If your cat has not eaten for 24 hours or more, or is straining to urinate, call right away.
Call us at (905) 576-8885. If we are closed, go directly to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital.
A cat skipping a single meal might not seem like a big deal, but appetite loss in cats deserves more attention than it does in many other species.
Cats can develop a serious, sometimes dangerous liver condition if they go without food for even a couple of days. This makes a cat who isn’t eating a symptom worth taking seriously, sooner rather than later.
At Wilson Road Vet Clinic, Dr. Yessa takes appetite changes in cats seriously at every stage. Here’s what Oshawa cat owners should know.
Why Loss of Appetite Matters More in Cats
Cats who don’t eat, even for a short period, are at risk of a condition called hepatic lipidosis, where the liver becomes overwhelmed trying to use fat stores for energy. This is more likely in overweight cats, but can happen in any cat.
Common Causes of Appetite Loss
- Dental pain or disease
- Nausea or digestive upset
- Stress, such as a change in environment or routine
- Underlying illness, including kidney disease or infections
- A change in food or feeding routine
When to Call the Same Day
Contact us the same day if your cat:
- Hasn’t eaten at all for over 24 hours
- Is eating noticeably less than usual for more than a day or two
- Seems lethargic, hiding more than usual, or otherwise unwell
- Has any vomiting or diarrhea alongside reduced appetite
When It’s a True Emergency
Seek immediate veterinary care if your cat:
- Hasn’t eaten in 48 hours or more
- Is straining to urinate along with not eating (a possible urinary blockage, more common in male cats)
- Appears weak, collapsed, or unresponsive
- Has yellowing of the gums or eyes
If our clinic is closed, please go directly to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital, especially for a cat straining to urinate.
What We’ll Ask You
- How long your cat has gone without eating, or eating less
- Any other symptoms, like vomiting, hiding, or litter box changes
- Recent changes at home, including new food, pets, or stress
- Whether your cat is drinking water normally
What Happens at the Visit
- A full physical exam, including an oral exam for dental pain
- Bloodwork, to check for underlying illness
- A urine test, if urinary issues are suspected
- A discussion of stress or environmental factors
How We Can Help
At Wilson Road Vet Clinic, we take appetite loss in cats seriously and move quickly to identify the cause, since early intervention matters.
If you’re ever unsure how urgent the situation is, please call us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a cat safely go without eating?
Even 24 to 48 hours without food can become risky for cats, which is why it’s worth addressing promptly.
Why is appetite loss more dangerous in cats than dogs?
Cats can develop a serious liver condition called hepatic lipidosis when they don’t eat, even for a short time.
What are common reasons a cat stops eating?
Dental pain, nausea, stress, underlying illness, or a change in food can all play a role.
Is it an emergency if my cat is straining to urinate and not eating?
Yes, this combination can indicate a urinary blockage, which is a true emergency, especially in male cats.
Can stress alone cause a cat to stop eating?
Yes, changes in environment, new pets, or routine disruptions can affect appetite, though other causes should still be ruled out.
Should I try a different food if my cat won’t eat?
It’s worth mentioning at a visit, but persistent appetite loss should be evaluated rather than assumed to be pickiness.
What tests might my cat need?
Often bloodwork and a physical exam, sometimes a urine test, depending on symptoms.
What if this happens outside of your clinic hours?
Please go directly to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital for urgent symptoms after hours.
Concerned About Your Cat’s Appetite?
Dr. Yessa and the team at Wilson Road Vet Clinic are here to help.
Call (905) 576-8885
371 Wilson Road South, Oshawa, ON L1H 6C6
If our clinic is closed, please contact the nearest emergency veterinary hospital.