Do not wait if appetite loss occurs with repeated vomiting, difficulty breathing, jaundice, severe lethargy, abdominal pain, inability to urinate or suspected toxin/foreign-body exposure.
Why is appetite loss important in cats?
Cats, especially overweight cats, are vulnerable to hepatic lipidosis when calorie intake drops substantially. The risk depends on duration, body condition and underlying disease, but early intervention is safer than waiting for prolonged fasting.
What causes a cat to stop eating?
Dental pain, nausea, kidney disease, pancreatitis, gastrointestinal disease, fever, respiratory illness that reduces smell, stress and many other conditions can reduce appetite. “Picky” behavior should not be assumed when there is a sudden change.
What will the veterinarian check?
History and physical examination guide testing. Bloodwork, urinalysis, oral examination and imaging may be appropriate depending on age and symptoms.
Related VetWel guides
Read cat vomiting, kidney disease signs and cat sneezing and nasal discharge.
Veterinarian Nazif Oben AkşemsettinoğluVetWel Founder & Veterinary Consultant