and the same day for kittens, seniors, overweight or sick cats. One reason is a liver problem called hepatic lipidosis, which can develop when a cat, especially an overweight one, stops eating for a period of time.
Call your vet promptly, rather than waiting, if your cat not eating comes with any of the following:
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy, hiding, or unusual weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Straining in the litter box or no urine
- Yellowing of the gums, skin, or whites of the eyes
- Drooling, pawing at the mouth, or dropping food
- Very young, very old, or already ill cat
If you are unsure, a phone call to your vet is a reasonable first step. The tips below are for cats that are otherwise acting like themselves, or as a bridge while you arrange an appointment.
Common reasons a cat stops eating
A cat’s appetite can drop for many reasons, ranging from mild to serious:
- Medical problems. Dental pain, nausea, kidney disease, infections, constipation, and many other conditions can reduce appetite. Our article on a cat that has lost a lot of weight covers some of the common culprits.
- Stress or change. A move, a new pet, a visitor, construction noise, or a changed routine can put a cat off its food.
- Food changes. A new brand, flavor, texture, or a stale or spoiled bowl may be refused.
- Setup problems. A bowl that is too deep, too close to the litter box, or in a noisy spot can make mealtimes uncomfortable.
- Competition. In multi-cat homes, a timid cat may avoid eating when another cat is nearby.
- Recent vaccination or procedure. A short dip in appetite can follow, but ask your vet how long is acceptable.
What to try at home
If your cat is otherwise alert and behaving normally, these gentle steps may help. Make only one or two changes at a time so you can see what works.
Warm the food
Slightly warming wet food can make its smell stronger, which matters because cats rely heavily on aroma when deciding whether to eat. Aim for lukewarm, never hot, and stir well to avoid hot spots if you use a microwave. Discard any uneaten wet food after a short time rather than reheating it repeatedly.
Change the food or texture
Some cats prefer pate, others like chunks or shreds, and some favor a particular protein. Offering a small amount of a different flavor or texture alongside the usual food can help you learn what appeals. Wet food is often more aromatic than dry. If you want to move to a new food, do it gradually unless your vet tells you otherwise, as abrupt changes can upset digestion.
A small amount of a plain, cooked, unseasoned protein such as chicken can sometimes tempt a cat, but it is not nutritionally complete and should only be a short-term enticement. Avoid onion, garlic, and heavily seasoned human foods, which can be harmful to cats. If you are considering baby food, check the label carefully for onion or garlic powder.
Adjust bowl and location
- Use a wide, shallow dish so whiskers are not pressed against the sides.
- Place food in a quiet spot away from the litter box, loud appliances, and busy walkways.
- Keep food and water bowls clean, since cats can be fussy about residue.
- In multi-cat homes, feed cats in separate spaces so none feels pressured.
Reduce stress and keep routines steady
Feed at consistent times, give your cat a calm area, and avoid hovering. Short play sessions before mealtime can sometimes stimulate interest in food. If a change in the household is the likely cause, give your cat time and keep other routines predictable.
Foods to be careful with
Strong-smelling toppers are sometimes suggested, such as a little low-sodium broth, warmed wet food or a vet-approved topper. Use these sparingly, and check that broth has no onion or garlic and no added salt. If your cat has a medical condition such as kidney disease or diabetes, ask your vet before adding anything extra to the diet.
My cat sniffs food but won’t eat
A cat that shows interest and then walks away may be hungry but unable or unwilling to eat. Possible explanations include:
- Mouth pain. Dental disease or mouth sores can make eating painful. Signs include dropping food, chewing on one side, drooling, or bad breath.
- Nausea. A queasy cat may approach food but not follow through, and may lick its lips or drool.
- A stuffy nose. Cats rely on smell to eat, so a blocked nose from an upper respiratory infection (see cat cold) can reduce interest in food.
- Pickiness or boredom with the food. This is possible, but it is best considered only after medical causes have been ruled out.
If this behavior lasts more than a day or so, or comes with other symptoms, a vet visit is sensible.
Can you force feed a cat?
It is generally best not to force feed a cat at home. Forcing food into a cat’s mouth can cause stress, create a lasting aversion to food, and risks food entering the airway and causing aspiration. If your cat is not eating, your vet can examine the cause and, if needed, show you a safe way to give assisted feeding, or use options such as appetite stimulants or a feeding tube. Please do not start syringe feeding without veterinary guidance.
The 3-3-3 rule for newly adopted cats
The 3-3-3 rule is a popular rough guide to how a newly adopted cat may adjust: around the first 3 days a cat may be frightened, hide, and eat little; around 3 weeks it may begin to settle and show its personality; and around 3 months it may feel truly at home. It is a general guideline, not a veterinary standard, and every cat is different. A shy new cat may eat less at first, but a cat that eats nothing for about 24 hours should still be checked by a vet. Offer food in a quiet room and let your cat approach in its own time.
Appetite stimulants and vet help
Your vet may suggest tests to find the cause of the poor appetite, such as an exam, bloodwork, or dental assessment. Depending on the findings, they may treat the underlying problem, prescribe an anti-nausea medication or an appetite stimulant, or recommend a recovery diet. These are prescription decisions and should not be improvised at home.
Next steps if weight is dropping
A poor appetite that continues can lead to weight loss. If your cat already looks bony, see our guide to a cat that is very thin. Once your vet has found no reason to hold back, our article on how to fatten up a cat safely covers gradual ways to help a cat regain weight.