Updated September 25, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: A senior cat that eats less needs attention quickly. Cats that don’t eat for more than a day or two risk fatty liver disease. Common causes include kidney disease, dental pain, nausea, hyperthyroidism, and cancer. Vets treat the cause and often add anti-nausea medication and appetite stimulants, such as mirtazapine (including an FDA-approved ear ointment) or capromorelin, which is FDA-approved for weight loss in cats with kidney disease.
Common causes
- Kidney disease and nausea
- Dental disease and mouth pain
- Hyperthyroidism or diabetes
- Constipation
- Cancer
- Stress or changes at home
Treatments
- Treating the underlying cause
- Anti-nausea medication such as maropitant
- Appetite stimulants: mirtazapine or capromorelin
- Fluids for dehydration
- Feeding tubes in some cats, which can be life-saving
Tips at home
- Warm wet food slightly
- Offer small, frequent meals
- Try different textures
- Shallow, wide dishes
- Quiet feeding spots away from other pets
What to avoid
- Waiting more than a day if your cat isn’t eating
- Forcing food, which can cause food aversion
- Human appetite stimulants or supplements
Sources
- US FDA: Approvals of Mirataz (mirtazapine transdermal) and Elura (capromorelin) for cats
- Cornell Feline Health Center: Hepatic lipidosis
- AAFP/AAHA Feline Life Stage Guidelines. J Feline Med Surg. 2021
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.