How long can a cat cross without eating? There are a number of reasons why cat owners might ask this question. Your cat may be sick and refuse to eat, causing you to worry.
Or maybe your cat is appearing out of the ordinary. Physically they look fine, but behaviorally something is wrong. Your cat refuses to devour and you don’t know why either. How long exactly can they eat together?
Let’s take a quick look….
Even a healthy cat can stop eating and drinking for short periods of time. When the cat stops eating, it could be the reason for the situation, but it could also be due to some things as easy as the way you feed your cat. So don’t panic if your cat hasn’t eaten for a day or so. It is very regular.
Just keep an eye on them, and they will usually have the urge to eat again very quickly. But if you stop eating for a few days, then it’s time to go to the vet; they may have underlying difficulties and therefore need clinical attention.
How long can a cat go without eating?
As long as they drink enough water, cats can go for quite a while without eating.
We humans can go on for about 3 weeks, but it’s easiest if we have water to drink. Some animals can live even longer without eating. Snakes and other reptiles can live for months without food. Crocodiles are believed to be able to eat for up to three years!
But back to the cat. A cat can go without solid food for a week or two, but only if she consumes enough water during that time. Without drinking, it becomes dangerous after a few days. A water loss of 15% of its body weight can be fatal to cats. .
Why did my cat stop eating?
Cats may be fussy eaters. If they haven’t eaten in a few days, try switching to a specific form of cat food. They may not be interested in old things! Once they have their desire for food returned, incorporate some variation into their diet.
Consuming it may be difficult or uncomfortable; this is especially so in cats with dental problems.
Certain psychological problems can affect a cat’s appetite. This may be related to their regular exchanges or their environment. For example, a new household or the addition of a new family member or puppy.
Unfortunately, loss of appetite may be a sign of something more critical. Cats are sure to be good at hiding medical problems, and many may not happen on their own until the next level. Serious medical problems that can affect your cat’s eating behavior include:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Kidney failure
- Pancreatitis
- Swallowed by foreign goods
- Urinary tract infection
- Arthritis
- Liver lipidosis, or fatty liver disease
When should I take my cat to the vet?
It really depends on your cat and you know her better than anyone. If she stops eating for a few days, keep an eye on her. If you notice any unusual change in habits or behavior, there may be a problem. If the cat shows any other signs such as dramatic weight loss, extreme lethargy, depression, or difficulty urinating, take it to the vet immediately.
And be sure to watch the cat’s eyes, they are a good indicator if something is wrong. If the eyes are sunken, dry, or discolored, your cat needs professional attention. If you are not sure how to interpret the behavior or whether your cat is really sick, better take her to the vet once more, than to be sorry.