Cat reduced appetite – when should I see a vet?
Contact a vet todayThis can have a serious cause – contact your vet today if any of the warning signs below apply, or if you are unsure. A reduced appetite is a common sign of illness in cats and may mean a cat is eating less than normal or refusing food altogether.
Contact a vet if you see any of this
- Reduced appetite for three days or more
- Not eating normally
- Difficulty eating
- Refusing to eat at all
What you can do now
- Contact your vet.
- Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see.
- Take a photo or short video to show the vet.
- Keep fresh water available.
- Let your cat rest somewhere calm.
Don't
- Do not give any human medicine.
- Do not wait if it gets worse.
What it can mean
If a cat stops its usual grazing behaviour, it is usually a sign that something is wrong.[1] Many different problems can cause a reduced appetite.[1] Reduced appetite can occur with difficulty eating, including a painful mouth.[1][2] It can come with weight loss, low energy, yellowing of the skin or eyes, extra drooling, vomiting or diarrhoea, or increased thirst.[1]
Other signs that can come with it
What the experts say
“Weight loss ; Low energy ( lethargy) ; Jaundice (yellow tinge to skin, gums and eyes) ; Drooling more than usual ; A painful mouth ; Vomiting and/or diarrhoea ; Increased thirst”
“If your cat isn’t eating normally or is showing any signs of having difficulty eating, contact your veterinary clinic - this should be done urgently if your cat has had a reduced appetite for three days or more.”
Not sure how serious it is?
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Common questions
What does inappetence mean in cats?
Inappetence means a reluctance to eat, eating less, or refusing to eat at all.[2]
When should I contact a vet about my cat’s appetite?
Contact your veterinary clinic if your cat is not eating normally or is having difficulty eating; this should be done urgently if reduced appetite has lasted three days or more.[2]
What other signs can come with reduced appetite?
Other signs can include weight loss, low energy, yellowing of the skin, gums or eyes, extra drooling, a painful mouth, vomiting or diarrhoea, and increased thirst.[1]
Sources
How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages
Runny Eyes
Scooting
Vomiting
Bad Breath