Why Is My Cat Not Eating?

A cat that suddenly stops eating is often a sign of a more serious problem. Although cats are known to be picky eaters refusing to eat is not normal. If your cat wont eat and has skipped several meals or gone a day or two without food you should take action. Not eating can cause additional problems for your cat. While there may be things you can do at home to help your cat regain their appetite veterinary intervention may be necessary. Heres why your cat is not eating and what you should do about it.

Why Do Cats Stop Eating?
While your cat might not like the food youre offering a lack of appetite is often a symptom of an underlying issue. Cats may stop eating if theres something stuck in their stomach or intestines or if they arent feeling well because of an underlying disease or infection. Your cats lack of eating can also be a sign of pain or discomfort. Even stress can affect a cats appetite. Regardless of the cause its a significant concern if your cat stops eating.
Respiratory Diseases
Respiratory problems can affect your cats sense of smell or ability to breathe leading to a loss of appetite 1 Upper respiratory diseases may clog your cats nose and eyes with discharge resulting in a temporary loss or restriction of sight and smell. Lower respiratory tract diseases may affect your cats lungs causing them to have difficulty breathing. These respiratory issues may be caused by bacterial or viral infections that require basic care but they might be as complicated as cancer. Regardless of the severity of the respiratory issue if the disease keeps your cat from being able to breathe easily or smell food your cat may decide they dont want to eat.
Digestive System Issues
Problems with the stomach intestines

pancreas or other parts of the digestive system may cause a cat to stop eating. Your cat may also vomit and have diarrhea or abdominal pain alongside digestive issues. But usually a decrease in appetite will be one of the first signs of a digestive system problem. Conditions include gastroenteritis acid reflux tumors an imbalance of intestinal bacteria parasites inflammatory bowel disease and other problems.
Foreign Bodies
Some cats like to eat things that they shouldnt or may swallow hair that develops into hairballs all of which may become stuck in the stomach or intestines 2 A foreign body stuck in your cats gastrointestinal tract is referred to as a gastrointestinal obstruction or GI obstruction. A GI obstruction wont let food pass through the digestive tract and therefore your cat may vomit and most likely stop eating. Some foreign bodies can pass through your cats system and may cause temporary GI upset or lack of appetite but others may require surgery to be removed.
Dental Disease
Diseased or painful teeth and gums can cause a cat to stop eating 3 Cats can fracture their teeth develop resorptive lesions on their teeth develop inflammation of their gums form dental abscesses and experience other dental issues that cause oral pain. Just like people your cat may not want to eat if their mouth hurts. However dental issues may be difficult to diagnose in a cat and your veterinarian may need to sedate or anesthetize your pet in order to evaluate the problem.
Stress
Stress and anxiety can cause a cat to lose their appetite just like in people. There are several reasons why cats become stressed. A change to the home environment is often the culprit such as moving house conflicts with other pets or even having a baby. In addition certain noises may scare your cat such