My cat won't eat or use the litter box. When should I worry?

Question

Why is my cat not eating her food or rarely using the litter box?

Debi Matlack · Accepted Answer

If your cat is not eating at all, she needs to be seen by a vet immediately. Cats can only go a few days without eating before they suffer serious liver dysfunction. 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. If she's just being picky about food but will eat some things, some cats can be that way. 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. Again, if your cat simply isn't producing anything in the litterbox, she needs to be seen by a vet right away. She could be constipated, have a urinary blockage, kidney disease or a number of other problems. If she is still urinating and defecating, but doing it in other places, she may have a medical or behavioral problem causing the behavior. In short, getting your cat in to see your vet for an exam and bloodwork is a good idea and a great place to start figuring out why she's having these symptoms.

My cat won't eat or use the litter box. When should I worry?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?

Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?

Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?

My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?

My mice eat all their food together from one bowl. Is this normal?

Share