Why is my cat not eating?

“If you’ve got a younger cat… sometimes not eating could be behavioural. Particularly if it’s a multi-cat household and they don’t feel safe or comfortable sharing food resources… but in older cats, not eating could represent serious problems like kidney disease and cancer.” – Dr Rachel Korman

Age is a major factor in narrowing down the potential causes of appetite loss and guides urgency in the investigation. In younger cats, not eating is often linked to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, liver problems or pancreatic issues. Infectious diseases are also common in this age group and are usually the first thing we try to rule out.

Sometimes, a change in appetite can be one of the earliest signs of a chronic illness. But not all causes are medical. Younger cats may stop eating due to behavioural reasons too, like feeling uneasy sharing food or eating near other cats or pets, especially dogs.

Ingestion of foreign bodies such as fabric and toy pieces is another frequent culprit for putting cats off their food, often followed by vomiting. While older cats can occasionally indulge in non-edible items, this behaviour is more common in younger ones. “We have removed all sorts of things, from bits of clothing to a plastic snake, ear buds, hair ties and Nerf bullets,” says Dr Rachel.

For older cats, chronic kidney disease is a common cause of appetite loss, and it often develops gradually over time. Cancers that affect internal organs can also reduce appetite, sometimes before any other symptoms are noticeable. While behavioural quirks can still be an issue, medical causes of appetite loss become increasingly likely with age.

Disruptions to normal routines like sleep, play and social interactions can all have an impact. These behavioural triggers are easy to overlook but can have real physiological consequences. “Anything that interrupts a cat’s sense of comfort could be enough to put them off their food,” says Dr Korman.

Cats can be fussy, and they need safe, quiet spaces to eat without interruption from dogs, children or other cats. If they don’t feel in control of their environment, they can become anxious about eating. Ideal spots for food bowls are quiet and offer plenty of visibility. Dr Rachel says, “A safe place is generally somewhere quiet, where they can see what’s happening and know they’re not going to get ambushed… by a child or by a dog or the doorbell.”

In multi-cat households, competition for resources can create tension around mealtimes. Even subtle hierarchy dynamics, where one cat asserts quiet dominance over another, can lead to stress. Some cats may avoid eating altogether if they feel uneasy or vulnerable when sharing food spaces.

Owners often overlook signs of food avoidance because they assume what’s normal for people, like eating less in hot weather or skipping a meal when stressed, is normal for cats, too. Another common misconception is blaming poor teeth. While painful conditions like tooth root abscesses can sometimes affect appetite, Dr Rachel says, “Cats can have pretty severe dental disease and still very happily eat their food.”

Hot weather is another factor that often leads owners to dismiss their cat’s lack of appetite, especially since people commonly feel less hungry in the heat. But for cats, hot weather can make underlying health issues like dehydration or kidney disease worse. Hot weather might seem like the reason your cat’s off their food, but it’s often masking something potentially more sinister.

The fact is, cats might skip a meal now and then, but ongoing inappetence is rarely harmless. Knowing what’s normal for your cat gives you a baseline, so you can spot changes early and avoid brushing off unusual patterns of food avoidance.

If your cat is refusing to eat, don’t assume it’s nothing. It could be behavioural and temporary, but there are some serious causes of inappetence, and prompt attention will give your cat the best possible chance of treatment and recovery.

At CSS, our cat-exclusive hospital is purpose-built to provide the best possible medical experience for cats. Our cat-crazy team is here to help, no matter the health issue or emergency you may be facing.

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