Cat not eating: causes, risks and when to see a vet

About this guideCompiled from the listed veterinary and health organisations’ guidance; not yet reviewed by a veterinarian.

General information for owners, not a substitute for examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian. If your animal seems very unwell, in pain, struggling to breathe or may have been poisoned, contact a vet immediately.

Quick answer

Key points

A cat that will not eat always needs a vet check, because Cornell says it is never simply a case of the cat deciding not to eat.
Without food, cats risk hepatic lipidosis, a build-up of fat in the liver cells that can be fatal.
Cornell says 24 hours without food can seriously affect an adult cat, and 12 hours can be life-threatening for a kitten under six weeks old.
Common causes include dental pain, other pain, fever, stress, kidney disease and a sudden change of food.
Do not force-feed a cat by hand or syringe, because it causes stress and food can be inhaled into the airway.

When should you see a vet?

Contact a vet as soon as you notice your cat has stopped eating; do not wait, because 24 hours without food can seriously affect a cat, and 12 hours can for a kitten under six weeks.
A yellow tinge to the skin, gums, inner ears or whites of the eyes.
Not eating together with vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy or heavy drooling.
Approaching food then backing away, pawing at the mouth, hissing, or chewing on one side only.
Eating much less than usual, or losing weight.
An overweight cat that is eating less or has stopped eating, because its risk of hepatic lipidosis is higher.
Not eating together with drinking and urinating more than usual.

Contact your nearest veterinarian or animal clinic. This site cannot assess your animal’s condition. Choosing a vet

In this guide (10)

Why is it dangerous when a cat stops eating?

A cat that stops eating can develop hepatic lipidosis, a build-up of fat in the liver cells that stops the liver working and can be fatal without prompt care. The Cornell Feline Health Center explains that when a cat does not eat, large amounts of fat move from the body's stores to the liver, which cannot process it. The Merck Veterinary Manual calls hepatic lipidosis the most common cause of liver disease in cats, typically after a few days to several weeks of poor appetite. The risk is higher in overweight cats. According to the University of Illinois, once hepatic lipidosis develops, a cat usually will not start eating again on its own.

Evidence: Cornell Feline Health Center — Hepatic Lipidosis ↗ · Merck Veterinary Manual (cat owner version) — Disorders of the Liver and Gallbladder in Cats ↗ · University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine — Hepatic Lipidosis If Cats Don't Eat ↗

How long can a cat go without eating?

Do not wait: Cornell says 24 hours without food can seriously affect an adult cat, and 12 hours can be life-threatening for a kitten under six weeks old. PDSA explains that most cats graze through the day, so stopping eating is usually a sign that something is wrong. International Cat Care says every day a cat eats less than normal can harm its health, and owners should contact their veterinary team as soon as possible. A University of Illinois veterinarian advises keeping cats lean and seeking veterinary attention promptly if a cat stops eating. In homes with several pets, watch each cat's bowl, because other animals may be finishing its food.

Evidence: Cornell Feline Health Center — Anorexia ↗ · PDSA — Anorexia in cats (my cat's not eating) ↗ · International Cat Care — Inappetence in cats ↗ · University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine — Hepatic Lipidosis If Cats Don't Eat ↗

Why do cats stop eating?

The causes vary, from dental pain, other pain, fever and nausea to kidney disease, pancreatitis, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, heart disease and cancer. PDSA notes that tooth and gum disease is often painful and can put cats off their food. Stress also plays a part, such as a change in routine, moving home, a new pet or fighting with another cat. The Merck Veterinary Manual lists triggers such as a change of diet, boarding, getting lost, or the loss of another pet or an owner. Moving the food bowl or switching food suddenly can also stop a cat eating. Cornell stresses that a cat never stops eating simply because it has decided not to.

Evidence: PDSA — Anorexia in cats (my cat's not eating) ↗ · Cornell Feline Health Center — Anorexia ↗ · Merck Veterinary Manual (cat owner version) — Disorders of the Liver and Gallbladder in Cats ↗ · International Cat Care — Inappetence in cats ↗

What are the signs of hepatic lipidosis in cats?

Signs include not eating, dramatic weight loss, vomiting, lethargy, drooling and a yellow tinge to the gums, ear skin or eyes. Cornell explains that affected cats often become reclusive, avoid their food bowl and may drool when they see food. The Merck Veterinary Manual also lists diarrhoea, an enlarged liver and being unable to hold the head up. Vets confirm the diagnosis with blood tests, abdominal ultrasound and a liver sample. Treatment is carried out by a vet and often needs a feeding tube. According to Merck, the outlook is good when the diagnosis is made early and any underlying disease can be treated, and relapse is rare.

When should a cat that is not eating see a vet?

Straight away, as soon as you notice your cat has stopped eating or is eating much less, and even more urgently if there is vomiting, lethargy or yellowing. Cornell recommends a full examination, including the teeth and gums, because dental pain is often to blame. PDSA asks owners to look for other signs such as weight loss, yellow skin or gums, a painful mouth, vomiting and diarrhoea. Tell the vet when the appetite changed, what your cat normally eats, any change in food or routine, and any change in drinking, toileting and weight. As well as private vet clinics, some local governments run a puskeswan or a veterinary clinic that treats cats.

Evidence: Cornell Feline Health Center — Anorexia ↗ · PDSA — Anorexia in cats (my cat's not eating) ↗ · Merck Veterinary Manual (cat owner version) — Disorders of the Liver and Gallbladder in Cats ↗ · Puskeswan Kota Batam — Layanan ↗ · Dinas Peternakan dan Kesehatan Hewan Provinsi Kalimantan Timur — Klinik Hewan ↗

What should you avoid when your cat will not eat?

Do not force your cat to eat, do not give medicines yourself and do not wait for its appetite to return on its own. International Cat Care stresses that cats should never be syringe-fed by force, as this can cause severe distress or serious complications if food is inhaled. Cornell also notes that forcing food into a cat's mouth can make its aversion to food worse. Any home methods to tempt a cat to eat should only be used on your vet's advice. To prevent problems, keep your cat at a healthy weight, change its food gradually and weigh it regularly as your vet suggests, so weight loss is spotted early.

Evidence: International Cat Care — Inappetence in cats ↗ · Cornell Feline Health Center — Anorexia ↗ · University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine — Hepatic Lipidosis If Cats Don't Eat ↗

Sources & references

References can change. Check dates and context in the original source.

Cite this page

PanduanHewan. (2026, 25 September). Cat not eating: causes, risks and when to see a vet. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/pet-health/cat-not-eating/

Cat not eating: causes, risks and when to see a vet

Key points

When should you see a vet?

Why is it dangerous when a cat stops eating?

How long can a cat go without eating?

Why do cats stop eating?

What are the signs of hepatic lipidosis in cats?

When should a cat that is not eating see a vet?

What should you avoid when your cat will not eat?

Sources & references

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