A cat’s refusal to eat can stem from various factors, ranging from health issues to stressThis warrants attention, especially if your cat has gone without eating for two days or moreTherefore, as a cat lover, it is important to recognize the reasons why a cat might refuse food and how to address the situation.
Cats have a natural ability to mask painThis is why they often only appear ill when their condition has already become severeOne easily recognizable sign of a health issue is a loss of appetite.
A cat’s refusal to eat is usually caused a specific illness or medical conditionHowever, it is not always dangerousSometimes, a cat may simply be a picky eater or dislike the food being offered.
Nevertheless, you should be concerned if your beloved cat still refuses to eat after two days, even when offered its favorite food or treats.
Reasons Why Cats Refuse to Eat
The reasons a cat refuses to eat are often harmless, and the appetite may return on its ownHowever, this issue can also be caused specific medical conditions or illnessesHere are some reasons why a cat might refuse to eat:
1Disliking the food provided
Cats generally become accustomed to the specific brand or flavor of food they are initially fedIf you suddenly change their food, they will easily notice the difference and may choose not to eat it.
Additionally, a cat might refuse food simply because it has grown bored with the menu or flavorUsually, the cat will resume eating normally once it gets hungry, and this is not a dangerous situation.
2Swallowing hairballs
Cats have a habit of grooming themselves—or other cats— licking their furHowever, this habit causes them to ingest significant amounts of furThe swallowed fur accumulates and forms a clump known as a hairball.
An accumulation of hairballs in the digestive tract can cause the cat to feel bloated and uncomfortableThis condition is what ultimately causes the cat to refuse food and vomitHowever, once the hairball is expelled through vomiting or a bowel movement, the cat’s appetite usually returns to normal.
In addition to swallowing hairballs, a cat may sometimes lose its appetite after ingesting foreign objects, such as toys, balls, cotton, or tissues.
3Dental health issues
Dental health problems can be a reason why your cat refuses to eatA cat suffering from tooth pain or gum inflammation will feel uncomfortable or even experience pain while chewing foodThis discomfort and pain can cause the cat to stop eating.
Besides refusing food, cats with dental issues often exhibit other symptoms, such as bad breath, excessive drooling, swollen gums, and even bleeding from the mouth.
4Digestive problems
Gastrointestinal disorders—such as diarrhea, acid reflux (GERD), gastroenteritis, or digestive tract infections—can cause nausea, abdominal pain, and a loss of appetiteIf forced to eat, a cat suffering from digestive issues will often vomit.
Additionally, other conditions like pancreatitis and liver disorders can also cause a cat to stop eatingIf left untreated, these conditions can lead to weight loss and dehydration.
5Respiratory tract infections
Bacterial or viral respiratory infections—such as panleukopenia or the flu—can be causes for a cat refusing to eatWhen affected these illnesses, the cat’s sense of smell or ability to breathe is impaired.
A cat’s appetite is heavily influenced its sense of smellConsequently, when a cat has the flu, its sense of smell is compromised, making it unable to smell its foodThis leads to a reduced appetite and causes the cat to refuse to eat.
Apart from the flu, other nasal conditions—such as polyps or nasal tumors—can also affect a cat’s sense of smell and cause pain, leading the cat to stop eating6Vaccination side effects
Vaccination is one way to protect cats from various diseasesHowever, vaccinations generally cause side effects in some catsOne common side effect following vaccination is a reduced appetite.
You need not worry, however, as these side effects are mild and will resolve on their own within 24 hours.