Cat Won't Eat, Drink, Or Move: What To Do?

If your cat won't eat or drink and just lays there, it could be a sign of a serious health issue. Cats can go without food for about two weeks, but only three days without water. If your cat hasn't eaten in a day or more, contact your vet immediately. There are many reasons why your cat may have lost their appetite, ranging from mild to severe. Some possible causes include nausea from vaccinations, respiratory infections or allergies, high outdoor temperatures, dental issues, anxiety, stress, or depression. More serious causes include cancer, kidney, heart, or liver disease, and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). If your cat is also displaying other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing, difficulty breathing, or behavioural changes, seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.

Illness

If your cat won't eat or drink and just lays there, it could be a sign of illness. Cats are good at hiding signs of pain or illness, so it's important to be vigilant and get to know your cat's normal behaviour. If your cat hasn't eaten in 24 hours, this is a concern and you should seek veterinary advice.

There are many possible medical reasons for a cat's loss of appetite, and some can be serious. A loss of appetite is often a key indicator that your cat is ill. Some of the most common medical reasons for a cat's loss of appetite include:

• Dental issues, such as inflamed gums, an abscess, a broken tooth, or other inflammatory issues.
• Upper respiratory infections, which can affect a cat's sense of smell and, therefore, their appetite.
• Gastrointestinal issues, including parasites, colitis, gastroenteritis, inflammatory bowel disease, nausea, and cancer.
• Organ failure, including kidney disease and liver disease.
• Food allergies, irritable bowel disorder, or other digestive issues.
• Ingesting something toxic or a foreign body, which could cause an intestinal blockage.
• Infections, including upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and pancreatitis.
• Cancer.
• Diabetes.
• Congestive heart failure.
• Arthritis.
• Hepatic lipidosis, or 'fatty liver', which is common in overweight cats who lose weight too rapidly.

If your cat is showing any other symptoms of illness, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing, difficulty breathing, or problems urinating, you should seek veterinary advice immediately.

Dental issues

Dental disease can manifest in different forms, including periodontal disease, tooth resorption, stomatitis, malocclusions, oral tumours, and oral trauma. Periodontal disease is defined as inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth and is the most common oral health condition in cats. Tooth resorption can occur at any age and in any breed of cat, and the only treatment is often surgical extraction. Stomatitis is an extremely painful oral condition in cats caused by an overzealous reaction of the immune system to plaque accumulation on the teeth.

Signs that your cat may be experiencing dental pain or disease include:

• Decreased interest in eating dry food or hard treats
• Chewing more slowly than usual
• Dropping food from the mouth while chewing
• Resistance to having the face or mouth touched
• Bad breath
• Visibly loose teeth
• Swelling of the muzzle
• Swollen and bleeding gums
• Reluctance to eat
• Vomiting up food
• Growling at the food bowl

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. The best way to prevent dental pain in cats is to ensure regular dental care, including daily brushing of your cat's teeth and regular veterinary dental care.

Gastrointestinal issues

Some common gastrointestinal issues include:

• Obstruction or foreign body ingestion
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Parasites
• Colitis
• Gastroenteritis
• Cancer
• Indigestion
• Constipation

If your cat is experiencing gastrointestinal issues, they may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Diarrhea
• Lack of appetite
• Vomiting
• Drooling
• Dropping food while eating
• Lip licking
• Lethargy
• Abnormal sleepiness
• Low energy
• Lack of response to surroundings
• Thirst/increase in urination
• Difficulty breathing
• Dull hair coat/hair loss
• Behavioral changes, such as aggression

If your cat is displaying any of these symptoms, it is important to consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. They may recommend diagnostic tests such as blood work, imaging, or an ultrasound to determine the underlying cause of the gastrointestinal issues. Treatment options may include surgery, medication, or a change in diet.

It is important to note that cats can go longer without food than without water. While cats can survive for about two weeks without eating, they can only go about three days without drinking. Therefore, if your cat is not eating or drinking, it is crucial to seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.

Congestive heart failure

There are two types of CHF: right-sided congestive heart failure (RS-CHF) and left-sided congestive heart failure (LS-CHF). RS-CHF happens when a heart contraction causes some blood to leak into the right atrium from the right ventricle, resulting in congestion in the main circulation system and fluid accumulation in the abdomen. LS-CHF occurs when blood leaks back into the left atrium through the mitral valve, causing pressure overload on the left side of the heart. Fluid then leaks into the lungs, causing pulmonary edema and difficulty breathing.

The most common symptom of congestive heart failure in cats is difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include abdominal bloating, lethargy, weakness, and loss of appetite. If left untreated, cats with CHF may refuse to eat, and could eventually die suddenly.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. The vet will likely place your cat on several medications, including diuretics to remove excess fluid buildup, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors to improve clinical symptoms and increase survival rates, and vasodilators to relax the body's blood vessels. In some cases, oxygen therapy may be necessary to help your cat breathe adequately.

While there is no cure for CHF, treatment can help improve your cat's quality of life and extend their lifespan. Vigilant home care and lifestyle management, such as preventing obesity and providing heartworm prevention, can also help.

Stress, anxiety, or depression

Cats can experience a range of emotions, including stress, anxiety, and depression, which can cause a loss of appetite. Cats can become stressed and anxious due to changes in their environment, such as construction work, the addition of a new family member, or rearranging their resources. They can also experience separation anxiety if they lose a loved one, whether human or animal.

If you suspect your cat is stressed or anxious, try to identify and address the cause of their stress. Provide them with extra attention and comfort, and consider using treats to encourage them to eat. You can also try changing their food type or consistency, as some cats may be enticed to eat by offering canned foods or warming up their wet food. If your cat still won't eat, take the food away and provide fresh food later in the day, as they may learn to avoid it if it becomes stale or hardens.

Depression in cats can be caused by various factors, including a lack of affection, changes in their environment or routine, the introduction of a new pet, or a change in their physical health. Signs of depression in cats include changes in sleeping patterns, neglect of grooming and self-care, lack of interest in play, and changes in vocalization. If you suspect your cat is depressed, it's important to consult your veterinarian to rule out any medical causes and determine the best course of action.

In some cases, a cat's loss of appetite and lethargy may be caused by underlying health issues such as viral infections, gastrointestinal issues, or organ failure. Therefore, it's crucial to monitor your cat's overall behaviour and seek veterinary advice if you notice any changes in their appetite, energy levels, or general demeanour.

Frequently asked questions