My Cat Won't Eat: When to Seek Emergency Care

There are many reasons why your cat might be refusing food, ranging from simple causes like a change in routine to more serious issues such as gastrointestinal illnesses or kidney disease. Today, our Tracy vets discuss. 

Why won't my cat eat?

Cats are renowned for being picky eaters! Many cat eaters know the struggle of their cat deciding they no longer like the kibble they've been eating and having to find a new food your feline friend will enjoy. That being said, if your cat has refused food for more than 24 hours there may be an underlying cause at hand. Below are some of the common reasons for a cat not eating:

Gastrointestinal Issues

Like people, cats can experience gastrointestinal (GI) issues that cause them to feel nauseous and experience a lack of appetite. Cats suffering from GI problems often, (but not always), show other symptoms such as weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation.

Common GI problems in cats include:

If your cat is losing weight, vomiting, experiencing diarrhea or constipation as well as refusing to eat, it's time to see your vet. Gastrointestinal problems such as those listed above are serious and may require emergency care. It's important for your cat's health that GI issues be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.

Dental Issues

There are a host of dental issues which may cause your cat mouth pain, leading to a refusal to eat. Your cat could be suffering mouth pain due to a dental abscess, injury to the mouth caused by a foreign object, inflamed gums, a loose or broken tooth, or advanced tooth decay.

If you suspect that your cat is experiencing mouth pain see your vet as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment. Your vet can do a thorough cleaning of your cat's teeth and look for any dental issues that may be causing your cat pain.

Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is relatively common in older cats. As with GI problems, kidney disease often causes nausea which leads to cats refusing to eat. Other symptoms of kidney disease in cats include frequent urination and drinking a lot of water. There are two forms of kidney disease common in cats, only your vet can diagnose and treat this serious condition. If your cat has stopped eating, is over 7 years of age, or is displaying other symptoms of kidney disease, see your vet as soon as possible.

Other Possible Causes

Cats may refuse to eat for a range of reasons not directly related to their overall health, including:

Issues such as those listed above should only cause your cat to skip one or two meals, no more. If your cat refuses to eat for longer it's time to see a vet.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

If your cat has refused more than one or two meals or is experiencing any symptoms or behaviors that you are concerned about, you should seek emergency care right away.