Why Your Cat Might Suddenly Stop Eating

For most cats, mealtimes are the highlight of the day. So when your cat begins refusing food altogether, it’s worrying — especially if the food bowl sits untouched for more than a day. Appetite loss (known as anorexia in veterinary terms) is one of the earliest indicators that something isn’t right.

While it can feel alarming, not every case means a severe medical issue. Appetite changes can range from minor tummy upsets to serious health conditions. What matters most is understanding the possible causes and acting quickly when things don’t improve.

Common Reasons for Appetite Loss in Adult Cats

1. Mild, Short-Term Upsets

Cats, like humans, may occasionally experience slight discomfort such as a mild headache, a brief upset stomach, or a temporary dip in energy. With rest, hydration, and a calm environment, many recover within 24–48 hours.

2. Stress or Lifestyle Changes

Cats are highly sensitive to environmental changes, including moving home, new pets or babies, visitors, loud noise, a new feeding routine, or even a dirty or overcrowded litter tray. Because stress can reduce appetite, maintaining a clean, odour-free environment — including a fresh tray of Pacha Litter — can help support normal eating behaviour.

3. Dental and Mouth Pain

Cats often avoid food when eating becomes painful. Warning signs include drooling, pawing at the mouth, chewing only on one side, bad breath, or refusing dry food. Dental issues are one of the most common reasons cats stop eating and require prompt veterinary treatment.

4. Vaccination After-Effects

Some cats experience mild, short-term discomfort after vaccinations. Reduced appetite typically resolves within a day or two.

5. Serious Medical Conditions

If appetite loss continues, it may indicate more serious concerns such as kidney disease, pancreatitis, intestinal inflammation, infection, cancer, hyperthyroidism, or cognitive decline in older cats.

Watch for additional symptoms including vomiting, weight loss, lethargy, pale gums, difficulty swallowing, heavy breathing, or hiding. If any of these appear alongside appetite loss, seek veterinary care urgently.

When It’s a Kitten, the Situation Is More Urgent

Kittens have very high energy needs and should never go more than 12–24 hours without food. Appetite loss in kittens can become life-threatening quickly.

To help a kitten start eating, offer strong-smelling wet food, warm the food slightly, try kitten milk formula if they are extremely weak, and ensure they remain warm and hydrated. If the kitten still refuses food, contact a vet immediately.

Is Your Cat Simply a Picky Eater?

Some cats have specific eating preferences. They may dislike certain textures, prefer food at particular times, avoid bowls that touch their whiskers, or only eat when you are nearby. Adjusting bowl shape, flavour, temperature, or feeding location can often resolve these behavioural habits.

When Should You Call the Vet?

Contact a vet if:

• Your cat hasn’t eaten for more than 48 hours
• A kitten hasn’t eaten for more than 12 hours
• There is rapid or noticeable weight loss
• Your cat is vomiting, drooling, or breathing abnormally
• Your cat appears dehydrated
• Your cat is hiding or showing signs of pain

Untreated appetite loss can lead to hepatic lipidosis, a dangerous condition in which fat overwhelms the liver. This can be fatal without prompt treatment.

How You Can Support Your Cat at Home

• Ensure fresh drinking water is always available
• Offer meals in a calm, quiet space
• Warm food slightly to increase its aroma
• Try a different protein such as chicken, salmon, or turkey
• Keep the litter tray clean with Pacha Litter to monitor urine and stool changes
• Maintain consistent routines to reduce stress
• Stay calm and speak softly — cats are very sensitive to your emotional state

Your Cat’s Appetite Is an Important Health Signal

Monitoring eating habits is one of the simplest ways to spot early signs of illness in cats. Whether the cause is stress, dental pain, or a medical condition, quick action gives your cat the best chance of a full recovery. When in doubt, it is always safer to contact your vet sooner rather than later.