Cat is no longer eating
Most cat owners know that cats can be quite picky eaters. However, if you observe that your cat is constantly refusing food or even completely abusing it, this usually indicates that something is wrong. In such cases, it's important to either stimulate your cat's appetite again or consult a veterinarian.
How long can cats survive without food?
Depending on their health and adequate fluid intake, cats can go several hours without food.
Depending on a cat's health and stage of life, these robust animals can certainly go several hours without food. However, this is only possible if they have sufficient drinking water available.
However, it's important to know that just because cats can survive for a long time doesn't mean it's not harmful! As little as 38 hours is enough to cause serious health problems in a cat's emaciated body. Depending on the cat's condition, however, it can happen considerably faster. Therefore, you should definitely consult a veterinarian after about 24 hours of strict food refusal.
What happens when food is refused?
Since the cat's body cannot store food in the stomach and cannot produce enzymes for fat burning, it quickly resorts to fat and muscle reserves.
If a cat refuses to eat, this is often a critical condition. A cat's body is not designed for storing food in its stomach. Furthermore, it cannot produce the enzymes necessary for fat metabolism . However, this isn't necessary for a free-roaming cat. These felines hunt around 15 small birds and rodents a day. This keeps them constantly active, meaning that calories are almost completely utilized by the body, and consequently, large fat deposits cannot accumulate.
However, if a cat stops eating, it quickly runs out of energy. This makes it tired and lethargic. A vicious cycle then begins, because the cat's appetite decreases. So it then refuses to eat even when it actually needs to. This is a natural protective mechanism . After all, hungry cats would run out of energy at the latest when they went hunting again. If they fail to catch their prey, they eventually become completely exhausted. This is also why cats need to eat so frequently throughout the day.
Since cats cannot store food in their stomachs, their bodies draw on reserves when no new food is consumed. This leads to the burning of fat and muscle. A lack of protein intake for more than 38 hours results in a lasting disruption of the liver's fat metabolism.
Furthermore, the liver becomes flooded with fats that, due to insufficient enzyme supply, can no longer be excreted. This ultimately leads to fatty liver disease or hepatitis lipidosis . In the worst case, this causes liver failure , after which the cat dies from toxins that can no longer be broken down. This is particularly dangerous for well-nourished or even overweight domestic cats.
Cat won't eat – What are the 10 most common reasons?
The most common reasons for loss of appetite in cats range from food problems (e.g., unfamiliar consistency), stress and changed environment to health problems such as dental issues, aging processes, or serious illnesses.
If a cat experiences a loss of appetite, it's not always a cause for immediate concern. However, this behavior shouldn't be ignored; instead, the underlying causes should be investigated. Sometimes, other symptoms such as vomiting and fever accompany the refusal to eat. In this case, it's important to take the cat to a veterinarian for an examination. Understanding why a cat isn't eating allows you to help it much more effectively in most cases.
Is the food the cause of the loss of appetite?
Yes, the food itself can be the trigger if the bowl is unclean, the cat rejects unfamiliar food, the consistency of the product has changed, or there is a sensitivity to certain ingredients.
Cats are sensitive animals. Therefore, they notice quite quickly if something is wrong with their food. It's important to always provide them with a clean feeding area and washed bowls . Old leftovers, especially those that smell slightly spoiled, are almost unbearable for a cat's sensitive nose and are a real appetite killer.
In addition, the following reasons can be considered if one suspects that the sudden refusal to eat might be related to the food:
- Unfamiliar food: Too much variety can lead to problems, while feeding the same food every day leads to boredom. It's important to find the right balance.
- Consistency of the food: Even slight changes in the consistency of the food by the manufacturer can cause the cat to lose its appetite.
- Sensitivity to certain ingredients: Cats quickly notice when a food is not good for them and instinctively avoid the product in question.
Does an unfamiliar environment affect eating behavior?
Yes, after a move or on vacation, an unfamiliar environment can cause stress in many cats, which can lead to a refusal of any food, but this usually resolves itself after an adjustment period.
Many cats dislike being moved. After a move or during a vacation, a cat may suddenly refuse all food. This should stop once it has settled in . If the cat continues to eat poorly for several days, it must be taken to a veterinarian.
To make the move easier for the cat, you should first give it the peace and quiet it needs to settle in. Reassuring words and gentle strokes can also help. This shows the cat that it is not alone and that there is no danger.
Does a cat eat less when she is in heat?
Yes, in female cats in heat, food intake often plays a subordinate role, as reproduction is the priority; however, normal eating behavior should return after the heat cycle ends.
When a female cat is in heat, eating suddenly becomes secondary. Reproduction takes center stage. The cat eats less and focuses on finding a mate with whom she can have kittens. However, normal eating habits should return after the heat cycle ends.
During this time, treats and feeding the cat's favorite food can greatly stimulate her appetite. If the cat is in heat, you don't necessarily need to worry about her reduced food intake. However, it becomes critical if the cat completely refuses food. In that case, you should definitely consult a veterinarian.
Can excessive stress upset a cat's stomach?
Yes, excessive stress, triggered by a new family member or a newly furnished environment, can negatively affect a cat's appetite and cause it to refuse food.
It's not just anxious cats that sometimes experience a lot of stress in unfamiliar situations. These can occur when there's a new addition to the family, whether a two-legged or four-legged member , or when a room has been redecorated. This stress negatively affects the cat's appetite and can lead to it refusing food or eating only very rarely.
It's important to provide your cat with plenty of places to retreat to. Many cat trees, for example, have caves where your feline friend can hide away when things get too stressful. However, you shouldn't leave your cat completely alone and should always give it your undivided attention . This will make it much easier for it to adjust to new situations.
Why do outdoor cats often eat less at home?
Outdoor cats often eat less at home because they may have helped themselves to food from neighbors' bowls or have hunted outside and are therefore already full when they return home.
Letting cats roam freely gives them a great deal of freedom. However, this also requires a high degree of trust. Naturally, a cat might help itself to food from the neighbors' bowls . Consequently, it will be quite full when it returns home.
Reasons for this could be that the cat prefers the unfamiliar food to its own. In that case, it's important to find out which varieties it truly likes so it doesn't feel the need to help itself elsewhere. Alternatively, it can be helpful to talk to your immediate neighbors . Of course, the first people to consider are those who themselves have one or more cats. It can also be stressful for their cats if a strange animal regularly steals their food. Therefore, a solution to the problem should be sought together.
Does a cat's senior age affect its appetite?
Yes, older cats may eat less due to decreased appetite and increased signs of aging and illnesses (e.g., kidney or thyroid problems), which is why a change in diet and veterinary examination may be necessary.
How much a cat eats also depends on its age. As cats age, they, like humans, experience various signs of aging and illnesses. Their bodies gradually deteriorate and become more susceptible to problems. Often, the liver, kidneys, teeth, and even the thyroid gland are affected. These issues should be checked by a veterinarian.
To encourage an older cat to eat, a change in diet may be necessary. This is because the kidneys and liver, in particular, decline in function. Specially formulated food then supports the function of these organs in old age.
However, it's essential to also pay attention to whether the cat is showing any other symptoms besides loss of appetite. For example, frequent vomiting could indicate the onset of liver or kidney failure. Hyperthyroidism should also be considered. This metabolic disorder causes rapid weight loss in cats, even though they are consuming sufficient food.
If any of the aforementioned diseases are suspected, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately. They can prescribe the necessary medication and adjust the selection and quantity of food.
Can high temperatures lead to loss of appetite?
Yes, just like humans, cats often have less appetite in very hot weather, and food that has been left out in the heat for a long time becomes unpalatable for the cat more quickly.
Many people experience a reduced appetite in hot weather. This can also happen to cats. Furthermore, food left out in the heat for an extended period becomes unpalatable to cats more quickly. This can be recognized by the fact that they may smell it but still refuse to eat it.
In summer temperatures, cats should be fed in the early morning or evening . At these times, it's usually not yet so hot, and the likelihood of the food spoiling quickly is significantly reduced. Dry food is particularly suitable in summer, as it keeps well in the bowl for a longer period. However, it's especially important that the cat always has plenty of fresh water available.
Can dental problems cause a cat to stop eating?
Yes, pain from toothache, gum inflammation or periodontitis are common, but often initially hidden, causes of food refusal in cats.
Refusal to eat can also be a sign of toothache, gingivitis, or periodontitis . These conditions may not be immediately apparent. This is often because cats are masters at hiding their symptoms. In the wild, this was essential, as showing signs of weakness could be life-threatening.
Furthermore, aggressive behavior or sensitivity to touch around a cat's mouth may indicate dental problems. Many cats try to touch the painful area with their paw and therefore frequently rub their faces. Excessive salivation and teeth grinding are also common. If you manage to look inside the cat's mouth, check for reddened gums, tartar buildup , and unpleasant breath . Only a veterinarian can help if you suspect dental problems.
Is loss of appetite normal after a vaccination or surgery?
Yes, after a vaccination or surgery, the cat may initially refuse food and appear tired due to the stress, but this usually only lasts for one day.
If a cat has just had a vaccination or even surgery, it may initially refuse food. This is also related to the immediate stress caused by the procedure. The cat may then appear particularly tired. In many cases, it is even important that a cat does not eat immediately after treatment . It would therefore be wrong to actively encourage it to eat.
Therefore, a cat's refusal to eat after a vaccination or surgery is not usually a cause for undue concern. It only becomes critical if this loss of appetite lasts for more than a day or if new symptoms suggest other illnesses. In such cases, a veterinarian should be consulted.
What diseases can cause loss of appetite?
A number of diseases can cause loss of appetite, including gastrointestinal diseases, pancreatic infections, kidney or liver failure, thyroid problems, dental problems, poisoning, and infectious diseases such as FIP, FeLV, and FIV.
Depending on the symptoms a cat exhibits, various illnesses can be considered. These often affect the abdomen, upper respiratory tract, and mouth and throat. Possible illnesses causing a cat's loss of appetite include:
- Dental problems
- Pancreatic infection
- A cold
- allergy
- Intestinal parasites such as roundworms
- Kidney failure
- Gastrointestinal diseases
- Digestive problems such as constipation or diarrhea
- Liver failure
- poisoning
- Injuries and inflammation in the mouth and throat
- Thyroid problems
- Infectious diseases such as FIP, FeLV and FIV
Should you go to the vet immediately or wait?
If a cat is not eating, you should never wait longer than 24 hours to visit the vet, as even a short time without food can lead to serious liver damage.
If a cat isn't eating, it's always a problem, even without other symptoms. Therefore, you should never wait longer than 24 hours before taking it to the vet. Older cats, or those with pre-existing conditions, should be seen by a vet as soon as possible. The vet can perform a thorough examination of the mouth and have blood and stool samples analyzed in a laboratory. X-rays or an ultrasound can also provide information about some feline illnesses.
When are symptoms alarming and require a quick visit to the vet?
An immediate visit to the veterinarian is necessary if, in addition to loss of appetite, alarming symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever (over 39°C), excessive thirst, general weakness or apathetic behavior are observed, or if the cat refuses all food for 24 hours.
If your cat exhibits symptoms other than loss of appetite, it may be necessary to visit a veterinarian as soon as possible . Possible alarming symptoms in cats include:
- Weight loss
- Ruggy and dull fur
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Fever (internal body temperature above 39 degrees Celsius)
- Intense thirst and increased urination
- General weakness
- Apathetic behavior
- 24 hours without food intake
What does it mean if the cat isn't eating and is sleeping a lot?
If a cat not only sleeps a lot but also refuses to eat, this indicates that the animal is not well; the causes range from a harmless infection to poisoning or serious illness, to natural withdrawal in old age.
A cat sleeping a lot is not in itself a cause for concern. After all, cats are known for sleeping and resting constantly . However, in some cases, a cat might not only sleep a lot but also eat little or nothing at all. This, in turn, is an indication that the animal is not well. There are many possible causes. Sometimes it's just a harmless infection. But it could also be poisoning or a serious illness .
Older cats generally have an increased need for sleep and often a reduced appetite. As their activity decreases, they also don't require as much food. Nevertheless, an older cat should be encouraged to eat if it no longer shows any interest in doing so on its own.
Unfortunately, a cat refusing food in old age can also indicate that it will soon die. Many cats notice this and withdraw to sleep. Their interest in food gradually diminishes. In this case, you should pay attention to whether the cat is simply becoming more lethargic or is suffering.
How can you stimulate a cat's appetite?
A cat's appetite can be stimulated by various measures, such as offering treats and favorite food, warming the food, feeding by hand, or enriching the meal with tasty additions like tuna or chicken.
In many cases, it is helpful or even necessary to encourage a cat to eat . Appetite can be stimulated by the following:
- treats
- Use of catnip
- Heating the feed
- Hand feeding
- Enriching the food with treats such as tuna or chicken
- Search and hunting games with food
Which bowl and feeding area are optimal?
You should use a flat and wide food bowl and place it in a location that is not in the immediate vicinity of the litter box, as many cats refuse to eat near it.
If your cat isn't eating, it's sometimes related to the type of food bowl and where it's placed. A shallow, wide bowl is recommended, as this will make it easier for your cat to eat. However, the location of the food bowl is equally important. Many cats dislike having their food bowl near their litter box and will refuse to eat if it's close.
Should you vary your diet to stimulate your appetite?
Yes, it is important to find the right balance between routine and variety; if the cat stops eating, it may be helpful to try different types of food or variations to re-energize it.
When feeding cats, it's important to find the right balance between routine and variety . Is your cat no longer eating or only consuming small amounts? Then it can be helpful to switch to different types of food or try different variations . Cat food manufacturers often offer a range of varieties and combinations. Even if you find that your cat particularly enjoys a certain type of food, you shouldn't feed it to them permanently, as they may quickly tire of it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about food refusal in cats
How long can cats survive without food?
Depending on their health and hydration, cats can survive a few hours without food. However, due to their specific metabolic processes, even 38 hours without food can lead to serious health problems. It is therefore strongly recommended to consult a veterinarian after approximately 24 hours of strict food refusal.
What happens in a cat's body when it stops eating (refusal to eat)?
Since a cat's body cannot store food in its stomach and cannot produce enzymes for fat burning, it quickly resorts to fat and muscle reserves. If protein intake is lacking for more than 38 hours, this can lead to a lasting disruption of fat metabolism in the liver, which in the worst case can result in fatty liver disease (hepatitis lipidosis) and liver failure.
When should you take your cat to the vet?
If a cat isn't eating, you should never wait longer than 24 hours to see a veterinarian. The situation becomes particularly critical if the loss of appetite is accompanied by alarming symptoms such as weight loss, vomiting, fever, excessive thirst, or lethargy.
