Why is your cat not eating? The main causes & what can be done

Has your feline friend gone off their food? While cats can be picky eaters sometimes, it’s important to take notice of their eating habits.

• A loss of appetite can be a sign of serious health problems, so if they’ve been off their food for 24 hours, or 12 if it’s a kitten, it’s time to get your vet’s advice. 
• If they’ve been through a transition, such as moving house or a change in diet, it may be a simple case of them needing time to adjust. 
• Outdoor cats may also find food when they’re away from the home, resulting in them having a lower appetite when they return.
• Some cats can be coaxed back into eating with scrambled eggs, cooked chicken, tinned fish, or by heating up their food to create a more appetising aroma.
• If your cat exhibits any signs of lethargy, vomiting, or breathing difficulties, they must be seen by a vet immediately. Additionally, a refusal to drink is serious and can cause organ failure, so it must also be dealt with quickly.

Read on to learn more about the various possible causes for your cat not eating much, as well as tips for regaining their interest in food if your cat is not eating because of anxiety or a change in circumstance.

When should you worry if your cat is not eating?

If your cat is not eating, or you notice a significant change in their eating habits for anything upwards of 24 hours – or less in the case of kittens, senior cats, and those with health conditions – you should get them seen by a vet.

Regardless of the cause, not eating can cause further health problems, so the quicker you get them examined, the sooner something can be done to help and prevent further complications. One potential risk of not eating is a dangerous condition known as hepatic lipidosis – often referred to as fatty liver disease or fatty liver syndrome - which can be fatal if left untreated.

Why is my cat suddenly not eating?

There are many, many different reasons for your cat to go off their food, including illness, pain, congestion, and anxiety.

Of course, there are also much simpler answers to the issue, especially if your cat’s not eating much but acting normal. One being that you’ve recently swapped your cat onto a different variety of food, for example moving from kitten to adult cat food. Another being that your furry friend is being fed elsewhere, such as by a well-meaning neighbour.

Medical causes for cats not eating

There are a number of underlying illnesses that can cause a cat to lose its appetite. These can include dental issues, digestive discomfort, diabetes and respiratory infections. So it’s best to get your cat seen by a vet quickly to find the source of the problem.

If illness is the cause of the problem, your vet may suggest a change in food or, in more serious cases, prescribe medicines that act as appetite stimulants or recommend syringe-feeding your cat a liquid diet.

Below are a few possible medical reasons for your cat’s lost appetite.

Dental problems

If your cat’s not eating much, check their mouth for any issues. While many cats won’t let a sore mouth get between them and their dinner, things like a broken tooth, tooth resorption, gingivitis, or gum disease can make things uncomfortable. If you spot anything that concerns you, or simply can’t check your cat’s mouth without them trying to bite or scratch, arrange to see a vet. Mouth pain signs to look for include rubbing at their face, drooling, crying out, shying away when you touch their face, and being subdued.

Digestive troubles

Much like us, if a cat has an upset stomach or abdominal pain, they likely won’t feel like eating. Causes of this can range from food intolerances to parasites, irritable bowel disease and tumours. Cats also have a tendency to eat things they shouldn’t or swallow hairballs, which can cause blockages. Some will pass by themselves, but more serious cases may require surgery, so it’s important to see a vet if you are concerned.

As well as a change in your cat's eating habits, things to look out for include vomiting, retching, diarrhoea and lethargy.  Any symptoms that persist for more than a couple of days or are accompanied by other symptoms will mean your cat needs urgent veterinary attention.

Diabetes, hyperthyroidism or kidney disease

If your cat was ravenously hungry before and suddenly losing its appetite, or you’ve noticed them drinking more than usual, it’s possible they could have a condition such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or kidney disease.

Diabetes and hyperthyroidism both cause extreme hunger in most cats at first, which can be paired with weight loss and followed by a sudden loss of appetite. An increase in drinking is also a common sign of these underlying health problems, especially if they are drinking more but not eating. In any of these cases, it’s important you seek veterinary treatment.

Additionally, cats rely heavily on smell when it comes to their eating habits, and congestion can cause their sense of smell to be hindered, making them less likely to want food.

Respiratory infections

‘Cat flu’ and other viruses can be a reason for a cat not eating much, as the congestion can impact their sense of taste and smell, making their food less appealing. Symptoms like runny eyes, a runny nose, and snuffly breathing are often signs your cat is suffering with cat flu or something similar.

You may be able to encourage them to eat by warming up some wet food in the microwave to increase the aroma or giving them smelly food such as tuna or sardines. If they’re still not interested in wet food, get them seen by a vet, as cat flu can sometimes require treatment.

Vaccinations

If your cat has recently had their routine vaccinations, this could be why they don’t feel like eating. While vaccinations protect them from serious diseases, they can cause side effects in some cats, including a loss of appetite. This should pass after a few hours to a day.

Environmental causes for cats not eating

It’s very possible that the reason your cat’s not eating much is psychological or related to their environment. Big changes such as moving house with your cat or introducing a new family member can leave them feeling a bit out of sorts.

Here are a few possible factors that could explain your cat’s lost appetite and how you can help your furry friend.

New surroundings or circumstances

Introducing your cat to a new home and neighbourhood, or even to a new baby or pet, can be a lot for them to process. They’re likely to have to adapt to a new feeding spot, a new routine and potentially even new company. You can help them get settled by creating safe spaces for them and making sure their food is easily accessed in a peaceful spot - away from competing pets or crying babies. Be sure to give them lots of love and attention while they’re settling into the new circumstances to help them feel at home and at ease.

A change in diet

Cats are creatures of habit and can lose interest if their food is suddenly swapped for something new and unfamiliar. For example, if your cat’s not eating wet food, after having always eaten dry food, it’s going to take them a bit of time to adjust. Your cat can also be sensitive to certain shapes, flavours, and textures. Likewise, cats can simply get bored of eating the same food day in day out, in which case you may need to explore new options.

The best way to change your cat’s diet is to slowly begin mixing it in with their old food. You should do this over the space of 7-10 days, increasing the amount of new food you include in the mix gradually over this period. Always have an alternative ready just in case the cat refuses to eat the new food; it’s important that they eat something every day during the transition. If they reject it, find something they do enjoy. If you’re not sure whether to give your cat wet or dry cat food, take a look at our article to learn more about the pros and cons of each.

The type of bowl

Believe it or not, sometimes the bowl itself can be cause for your cat not eating. So, if your cat’s not eating much but acting normal, test them with a new bowl. Most cats have a blind spot directly below their nose, which can block their view of the food hidden around the edges. You may even have noticed your cat nudging food around with their nose or paws, or knocking the bowl over. To make things easier for them, raising the bowl slightly and choosing one that’s round and shallow, more like a saucer, can help.

Stress

Disruption to their environment, such as building work around the home can make your cat feel anxious. The best way to make them feel at ease in these kinds of situations is to make them a safe space and provide them with everything they need (food, water, bed, scratching post, and litter tray) as far away from any sources of noise or stress as possible.

Food association

If your cat has spent time in an animal hospital or at a cattery, they may associate the food they ate with their experience of the stay. So, naturally, if they felt anxious or stressed at that time, they would then associate the food with this feeling. If this is the case, try switching your cat’s food for something else and see how they react.

What to do if your cat is not eating

If your feline friend has stopped eating, it’s really important to seek veterinary advice if it goes on for longer than 24 hours. While sometimes the cause is environmental and not medical, it’s important to rule out underlying illness. Your vet will also be able to recommend ways to get your cat back into their usual eating habits before it becomes a problem. Catching these issues early is often the key to resolving them efficiently, so it’s important to keep an eye on your cat as soon as you get the feeling something is off with their behaviour.

Sometimes encouraging a fussy cat to start eating again with something tasty like tuna, tinned fish, cooked chicken, or scrambled eggs will do the trick, and other times medical attention is necessary. In the meantime, ensure your cat’s environment is as safe and quiet as possible.

You can learn more about how to feed your cat in our articles on the topic, including how much wet food to feed your cat and more.

Cat is not eating: FAQs

How long can a cat go without eating?

Your cat should be taken to see a vet immediately if they have gone 24 hours without eating. This number is even lower for senior cats and cats with existing health conditions, and is 12 hours for kittens.

What are the signs of illness in cats not eating?

If your cat not eating is coupled with signs such as lethargy, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and refusing to drink, then they must see a vet as these are all serious symptoms.

How to tell if a cat is suffering?

Cats will often display noticeable changes in their behaviour and body language when in pain. If they seem more tense, are visibly moving differently, or seem far more tired than usual, then they may be dealing with a health concern.