Pet Eating Problems: Why won't my cat eat?

My Cat Won't Eat

Cats can be finicky eaters. Their tastes often seem to change without a moment's notice or they can become bored eating their regular food. In fact, cat owners worldwide scan the shelves at their local pet food stores, searching for meals that will pique their cat's interest. 

Try as we might, sometimes our four-legged friends just won't eat no matter which food we put in their bowls. If your cat is not eating or their appetite has significantly declined recently, it's time to begin looking for causes beyond picky eating that may be at the heart of your cat's refusal to eat. An underlying health issue may be to blame if your cat won't eat for more than 24 hours. 

Kidney Disease 

Kidney disease is relatively common in older cats and can occur due to decline in the functioning of your cat's kidney as they age. The disease can also affect younger cats due to congenital or acquired causes. 

Healthy kidneys help filter waste from the blood, stimulate blood cell production, and regulate blood pressure. When kidney disease develops, your feline companion may feel nauseated, which can cause them to refuse to eat. Other symptoms include drinking lots of water and urinating frequently. 

Acute kidney disease can result from a sudden injury to the kidneys, and can sometimes result in chronic kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease may be congenital (present in your cat at birth) or acquired during your cat's lifetime. 

Only your vet will be able to diagnose and treat this serious disease. If your cat has stopped eating or is displaying other symptoms of kidney disease, book an appointment for an exam with your vet as soon as possible. 

Dental Issues 

Many dental issues can cause your cat to experience mouth pain, which can make them refuse to eat. A dental abscess, inflamed gums, an injury in their mouth caused by a foreign object, loose or broken teeth, or advanced tooth decay can all cause significant pain. 

If you suspect your cat may be suffering from mouth pain, book a dental exam and cleaning with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Dental problems tend to worsen and become more painful over time. 

Your vet can examine your cat's teeth, diagnose the underlying issue and thoroughly clean the teeth. They can also recommend any further treatment options and provide tips for managing your kitty's dental health. 

Gastrointestinal Problems

Just like their humans, gastrointestinal (GI) problems can cause cats to feel nauseated and consequently experience a drop in their appetite. Cats suffering from GI issues will often (but not always) display other symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, constipation and weight loss.

Common GI issues in cats include:

It’s time to see your vet if you notice that your cat is experiencing weight loss, diarrhea, constipation or vomiting in addition to loss of appetite.

Gastrointestinal issues, including the ones listed above, are serious. They may occur due to an internal health condition and warrant emergency care Getting a diagnosis and early treatment for these GI issues is important for your cat’s health and should be done as early as possible.

Other Possible Causes

Cats may refuse to eat for a number of reasons not directly related to their overall physical health, including:

These issues should only cause your cat to skip two meals at most - no more. If your cat refuses to eat for any longer, it’s time for a visit to the vet.

If my cat refuses to eat, when should I visit a vet?

If your cat has skipped more than one or two meals, or is exhibiting any behaviors or symptoms you’re concerned about, contact your vet right away or visit your nearest animal emergency hospital.

Because cats can quickly become seriously ill, early diagnosis and treatment are critical to your feline friend’s long-term health.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet for an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition.