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My rescue cat hasn't eaten in 3 days. When should I call the vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 4 years and 11 months old | 15 lbs

Hello! I just recently got a rescue cat who spent 4 years with her rescue and is still adapting. She's been with us for almost three days now, but still doesn't look like she's eating anything. When would be the best time to seek out medical intervention for her?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on January 18th, 2021

If you don't think she has eaten anything at all in three days, she needs to be seen by a vet right away. Cats have to eat or else suffer liver damage in just a few days. If you haven't seen her eat but she is still using the litterbox and producing stool, then she's probably been eating something but it's still a good idea to get her seen as soon as possible.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 14th, 2017

    Oh no, that's not good at all! When a cat doesn't eat for three days, it becomes prone to developing a fatty liver, which is fatal without treatment. Because of this, Mia needs to see a vet now. Anorexia in cats can be caused by systemic illness, infection, injury, or inflammation. She needs medical treatment now to avoid developing a fatty liver, and to see why she isn't eating. I would take her into an ER vet or find a vet on call to see her now.

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