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For humans and cats alike, mealtime is a pretty big part of the day…some might say it’s the highlight! That’s why, as pet parents, we put so much effort into choosing the perfect combination of delicious and nutritious morsels to fill those food bowls. But what should you do if your cat won’t eat what’s on the menu?

When a cat won’t eat, it can be incredibly stressful for pet parents. Could this be a sign of some underlying illness, like chronic kidney disease? Or has your cat grown bored with what’s in their food bowl? Should you consider tempting their tastebuds by switching to a surefire palate-pleaser, like Meow Mix cat food? 

Cat looking at food bowl

There are many reasons why a cat might stop eating their food. And, while it’s important to get your cat back on track, the urgency of the situation depends on what’s causing your cat’s loss of appetite. To help you navigate this tricky topic, we talked to leading experts about reasons your cat won’t eat and how to help. 

How Long Can Cats Go Without Food?

We all know that nutrition is essential to your cat’s overall health and wellness. But does that mean pet parents should worry the minute their kitty misses a meal?

According to Dr. Alejandro Caos, DVM, a veterinarian with The Vets, if your cat is not eating but acting normal, it’s okay to give it a day or two to see if the situation resolves and the cat’s appetite returns.

Cats can go a surprisingly long time without food — up to two weeks if they have access to water. However, lack of nutrition does take a toll on a cat’s body. After just three days without food, cats start to become malnourished.

cat drinking water

Cats can only survive three to four days without water. So, while one day of no eating or drinking is worrisome, more than that would definitely be cause for serious concern. 

The wait-and-see approach also does not apply if a cat is not eating and displaying other symptoms of poor health or unusual behavior. These signs include sleeping a lot, losing weight, vomiting, experiencing a change in stools, whining more than usual, or acting generally “off.” 

These all indicate that something more serious could be wrong with your cat. So it’s best to visit your veterinarian as soon as possible for a diagnosis or to rule out severe conditions that require prompt treatment.   

Dr. Stacy Nelson, DVM, at Veterinary Emergency Group, agrees. “Cat owners should seek emergency medical attention when their cats are experiencing anorexia for greater than 48 hours along with symptoms like vomiting or lethargy,” she says.

Why Is My Cat Not Eating? 7 Common Reasons 

Cat looking at vet taking notes

According to Caos, “Cats may have occasional fluctuations in their appetite, just like humans.” These could stem from a wide variety of causes — everything from changes in the weather, to stress, sickness, or a shift in routine could disrupt a cat’s regular feeding habits. 

Therefore, it’s crucial to explore the underlying issue before attempting to find a solution. Here are some of the most common reasons a cat may stop eating.

Gastrointestinal issues

“Loss of appetite in cats is often linked to gastrointestinal problems such as gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), gastroenteritis (inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract), or pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas),” explains Caos. These conditions can cause discomfort and result in a decreased desire to eat.

An Underlying Illness or Disease

Chronic kidney disease is a prevalent condition in older cats. This, says Caos, can lead to a gradual loss of appetite as the kidneys fail to filter waste effectively. “Other symptoms may include increased thirst, weight loss, and changes in urination patterns,” he adds. Other conditions like asthma, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and conjunctivitis may also impact a cat’s appetite. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management, including dietary adjustments, can help improve the quality of life for cats with this condition.

cat with thermometer in blanket

Age

Pet parents may notice that as a cat gets older, their appetite goes down a bit. “As cats age, their sense of smell tends to diminish, potentially leading to reduced interest in their food,” explains Samantha Bell, a cat expert at Best Friends Animal Society.

Dental Pain

Dental problems, such as gum disease or tooth pain, can make eating uncomfortable for cats. “If your cat is experiencing dental issues, they may eat less or avoid certain types of food,” Caos explains. This can especially be an issue for older cats.

Food Preferences

Just like humans, cats who are picky eaters may simply prefer certain flavors, textures, or brands of food over others. “If they are given a new type of food or if there have been changes in their diet, they may eat less until they adjust to the new options,” says Caos. Some cats may stop eating altogether to let you know they don’t care for what’s in their food bowl. 

cat won't eat food and looking away

Environmental Factors

Changes in the environment, such as a new location, new pets in the house, or changes in routine, can sometimes cause stress or anxiety in cats. This, explains Caos, may temporarily affect their appetite while adjusting to a new normal or working through a stressful life transition. 

Certain Medications or Recent Vaccinations

As with humans, certain medications can affect whether or not a cat feels like eating. Getting a new vaccination may also temporarily lead to changes in food consumption. Ask your veterinarian if loss of appetite is a side effect of any medications your cat takes or shots they receive. If so, put together a plan ahead of time to help a cat keep their appetite up.

Cat Won’t Eat? How to Help

Once you’ve noticed a loss of appetite in your pet, there are some things you can try that act as an appetite stimulant for cats. Again, this is only if there are no other alarming signs are present, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or not drinking.

If your cat won’t eat, but is acting normal, here are some expert-recommended tips you can try to encourage them to eat.

Monitor the Situation

First of all, don’t panic, says Caos. Keep an eye on your cat’s eating habits for a day or two and see if your cat gets interested in their food. “Sometimes, temporary changes in appetite can resolve on their own,” Caos explains.

cat looking in food bowl

Offer a Variety of Foods

“Provide a range of food options to see if your cat shows interest in any particular type,” says Caos. For example, if you’re looking for the best food for picky cats, you can try changing things up and introducing your cat to a highly-palatable food option.

Sometimes, switching to a food with an appealing texture or tantalizing flavor profile will do the trick. For example, Meow Mix wet and dry cat food formulas are renowned for textures and flavors cats love. If your cat is a kibble eater, consider trying Meow Mix Original Choice Kibble or Meow Mix Tender Centers cat food. Or mix some Meow Mix Tenders in Sauce wet cat food in with their kibble for an extra-irresistible flavor boost. “You can also try warming your cat’s food slightly to enhance its aroma,” suggests Caos. 

Engage Their Playful Side

If your cat wants nothing to do with their food bowl, you could also try shaking things up by sneaking some cat food into a cat puzzle toy. This may catch your cat’s interest and stimulate them, and as the food falls out of the toy, they just might take a bite. Another option is to try giving your cat smaller portions of food throughout the day and seeing if this inspires them to take a few bites here and there, which can add up to a fuller meal.

Ensure a Calm Feeding Environment

Create a quiet and stress-free environment during mealtimes. “Some cats prefer solitude while eating, so provide a separate, quiet area where they can enjoy their food undisturbed,” Caos explains. This can help to calm a cat who is going through a bout of anxiety or experiencing some environmental stressors.

checking cat teeth

Check for Dental Issues

Examine your cat’s mouth for any signs of dental problems, such as redness, swelling, or dental tartar. If you notice any issues, it’s best to consult a veterinarian for a thorough examination. Getting dental pain taken care of may be needed to increase a cat’s appetite.

Consult a Veterinarian

“If your cat’s decreased appetite persists for more than a couple of days, or if you notice other concerning symptoms such as weight loss, lethargy, or vomiting, it is best to seek veterinary attention,” explains Caos. 

A veterinarian can conduct a thorough examination, perform diagnostic tests if necessary, and provide appropriate guidance and treatment based on the underlying cause. In addition, says Dr. Dwight Alleyne, DVM, of Ready, Vet, Go, “Your veterinarian may have some additional tips and tricks, such as offering pungent canned foods, canned human meats like tuna, salmon, and chicken, meat-based baby foods, specific treats, as well as using veterinarian-prescribed appetite stimulants.”

The Importance of Cat Health Insurance

Your cat health insurance policy can help to offset unexpected treatment costs. These costs may include veterinary visits, prescription medications, or procedures such as imaging or surgery. 

Find a personalized plan for your cat by using the insurance finder below:

This is sponsored content produced in partnership with PetSmart. The author received compensation from PetSmart for their services in writing this article.