Help! My Cat Stopped Eating, What Do I Do?

The first thing you should do is not panic immediately. There are stages and warning signs which increase the severity of the problem. If your cat stopped eating there are things you can do to help him or her get over the problem.

One or Two Meals

If your cat stopped eating today, and he was eating yesterday, it is nothing serious. Check the date of the food, is it expired? Check the food, is it the same food he ate yesterday? Check the food dish, was it cleaned before feeding? If these three items check out, look to see if your cat got into something such as the bag of cat food or dog food. Check for open containers of cleaners, soap or garbage. Hopefully you keep these out of reach of your cat. But if a container Is open or spilled, seek out a veterinarian immediately to check for poisoning.

One Day

If your cat stopped eating an entire day, he may have a cold. Cats, like people, don't eat much when they are sick. Look for heavy discharge from the nose, constant coughing, and sneezing. This will pass within ten days. If you have changed food, he may not like the new food. If you're introducing a new pet or person, your cat may be anxious and a little stressed. If you moved into a new home, the cat will hide until he is comfortable and come out of hiding. If you drop your cat off at a sitter or kennel, again the cat will be stressed and may not eat.

Two Days

If your cat stopped eating for two days, it is time for concern. Cats bodies will begin to shut down after two days without food; the liver failing is the biggest concern. If a cat doesn't eat for two days it is most likely due to severe stress or emotional trauma. Check to see if your cat has been injured. Also check to see how the cat walks, or lays. If your cat wobbles while walking, or flops himself over when laying down, contact a vet quickly because this is a sign of an internal problem which may be making your cat seriously ill. If your cat is very old, this is also a sign that their life is near an end.

What You Can Do

If it has only been one day, try going back to an old type of food. Try adding water to dry food as this may help cats with sensitive teeth. Check if your veterinarian has cold remedies and recommendations. If your cat is in a new environment, place the food near where he is believed to be hiding and be patient; your cat will come out when hungry. If it's been more than one day, consider feeding a half teaspoon of wet food by force feeding. A better option is to use an eyedropper and fish oil such as salmon, tuna or sardine. The importance is to get essential vitamins and nutrition into your cat until they feel better.

What Not to Do

Do not panic over one missed meal. Do not force your cat to eat unless it becomes necessary. Do not leave food out thinking that the cat will eat when it is ready. Do not suddenly change routines or food; your cat will know this and will be more stressed. Do not allow your cat to go without eating past two days. Do not scold the cat; they are sick or stressed and you yelling at them doesn't make it better.