The reasons a cat might not be eating

Is your cat not eating much but acting normal? It is always very worrying for owners if they discover their cat is not eating or notice their cat’s appetite has changed. Unfortunately, there can be a multitude of reasons why a cat is not eating, making it difficult to narrow down the root cause. A cat’s appetite can be affected by many external factors but generally, cats are a lot more likely to leave food than other pets like dogs. Ageing can also be a big factor with senior cats experiencing changes to their once ravenous appetites. In this article, we will explore the most common reasons why your cat is not eating. 

Looking for tips for how to make feeding your cat easier/more consistent? Check our other cat care article. 

The Effect of Behavioral and Environmental Changes

Why is my older cat not eating much but acting normal? If you have an older cat, check out our article dedicated to senior cats losing their appetite. In this section, we will discuss the most common behavioural and environmental changes that may be the cause of your adult cat not eating much. 

Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety may be the reason behind your cat not eating. Cats are sensitive to changes in their environment and routine. Stressors like moving to a new home, the arrival of a new pet or family member, loud noises, conflict with another cat in the neighbourhood or a change in daily routine can all cause anxiety, triggering a loss of appetite. To help your pet feel calm and at ease, try to identify their key triggers and remove them, if possible. 

Changes in the Feeding Environment

Changes to where a cat eats, such as moving their feeding area to a different location or changing their food bowl, can make them uncomfortable and less likely to eat. Changes to their food/diet can also cause issues if they are not made gradually. Try to maintain a steady routine with their meal times and try not to make any sudden changes.

Introduction of New Pets

Bringing a new pet into your home can cause your cat territorial stress and create competition for resources, including food and attention. These factors could make your cat less inclined to eat their food. You can help combat this by being present during mealtimes and showering your cat with praise. You can also make sure that food is shared equally between your pets. Feline pheromone diffusers can also help calm cats and ease their stress. 

Common Medical Causes for Loss of Appetite

Unfortunately, many health concerns in cats may cause a loss of appetite. In this section, we will cover the most common issues that could arise so you can be best prepared to care for your cat.  

Dental Problems

Cats with dental issues such as gingivitis, gum disease, broken teeth, injuries or mouth ulcers may find it painful to eat and could lose their appetite due to the pain they are experiencing. Look out for redness or swelling around the gums. They may also turn their heads to the side when chewing, drool, be more timid than usual or have bad breath. You can move your cat to a soft food diet to see if this helps. You will also need to book an appointment with your vet to treat their dental issues swiftly. 

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Conditions like fur balls, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, or gastrointestinal obstructions can cause nausea and discomfort, leading to reduced appetite in cats. Loss of appetite may also be accompanied by vomiting, lethargy or diarrhoea. If you suspect gastrointestinal issues may be behind your cat’s loss of appetite you will need to book an appointment with your vet to help diagnose and treat your pet’s underlying health condition. 

Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common health issues in older cats. It can cause nausea and a decrease in appetite due to a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream. This condition comes on gradually and it will require long-term treatment. Look out for other symptoms, including dehydration, weight loss, changes to urination and diarrhoea. Arrange a visit to your vet if you suspect your cat may be suffering from kidney problems. 

Liver Disease

Liver conditions, such as hepatic lipidosis or liver failure, can also cause changes to a cat’s appetite. These are serious conditions that can become worse over time. Other symptoms may include weight loss, changes to urination, diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal swelling, excessive urination and thirst. A robust treatment plan and a specialised diet can help improve their quality of life, so consult with your vet as soon as possible if you suspect your cat is suffering from liver problems.  

Infections

Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can lead to a cat feeling unwell and losing its desire to eat. Younger and older cats are most susceptible to infections. Other symptoms to look for include fever, coughing, a runny nose, vomiting, skin inflammation and redness. Bacterial infections can be caused by many sources but common culprits include contaminated water, faeces and raw meat. Outdoor cats are also more prone to cat bite-related wound infections, so it’s important to keep an eye on them too. 

Respiratory Issues

Respiratory infections or conditions that affect a cat’s sense of smell and taste, such as upper respiratory infections, can reduce their interest in food. Other symptoms to look out for include runny eyes or nose, wheezing, coughing, sneezing and lethargy. You can help prevent the spread of these infections by keeping your pet indoors and away from other cats. Making sure they are up to date with their annual vaccinations can help prevent respiratory infections.

Common Loss of Appetite with Age

Why is my older cat not eating? If a change in appetite coincides with your cat entering their senior years, this may be the cause. It is very common for older cats to experience changes in their appetite and start to eat less. Unfortunately, this can be due to the same underlying health issues we listed in the previous section. 

Additional issues to be aware of include arthritis, pain or similar degenerative conditions that could be contributing to your pet's lack of appetite. Pain, discomfort and problems with mobility can cause them to eat less. They may also struggle to reach their food bowl. Your vet can help create a treatment plan to keep them comfortable and you can make sure they have easy access to all their favourite places. 

Cognitive Dysfunction and cognitive decline (feline dementia) can also affect a cat’s interest in food and their ability to find and eat it. This could lead to increased vocalisations as well as a lack of appetite. Make sure your pet can access and find their food and schedule a visit to your vet to check their cognitive function if you suspect they are struggling. 

How long is normal for a cat to not eat?

Cats can only survive 1 week without eating, but this is assuming that they are still drinking water. A cat's health can deteriorate rapidly without proper nutrition, and going without food for even a few days can lead to serious health problems. If a cat hasn’t eaten anything in 24 hours, it's time to contact a vet for advice. Early intervention is always the best practice.

Is your cat not eating or drinking? When it comes to water, cats cannot go more than 3 days without water, so proper hydration is even more important for the health of cats! Cats are known for not drinking much, they prefer water from a fresh source and will often drink from a running tap or a cat water fountain rather than a bowl. A good way to help keep cats hydrated is adding some wet food into their daily diet. This can be achieved by offering canned or pouches of cat food as they contain natural moisture.

When there are no underlying health issues, switching your pet’s diet to complete and balanced foods that cats and kittens enjoy more is a good way to ensure consistently completed meals. Some cats may prefer wet food to dry food, for example. Some may love chicken varieties and dislike fish varieties, but with trial and error, an ideal/favoured food option can be found. It is important to note that kittens must get all the nutrients they need, especially if they are fussy eaters! 

When to Consult a Veterinarian

Ultimately, you mustn’t ignore appetite changes without making sure there are no bigger problems at play! If the lack of appetite remains consistent or if your cat is noticeably losing weight, seek professional advice sooner rather than later. It is vital to remember that diagnosis and treatment of underlying conditions can improve the cat or kitten’s quality of life as well as their appetite. The sooner you diagnose underlying conditions, the better!