← Symptoms

My cat isn’t eating

Cats shouldn’t go without food for long. A cat that hasn’t eaten for more than 24 hours should see a vet, because prolonged fasting can seriously damage the liver, especially in overweight cats.

See a vet now if:

  • It isn’t eating and is vomiting or very weak
  • It is breathing with its mouth open or struggling to breathe
  • It strains in the litter box without passing urine
  • Yellowing of the gums, eyes or inside of the ears

Book an appointment in the next few days if:

  • It hasn’t eaten anything for 24 hours
  • It has been eating much less for several days or is losing weight
  • Drooling, bad breath or pain when chewing (possible dental problem)
Find a vet

In the meantime

  • Try a little warmed-up wet food, which smells stronger
  • Check whether it is drinking and using the litter box
  • Think about recent changes (food, moving house, a new animal)
  • Don’t force-feed it

Other symptoms