Diseases·8 April 2026·6 min read
Why Your Cat Stops Eating: 8 Causes and What to Do
Anorexia in cats is rarely benign. Here are the eight most common causes and when to call us.
When a cat skips meals\n\nCats are obligate carnivores with fast metabolisms. A cat that hasn't eaten in 24 hours is concerning; 48 hours is an emergency. Their liver doesn't tolerate fasting the way a dog's does — hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver) can develop quickly.\n\n## The eight most common causes\n\n1. Dental pain — abscesses, resorptive lesions, fractured teeth\n2. Kidney disease — common in older cats; nausea suppresses appetite\n3. Hyperthyroidism — can cause both increased and decreased appetite\n4. GI obstruction — strings, hairballs, foreign bodies\n5. Pancreatitis — vague signs, painful, common\n6. Stress — new pet, moved house, construction noise\n7. Diet aversion — recent food change, spoiled food\n8. Underlying serious disease — cancer, infection, IBD\n\n## What to do\n\nIf your cat hasn't eaten in 24 hours: encourage with strongly-smelling food (warmed slightly, not microwave-hot). Try small, frequent offerings. Reduce environmental stress.\n\nIf 48 hours: book an exam today. Don't wait it out.\n\nFor older cats: any appetite change deserves bloodwork.\n\nCall +91 98711 55162 if you're worried.
Frequently asked
24 hours warrants concern, 48 hours is an emergency due to risk of hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease).
Not without veterinary guidance. Force-feeding can cause aspiration and stress; we have safer options including appetite stimulants and assisted feeding.
Yes — any appetite change in a cat over 8 should prompt bloodwork to screen for kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and other common causes.
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