A cat who suddenly refuses its usual food may be nauseated, in pain, stressed or dealing with an illness. Cats sometimes hide their symptoms, so a change in appetite may be the first sign of trouble. A cat who is not eating needs an assessment of the whole picture, not simply a different treat.
When to call the veterinarian
Contact your veterinarian promptly for a cat that stops eating or eats much less than normal. Do not wait if the cat is weak, vomiting repeatedly, hiding, struggling to breathe, jaundiced or not drinking. A cat straining to urinate with little or no urine needs emergency care. Kittens and cats with chronic disease need earlier attention. If the cat is overweight, prolonged lack of food raises particular concern about fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis).
Cornell’s Feline Health Center discusses how loss of appetite can accompany numerous health conditions and why veterinary evaluation is important. VCA’s veterinary overview explains the risk of hepatic lipidosis in cats who stop eating, particularly overweight cats.
Common reasons cats stop eating
Dental or mouth pain, nausea, kidney disease, intestinal illness, upper respiratory congestion, medication side effects and stress are among the possible causes. For example, a cat with nasal congestion may be unable to smell food well, while one with dental pain may approach the bowl but stop chewing. A move or new pet can also disrupt eating, but medical problems should not be dismissed as stress without considering other signs.
What you can do safely
Offer the cat’s familiar complete-and-balanced food in a quiet location away from litter boxes and other animals. If otherwise alert and comfortable, a small portion of slightly warmed wet food may be more appealing. Record what the cat actually eats and drinks, any vomiting and litter-box behavior. Do not force-feed, give human medications, or repeatedly delay veterinary advice while trying many foods. Force-feeding can be distressing and carries aspiration risks.
Veterinary testing and treatment
The examination may include weight and hydration, mouth and abdominal assessment, blood and urine tests or imaging when indicated. Treatment depends on the diagnosis: a cat with dental disease needs different care from one with a blockage or kidney problem. An appetite stimulant might help some cats under veterinary direction, but does not replace identifying the underlying disease or providing nutritional support when needed.
Online advice versus examination
A veterinarian may use telehealth to help prioritize an appointment, but cannot fully examine a cat’s mouth or assess dehydration online. If your cat is also markedly tired, see our cat lethargy guide and arrange an in-person visit. For kittens refusing food, read our age-specific advice, because very young animals can deteriorate faster.
Educational information only; follow your veterinarian’s instructions for your individual cat.
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.