Why Is My Cat Not Eating?

Common causes of appetite loss in cats, and why it matters more than it might seem.

Quick Answer

Stress, a change of routine, or being fussy about food are common, low-risk reasons cats skip meals.
Dental pain and illness can also reduce appetite, often alongside other signs.
Unlike most animals, cats can become seriously unwell if they go without food for too long.
A cat that hasn't eaten anything for over 24 hours needs veterinary attention, even if they otherwise seem fine.

Common Causes of a Reduced Appetite in Cats

01 Stress or Change in Routine

House moves, new pets or people, building work, or even rearranged furniture can be enough to put a cat off its food temporarily. Cats are creatures of habit and tend to be sensitive to changes in their environment.

02 Food Preference or Spoiled Food

Cats can be particular, and a change of flavour, texture, or brand may simply not appeal. Food that's been left out too long or has gone slightly off can also be turned down, which is a normal protective instinct.

03 Dental Pain

Sore gums, a broken tooth, or gum disease can make eating uncomfortable, particularly with hard food. Owners sometimes also notice bad breath, drooling, or a cat favouring one side of its mouth.

04 Nausea or Recent Vomiting

Cats that are feeling nauseous, or have recently been sick, often go off their food until the underlying cause settles.

05 Underlying Illness Needs a vet

Reduced appetite can be linked to a wide range of conditions, including kidney disease, an upper respiratory infection affecting the sense of smell, pain elsewhere in the body, or other illnesses. A vet visit is the only reliable way to identify what's going on if there's no obvious explanation.

Contact Your Vet If Your Cat Hasn't Eaten in Over 24 Hours

This applies even if your cat seems otherwise alert and active
It's especially important for overweight cats, where prolonged appetite loss carries a higher risk of a serious liver condition
Kittens should be seen sooner, as they have far less energy reserve than adult cats

Cats are not designed to fast — going without food for too long can cause a cat's own body fat to overwhelm the liver, which becomes a medical emergency.

When to Contact Your Vet

Appetite has been reduced, rather than completely absent, for more than two to three days
Eating less is happening alongside weight loss, vomiting, or lethargy
You notice signs of dental pain, such as drooling or bad breath
The reduced appetite affects a kitten, an elderly cat, or a cat with an existing health condition

How Pet Med Direct Can Help

Pet Med Direct stocks a range of palatable food options and dental care products that can support cats with a fussy appetite or mild dental discomfort.

If your vet identifies an underlying medical cause for the reduced appetite, Pet Med Direct can help with prescription dispensing once your vet has issued a valid prescription.

Some treatments require a valid veterinary prescription. Pet Med Direct can only supply prescription medicines after the prescription has been checked. Always follow your vet's advice and the directions on the medicine label.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can a cat safely go without eating?

Cats should not go without food for more than 24 to 36 hours. Unlike many other animals, cats can develop a serious liver condition if they don't eat for an extended period, so it's not something to wait out at home.

Why won't my kitten eat?

Kittens can be put off food by stress, a change of diet, or feeling unwell, but because they have very limited energy reserves, a kitten that isn't eating should be seen by a vet sooner rather than later.

Can stress really stop a cat from eating?

Yes. Cats are sensitive to changes in their environment, and stress is one of the most common reasons for a temporary drop in appetite, especially after a house move or a new pet arriving.

Should I try a different food if my cat won't eat?

You can offer a different texture or flavour, but if your cat refuses food for more than 24 hours regardless of what's offered, contact your vet rather than continuing to experiment with different foods.

Is it normal for an older cat to eat less?

A gradual, mild reduction can happen with age, but a noticeable or sudden drop in appetite in an older cat is more often linked to an underlying health condition and is worth getting checked.

← Back to Cat Health Hub

Need pet products or prescription medicines? Visit the Pet Med Direct shop.

Shop Pet Med Direct

This this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice.
If you are concerned with your dog’s health, please consult a qualified veterinarian.