Symptoms

My cat is not eating. What should I do?

Updated 2026-07-16 · Not a substitute for professional veterinary care

Do not wait it out

Short answer

A cat that will not eat needs attention quickly. Unlike some animals, cats can develop a serious liver problem within a couple of days of not eating, especially if overweight. If your cat has eaten little or nothing for 24 hours, call a vet. If it is also lethargic, vomiting, or hiding, call sooner.

Why a cat not eating is more urgent than it seems

When a cat stops eating, its body starts breaking down fat for energy. In cats, this can overwhelm the liver and cause a dangerous condition called hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver), which can develop in as little as a couple of days and is more likely in overweight cats. This is why loss of appetite is treated more urgently in cats than in many other pets.

Common reasons a cat stops eating

Dental pain or mouth problems
Nausea from kidney, liver, or digestive trouble
Stress or a change in environment, food, or routine
Pain anywhere in the body
A hidden illness the cat is masking

When to call a vet

Now, if not eating comes with vomiting, lethargy, hiding, or laboured breathing.
Within 24 hours, if a cat has eaten little or nothing for a day, sooner for kittens, seniors, or overweight cats.

Do not try to wait it out. Early is always safer than late with a cat that will not eat.

When in doubt, call a vet. This guide is general information for cat owners. It is not veterinary advice, and it is not a substitute for professional veterinary care, diagnosis, or treatment. If your cat is in distress, contact a veterinarian or your nearest emergency clinic straight away.

Notice the quiet changes early

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Common questions

How long can a cat safely go without eating?

Not long. A cat that eats little or nothing for about 24 hours should see a vet, because the risk of fatty liver rises quickly, especially in overweight cats.

My cat eats less but not nothing. Is that ok?

A lasting drop in appetite still matters, particularly with weight loss or other changes. Track it and mention it to your vet.

Sources

This guide draws on the following veterinary references: