Not eating in cats: what to do

Just 2-3 days of anorexia can trigger fatty liver in cats; overweight cats are at higher risk — an emergency.

Caused by a mutated coronavirus; young and stressed cats are prone — the wet form shows a swollen belly.

Cats love string, hair ties and thread — linear foreign bodies slice the intestine; a surgical emergency.

Severe oral inflammation makes cats refuse food, drool and paw at the mouth — needs professional dental care.

A post-heat emergency of unspayed females, often better hidden than in dogs (cats lick away discharge). Thirst + lethargy + a changing belly deserves high suspicion; surgery is the cure.

Mostly herpes/calicivirus; kittens and unvaccinated cats are at risk — a blocked nose leads to refusing food.

Swallowed fur accumulates in the stomach — the occasional one is normal; frequent ones mean clearance is failing.

Fast food changes, diet indiscretion or mild infection; cats tolerate fasting poorly, so prevent dehydration.

A severe viral disease of unvaccinated kittens with high mortality — needs isolation + intensive support.

The most common chronic disease of senior cats; early signs are subtle — blood creatinine + urinalysis stage it.

Moving, new pets or visitors can trigger hiding, soiling and over-grooming — but rule out medical causes first.