---
title: "Why Is My Cat Not Eating UK?"
description: "UK guide — cats should not go 24 hours without food. Hepatic lipidosis risk, common causes, and when to call your vet the same day."
url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/why-is-my-cat-not-eating-uk"
canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/why-is-my-cat-not-eating-uk"
date_published: "2026-07-19"
date_modified: "2026-07-19"
source: "PETHEALTH+"
---

# Why Is My Cat Not Eating UK?

When a cat stops eating, take it seriously. Unlike dogs, cats who go **more than 24 hours without food** — especially overweight cats — risk **hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease)**. Contact your vet promptly. Do not wait and see. Use our [symptom checker](/symptom-checker) for triage guidance.

## Why the 24-hour rule matters

Cats who stop eating trigger rapid fat mobilisation to the liver. Overweight cats are at **highest risk** of hepatic lipidosis — a potentially fatal condition that develops within days.

This is why cat appetite loss is treated more urgently than in dogs.

## Common causes

- **Dental disease** — broken teeth, gum infection, oral pain
- **Kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, or diabetes** — common in UK cats over eight
- **Stress** — moving house, new pets, conflict with other cats
- **Nausea** from illness or recent medication
- **Diet change** — sudden food switches can suppress appetite

## What you can try at home

- Offer **warm, aromatic wet food** in a quiet area
- Try a different texture — pâté, gravy, or jelly varieties
- Warm food slightly to release aroma (not hot)
- Ensure fresh water is available

Do **not** force-feed or give human medications.

## When to call your vet

Contact your vet **today** if:

- No food for **24 hours**
- Eating significantly less for several days
- Vomiting or lethargy alongside appetite loss
- Known access to toxins or plants

Out of hours with collapse or severe illness: find your nearest [out-of-hours vet](/vets/filter/out-of-hours) or use [find a vet](/find-a-vet).

## FAQs

### How long can a cat go without eating?

Cats should not skip more than 24 hours without food. After two to three days, hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) becomes a serious risk — especially in overweight cats.

### Why has my cat stopped eating?

Dental pain, illness, stress, recent vaccination, diet changes, and nausea from kidney or liver disease are common causes. Any cat that stops eating needs veterinary evaluation.

### Should I force-feed my cat?

Do not force food into a reluctant cat — it increases stress and aspiration risk. Offer warmed, aromatic food and contact your vet if appetite does not return within 24 hours.

### When is loss of appetite an emergency?

Seek same-day care if your cat has not eaten for 24 hours, is vomiting, lethargic, or breathing fast. Overweight cats are at highest fatty liver risk.

## Sources

- [PDSA — Cat health advice](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub)
- [Blue Cross — Cat advice](https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice)
- [Cats Protection — Health advice](https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice)
- [Vets Now — Find an emergency vet](https://www.vets-now.com/find-an-emergency-vet/)

Canonical HTML: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/why-is-my-cat-not-eating-uk
Last modified: 2026-07-19