When is not eating in a cat an emergency?

Call a vet straight away if: not eating along with straining to pee and little or nothing coming out; struggling to breathe or breathing with the mouth open; collapsed or very weak.

When should my cat see a vet today?

Book a vet visit the same day if: has not eaten for 24 hours; eating much less than usual for more than a day; also vomiting, hiding, or quieter than usual; drooling or seems to have mouth pain; a kitten that skips meals.

Can I wait and watch at home?

Usually yes, for up to a day, if: ate a little less for one meal but is otherwise normal and active. If anything changes or worries you, book a vet.

Can I give my cat human medicine?

No. Many human medicines, including paracetamol and ibuprofen, are poisonous to dogs and cats. Only give what a vet prescribes after examining your pet.

Can a vet see my cat at home in Pune?

Yes. Sniffi's vets visit homes across Pune, or you can book a quick teleconsult first. Call +91 91751 29919 or book online.

Cat Not Eating: Why It Is More Urgent Than in Dogs

Updated 2026-10-05. General information, not a diagnosis.

A cat that stops eating can develop a serious liver problem (fatty liver) within a few days. Do not wait as long as you might with a dog: a cat that has not eaten for a day should see a vet.

Not sure how serious it is? Describe it in your own words and get an answer in a minute.

Check symptoms free

Call a vet now if

Not eating along with straining to pee and little or nothing coming out
Struggling to breathe or breathing with the mouth open
Collapsed or very weak

Call +91 91751 29919

Book a vet visit today if

Has not eaten for 24 hours
Eating much less than usual for more than a day
Also vomiting, hiding, or quieter than usual
Drooling or seems to have mouth pain
A kitten that skips meals

Usually fine to watch at home for a day if

Ate a little less for one meal but is otherwise normal and active

Common causes of not eating in cats

Stress: a move, a new pet, visitors, a change in routine
Dental pain and mouth ulcers
Cat flu and other infections (a blocked nose stops cats smelling food)
Kidney disease and other illnesses
Stomach upset or a swallowed object

Only a vet who examines your cat can tell which one it is.

What you can do right now

Offer the usual food, slightly warmed if it is wet food
Keep water, litter and food in a quiet place
Never force-feed a cat
Do not give any human medicine. Paracetamol (Crocin, Dolo), ibuprofen and many others are poisonous to dogs and cats, even in small amounts.

Talk to a Sniffi vet

Pune's home vet service. Pick what suits you.

📞 Book a quick teleconsultA vet calls you back 🏠 Schedule a home visitA vet comes to your home

Questions pet parents ask

When is not eating in a cat an emergency?: Call a vet straight away if: not eating along with straining to pee and little or nothing coming out; struggling to breathe or breathing with the mouth open; collapsed or very weak.
When should my cat see a vet today?: Book a vet visit the same day if: has not eaten for 24 hours; eating much less than usual for more than a day; also vomiting, hiding, or quieter than usual; drooling or seems to have mouth pain; a kitten that skips meals.
Can I wait and watch at home?: Usually yes, for up to a day, if: ate a little less for one meal but is otherwise normal and active. If anything changes or worries you, book a vet.
Can I give my cat human medicine?: No. Many human medicines, including paracetamol and ibuprofen, are poisonous to dogs and cats. Only give what a vet prescribes after examining your pet.
Can a vet see my cat at home in Pune?: Yes. Sniffi's vets visit homes across Pune, or you can book a quick teleconsult first. Call +91 91751 29919 or book online.

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