What to Do When Your Cat Goes Off Their Food

When your cat goes off their food, it's a worrying situation that requires swift and careful attention. Cats are designed to eat little and often throughout the day, so even missing a meal can disrupt their well-being. Prompt action is crucial because cats can develop serious health issues such as hepatic lipidosis if they don’t eat for more than 24 hours.

1. Immediate Steps to Take When Your Cat Refuses to Eat

The first and most important step is to monitor how long your cat has been off food. If this has been for more than 24 hours or if you notice lethargy, vomiting, behavioural changes, or refusal to drink, contact your vet immediately. Early veterinary assessment can identify underlying health problems such as dental issues, infections, or other illnesses.

Carefully observe your cat for signs of pain or distress while ensuring they stay hydrated, as dehydration can worsen their condition. Avoid trying to force-feed or syringe feed your cat without veterinary advice, as this can cause further stress or complications.

2. Rule Out Non-Medical Causes

Sometimes cats stop eating due to non-medical reasons such as a change in food type, feeding routine, or environment. Cats are creatures of habit and can be sensitive to even small changes like a new food bowl, location of their feeding area, or area noise.

Return everything to how it was before the change to see if this helps. Also, check that the food is fresh, paying attention to sell-by dates and storage conditions, especially of dry food bought in bulk. If you suspect a bad batch of food, return it to the retailer.

3. Techniques to Encourage Your Cat to Eat

If your vet rules out serious illness and your cat is stable, try these appetite-stimulating strategies:

• Offer highly aromatic, palatable foods such as canned seafood, tuna juice, or warmed wet food. Warming the food to around body temperature (about 38°C) enhances smell and appeal.
• Feed in a quiet, comfortable area away from litter trays or other pets to reduce stress.
• Offer only one food type at a time to avoid overwhelming your cat.
• Try hand-feeding or petting your cat gently during feeding, if they tolerate it, to encourage eating.
• Keep the food and water bowls clean, ideally using stainless steel bowls for easier cleaning and hygiene.

4. Veterinary Diagnosis and Treatment

During the vet visit, a thorough physical examination helps identify common issues such as dental problems or lumps. If no obvious cause is found, blood tests, urine analysis, x-rays, or biopsies may be recommended to diagnose hidden conditions.

Depending on the diagnosis, treatments may include medical therapies, appetite stimulants, anti-nausea medications, or supportive care such as intravenous fluids. In severe cases when cats cannot eat on their own, surgical placement of feeding tubes ensures they receive necessary nourishment and medications until recovery.

5. Understanding Hepatic Lipidosis Risk

Hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver disease, is a serious complication of prolonged anorexia in cats. It can develop rapidly after just a day or two of not eating, leading to liver failure. This condition is potentially fatal but preventable with prompt veterinary intervention. This is why even mild refusal to eat for more than 24 hours requires urgent attention.

6. When to Contact Your Vet Immediately

Contact your vet urgently if your cat:

• Refuses food for more than 24 hours
• Shows signs of dehydration (e.g., sunken eyes, dry gums)
• Is lethargic, vomiting, or showing other abnormal behaviours
• Exhibits difficulty eating or has noticeable mouth pain
• Has changes in urination or bowel movements

7. Promoting Responsible Cat Care

Recognising early signs of anorexia and seeking timely veterinary advice is key to avoiding severe complications. Always provide fresh, appropriate food and maintain a consistent feeding routine to support your cat’s health. Changes to diet or environment should be introduced gradually to minimise stress.

Remember, veterinary guidance is essential if your cat’s appetite changes suddenly. Early intervention and attentive care can help your cat return to healthy eating quickly and regain strength.

Conclusion

It is worrying when a cat goes off their food, but understanding the reasons behind the behaviour and acting promptly can make all the difference. Monitor your cat’s eating habits closely and use appetite stimulation techniques while keeping an eye out for any concerning symptoms. If your cat refuses to eat for more than a day, seek veterinary help urgently to diagnose and treat any underlying health issues and prevent dangerous conditions like hepatic lipidosis. With timely care and support, your cat can recover well and return to their normal eating routine.