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My cat won't eat for days, sniffs food then leaves. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My cat stopped eating 3 days ago. He still runs to the bowl when I put food out- smells it and walks away. He has mixed wet/dry diet, And is on PEG

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on October 26th, 2015

Not eating is a serious matter in cats. They cannot go more than a few days without eating or they risk liver damage. Your cat needs to be seen by your vet for an exam and bloodwork to determine the cause for your cat’s loss of appetite. Based on the findings, your vet will be able to give you a clearer picture of what is going on with your cat and be able to offer you treatment options. Try enticing your pet to eat with beef or chicken baby food that does not contain onion or garlic powder. Onion and garlic causes anemia. Warm it in the microwave for a few seconds. Stir it with your finger first to make sure there are no hot spots and that it isn't too hot. This makes it more aromatic and appealing to your pet. Wetting dry food or mixing wet food with low sodium chicken broth, also warmed, might entice your pet to eat. Some cats like to be petted while they eat, some want to be left alone. You'll know your cat's habits and be able to act accordingly.

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5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on December 11th, 2015

    Not eating is a serious matter in cats. They cannot go more than a few days without eating or they risk liver damage. Your cats should be seen by your vet for an exam and bloodwork to determine the cause for their loss of appetite. Based on the findings, your vet will be able to give you a clearer picture of what is going on with your cats and be able to offer you treatment options. Try enticing your cats to eat with beef or chicken baby food that does not contain onion or garlic powder. Onion and garlic causes anemia. Warm it in the microwave for a few seconds. Stir it with your finger first to make sure there are no hot spots and that it isn't too hot. This makes it more aromatic and appealing to your pets. Wetting dry food or mixing wet food with low sodium chicken broth, also warmed, might entice your pet to eat. Some cats like to be petted while they eat, some want to be left alone. You'll know your cats habits and be able to act accordingly.

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    4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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