What it can look like
Cats should not go long without eating. A cat that refuses food for more than 24 hours — or stops eating suddenly — should see a vet promptly.
Common triggers to consider
- Stress, a new home or a dirty litter area
- Dental disease or a painful mouth
- Nausea, parasites or illness
- A change in food they do not like
If this is not quite what you are seeing, compare with Cat Vomiting, Cat Diarrhea and Cat Lethargy — or the same symptom in the other species, Dog Loss of Appetite.
If you suspect your pet ate something toxic, estimate the exposure with our poison toxicity calculators before deciding how urgently to go in.
When to call your vet
Contact your vet if any of these apply:
- Not eating for more than 24 hours
- Sudden loss of appetite with vomiting or lethargy
- Hiding, drooling, or weight loss
What to do right now
Offer a small portion of their usual food, slightly warmed. Clean bowls and try a quiet spot. If your cat still will not eat today, call your vet.
What the vet may do
Because cats can develop serious liver issues after even a short fast, your vet may run blood work and provide nutritional support.
Common questions
How long can a cat go without eating?
More than 24 hours without food is a serious warning sign in cats — a short fast can contribute to liver problems. Contact your vet the same day.
My dog is eating less but seems fine — should I worry?
Try offering a small bland meal and monitor for a day. If appetite does not return within 24 hours, or your dog develops vomiting, diarrhea or low energy, call your vet.
This page is educational triage information, not a diagnosis. Pets vary — when in doubt, ask your vet. In an emergency, contact your local emergency clinic or pet poison hotline directly.