How long can feral cats go without food for TNR? Is 3 days too long?

Question

I feed a colony of about 18 feral cats. I am working with a neighbor who is part of a Animal rescue. They trap spay/nuter release. I am withholding food and we have traps ( the kind that open, the cat goes in to eat the food and the door shuts behind the cat). I am concerned that the cats are hungry. My neighbor said she wants me to withhold their food for 3 days. I have water for them. This seems like too long for them to go without food. What should I do? Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | 5 years and 9 months old | 15 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

You are correct that is too long. If a cat goes 72 hours without eating, they will develop a fatty liver which is fatal without treatment. Do not do this. They only need to be fasted for 12 hours to be safe for surgery.

How long can feral cats go without food for TNR? Is 3 days too long?

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