Many cats are picky eaters, but a cat not eating could be a concern. Cats refusing to eat can face many health issues as a result, so if your cat won’t eat, don’t take it lightly. Pay attention to your cat’s behaviors and environment to determine the cause and, when in doubt, talk to your vet for advice. If you’re wondering, “Why is my cat not eating?”, keep reading to find out more about this feline health concern.
When is a Cat Not Eating a Cause for Concern?
If your cat skips a meal now and then, there’s no immediate reason to worry. However, if it has been over 24 hours since your cat has eaten, you should visit your vet right away just to be safe. Cats can face serious health concerns after two to three days of not eating, so it’s important to act fast if you suspect something is wrong.
Why is My Cat Not Eating?
There are lots of reasons why cats don’t eat. Some require immediate attention while others won’t have a huge effect on your furry friend’s life. Pay attention to your cat’s actions and routine to better understand why they’re refusing to eat.
1. Pickiness
In some cases, your cat might just not like the food. If your cat is not eating much but acting normal otherwise, they might be picky. It could be the flavor, odor, texture, or temperature that’s bothering them.
If you recently switched your cat to a new food, make sure you mix in some of their old food with the new food for the first few days to help them get used to it. If they seem bored with the food they’ve been eating for a while, try switching to a different flavor of the same brand if possible. Adding a little wet food (if you serve dry food) can also entice picky felines to eat more.
2. Stress
Cats feeling stressed or anxious may eat less. Stress is most common in cats if they recently faced a change in their environment or routine. Cats with separation anxiety may also eat less because they’re upset about being left alone.
To help ease your cat’s anxiety, keep their routine the same, even if you recently moved to a new home. If they’re in an unfamiliar environment, make sure they have plenty of familiar items, such as beds, blankets, and toys for comfort. If your cat is anxious regularly even without changes occurring, you may need to talk to your vet about anxiety medications.
3. Dental Disease
Dental problems can make it painful for your cat to eat their food. While dental disease is a common issue in cats, they could also deal with broken teeth, injuries, or oral tumors.
Brushing your cat’s teeth several times per week can reduce the risk of mouth pain, but if your cat is already dealing with dental issues, it’s time to visit a vet. Your vet will likely have to conduct a professional cleaning, which includes anesthesia.
4. Digestive Issues
A loss of appetite can be a symptom of digestive issues. If your cat is vomiting and eating less, they could be facing a problem with their gastrointestinal tract.
Tummy troubles could be caused by something as simple as eating bad treats or as severe as cancer. If your cat is avoiding their food while also experiencing other digestive-related symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, or constipation, checking in with a vet is a good idea.
5. Respiratory Diseases
Respiratory issues may affect your cat’s sense of smell, making food they normally love seem less interesting. Upper respiratory diseases can clog your cat’s nose and eyes while lower respiratory diseases could harm your cat’s lungs and make it harder for them to breathe.
Symptoms of respiratory infections could include increased eye and nose discharge, excessive coughing or sneezing, swelling around the eyes, severe weight loss, coughing, lethargy, or labored breathing. Medications from a vet are necessary in many situations.
6. Blockage
Sometimes cats get into things they shouldn’t, which could result in them eating something they can’t digest. Strings, ribbons, and rubber bands are common household objects that cats like to play with. If they swallow one of these items, it could get stuck inside them.
Cats with foreign objects in their bodies are less likely to eat, and they may also experience vomiting, lethargy, blood in urine, and relieving themselves outside the litter box. Your vet can help you remove the item, but it may involve surgery.
7. Recent Vaccinations
Vaccinations are essential for keeping cats healthy and safe, and there’s lots to learn about cat vaccines. However, in rare instances, vaccinations could cause side effects for your furry friend. If your cat recently received a vaccination, they may act less like themselves for a little while, such as eating less. Side effects of vaccines are usually temporary and mild, so they should go away on their own.
8. Other Medical Concerns’
There are lots of serious medical conditions that cause a lack of appetite. Some examples include pancreatitis, kidney disease, liver disease, chronic pain, diabetes, and cancer.
If it’s unusual for your cat to eat less, especially if it lasts for long periods and is paired with other symptoms, there could be something going on internally. Having the vet look at your cat is always a good idea to rule out serious medical concerns. With major health problems out of the way, you can more easily determine the cause of your cat not eating without having to worry as much.
What Should I Do if My Cat Won’t Eat?
Cats that don’t eat can become ill quicker than humans or dogs would. Thus, you should keep track of how much your cat eats daily so you can easily recognize when their routine changes. If you notice your cat eating less than usual, monitor their behaviors to see if they’re displaying any other unusual symptoms.
If your cat doesn’t eat for an entire day, take them to the vet. Even if you’re not worried yet, underlying health conditions can progress quickly, so it’s best to check for them before symptoms worsen. Explain your cat’s behavior changes and any other symptoms you’ve noticed to your vet. They can examine your cat and help you determine the cause and the solution.
Your Cat’s Health is a Priority
It can be scary if a cat isn’t eating properly. Since there are so many answers for “Why is my cat not eating?” it can be easy to jump to the worst possible conclusion. Yet, you should try your best to stay calm for your cat’s sake as you figure out what’s going on.
To ensure your cat stays healthy, pay attention to their feeding schedule. Even if you free feed them, you should be able to notice how often they eat and how much they eat at a time. If that routine changes, that’s when you should keep an eye out for symptoms to determine the cause of your cat’s lack of appetite.
When in doubt, it’s always best to contact your vet. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry with your furry friend’s health.
If you’re going on vacation, make sure your cat sitter knows your cat’s feeding routine and which vet to contact if issues arise. By using a sitter from The Comforted Kitty, you can ensure that your cat will always be fed as instructed to reduce the risk of health concerns.