Why Is My Cat Not Eating? Causes & What to Do

Is your cat not eating? While cats are known to be stubborn, not eating is a sign that may indicate other problems. This loss of appetite could point to something simple like not liking their food, or something more serious like underlying health issues.

Whatever it may be, it is crucial that you seek early veterinary attention to prevent further complications. Here is a closer look at why your cat might not be eating, and how our preventive care can provide the diagnostics you need:

Why Is My Cat Not Eating: Common Reasons

Medical Causes

Dental Problems

Studies show that between 50-90% of adult cats suffer from some form of dental disease. Common gum problems include gingivitis, periodontitis and tooth resorption to name a few.

These diseases can cause serious pain, making it difficult to eat.

Stomach Disorders

Stomach disorders are one of the most straightforward reasons your cat is not eating. The pain and discomfort associated with stomach diseases can cause your cat to stop eating altogether.

There are also many different types of stomach disorders, each affecting your cat differently. This includes colitis, constipation, gastritis and cancer to name a few.

Kidney or Liver Disease

Both kidney and liver diseases can make your cat stop eating due to nausea and pain. Kidney diseases can lead to toxin buildup in the blood, which causes nausea and a decreased appetite.

On the other hand, life-threatening liver diseases like hepatic lipidosis will also have similar effects, especially in cats that are overweight.

Respiratory Infections

Upper respiratory infections like a runny nose or throat irritation can affect a cat's ability to smell and breathe. This may affect their appetite too, causing them to stop eating.

Most upper respiratory infections in cats are caused by feline herpesvirus-1 or feline calicivirus.

Post-Surgery or Medication-Related Side Effects

Cats that just underwent surgery may experience eating difficulties. This is due to the after effects of anaesthesia or post surgery pain.

Behavioural or Environmental Causes

Stress or Anxiety

Cats have a “fight or flight” reaction when they are stressed or anxious. This can be caused by changes in environments and challenging situations like a sudden routine change or conflict with other pets.

Releasing stress hormones can also affect the gastrointestinal tract, decreasing a cat's appetite.

New Food or Dirty Food Bowls

Cats may lose their appetite when introduced to new food. A dirty food bowl may also have a similar effect on your cat.

Multi-Cat Household Tension

Households with multiple cats or pets may experience conflict over territory and food. As a result, some of your cats might lose their appetite due to the stress.

This is particularly common for cats as they are highly sensitive to territorial boundaries.

Heat or Seasonal Changes

Although cats tend to withstand heat better than dogs, extreme heat can have an effect on their bodies. They might start feeling lethargic, which can affect their appetite and in worst case scenarios, suffer from heatstroke.

Generally, cats also tend to eat less in warmer weather—another reason for their loss of appetite.

Warning Signs Linked To a Cat Not Eating

• General Sickness: Some obvious warning symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling or rapid weight loss can indicate eating problems.
• Not Eating for More Than 24–48 Hours: The inability to eat for a day or two is a serious red flag. Unlike humans, cats can quickly develop health issues when they stop eating. This includes liver issues like hepatic lipidosis which can be life threatening.
• Hiding Behaviour: Cats tend to hide when they are not feeling well. This is due to their instincts to protect themselves when they are vulnerable.
• Changes in Grooming: Cats that are unwell or stressed may groom less or excessively. A decline in grooming can lead to a messy coat, while over-grooming may cause bald patches or skin irritation.
• Unusual Vocalisations: Excessive meowing or unusual sounds can be a sign that your cat is in pain. Changes in vocal behaviour often accompany appetite loss.

What You Can Do At Home

Getting a professional assessment should be the top priority when your cat is sick. With that said, there are steps you can take to help your cat feel slightly better.

• Checking the quality of food and cleanliness of bowels. This will help you spot any changes in appetite or digestion.
• Warming wet food or offering favourite treats to see how they react. This can also stimulate your cat's appetite and encourage them to eat.
• Ensuring a calm, stress-free feeding area by keeping your sick cat away from other pets or loud noises. Stress can greatly reduce appetite, so a peaceful environment is essential.
• Avoiding force feeding or changing diets abruptly. This will prevent additional stress or digestive upset for your cat.

When To Visit a Vet

As a pet owner, there is only so much you can do to help your cat feel better. That is why a veterinary check-up is always recommended—but when do you know to visit a vet? For starters, appetite loss for more than 24 hours is a clear sign that your cat requires professional assistance.

Waiting any longer can lead to serious complications, such as dehydration, rapid weight loss or liver problems like hepatic lipidosis. At Mount Pleasant, we offer diagnostic services to help pinpoint the underlying reason why your cat is not eating.

This includes physical examinations, blood tests, imaging and dental checks to identify any health issues. Performed by experienced veterinarians who are compassionate and caring, these assessments ensure your cat receives accurate diagnoses and gentle, stress-free treatment.

How Mount Pleasant Can Help

Mount Pleasant Veterinary clinics are conveniently located across Singapore. We have clinics in 6 different locations, ensuring pet owners have access to professional veterinary care wherever they are.

• Our services for feline patients include:
• Comprehensive Health Checks
• Dental and Oral Care
• In-House Diagnostics and Imaging
• Hospitalisation and Nursing Care

With our patient-first approach and experienced veterinary team, you can rest assured that your cat will receive the best care possible.

Quick Summary

A cat not eating may be a major and potentially life-threatening issue that should never be ignored. Cats have a unique metabolism, and going without food for even a short time can lead to serious problems.

While there is only so much you can do as a pet owner, it is highly recommended to consult a professional as soon as possible.

Book a consultation with Mount Pleasant today! Visit mountpleasant.com.sg or contact us to find out more.