Why Is My Cat Refusing Food?

It can be very disheartening to search for food that you think/hope your cat will, maybe, nibble at only to find that they walked away from the bowl after one sniff. Not only is it a waste of food and time, but it can be extremely worrisome when a cat refuses to eat. Some cats are just finicky and will eat when they get hungry enough. Other cats may be suffering from a hidden medical condition. We can help cat owners figure out what’s causing feline food refusal and help entice cats toward a full bowl.

More Than 24 Hours

If your cat goes a full day without eating, it’s time to act. The most common health conditions that cause appetite loss include:

• Kidney disease. This condition can cause nausea. If you also see more urine in the litter box paired with extra thirst, it’s time to have your cat tested. The good news is that with a prescription diet and medications, kidney disease can be managed.
• Gastrointestinal problems. Many health conditions affecting the GI tract, such as pancreatitis, gastroenteritis, colitis, cancer, parasites, gut flora imbalances, and obstruction, can limit a cat’s appetite and create other related symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
• Periodontal disease. Known for causing painful, bleeding gums, swelling, and broken teeth, periodontal (gum) disease makes it hard for cats to eat, especially hard, crunchy kibble. 
• Other dental issues. There could be a foreign object stuck in the soft tissue, an obstruction, abscess, or gum inflammation that makes it hard to chew. 

Once these are either confirmed or ruled out, we can address and treat or move toward other possibilities. 

When a Cat Refuses Food

It could be that they don’t like the way their food tastes or feels in the mouth, or perhaps it upsets their stomach. There could also be a household shift, like a new pet or roommate, that is triggering a fear or anxiety affecting their ability to relax at meal times. 

Consider any recent events like a vaccination, motion sickness during travel to the vet, change in season and household routine (for instance, kids returning to school after summer break), or emotional health. Depression, stress or anxiety can easily impact a cat’s interest in food.

Watching for Improvement

If your cat is allowed to free-feed, pull their food and only place their bowl down when you can invite them to eat. Watch them for any accompanying signs of pain, sensitivity, or tenderness. Do they only chew on one side of the mouth? Is there bleeding or inflamed gums, bad breath, or dropping of food?

• Provide strong-smelling canned food, like tuna, to entice them to eat
• Warm food up slightly
• Keep bowls spotless between use
• Improve their environment to reduce stress; only feed them in an area free of noise

If your cat skips more than two consecutive meals, please call us at (615) 646‑7387. Because cats mask symptoms of underlying health conditions so well, by the time symptoms, like food refusal, become obvious the problem could already be advanced. Early detection of disease can lead to effective treatment. Our team is always here to help your cat at Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital.