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My cat won't eat, not even his favorite, and only drinks water. Help!

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Himalayan | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 2 months old | 2.205 lbs

Paandu is not eating food (Including his favourite food ). Only drinks a little bit of water. How to feed him?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on April 28th, 2020

Try warming the food slightly or mixing in a teaspoon if plain baby food. If he doesn't begin eating in the next 24 hours, have him physically examined by your veterinarian. A cat that does not eat for 2+ days is a serious risk of developing liver disease which may complicate any underlying condition.

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 16th, 2019

    Your cat may have a problem with his teeth or may have ulcers or an injury in his mouth. He will need to be seen by a veterinary doctor for an exam. Not eating normally is a problem and there is a chance that he gets liver disease from not eating. Please take him to a vet today.

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 26th, 2018

    There are several causes for this and you need to take him to a vet for an exam. 1) he may have bad teeth, gingivitis, excessive tartar, which would keep him from eating properly and can cause him to get skinny due to infection as well as be unable to properly groom himself. 2) he may be hyperthyroid which causes him to lose weight, eat lots, and give him trouble with his heart. A blood test can rule this out. Treatments vary, from tablets/transdermal ointment to irradiation to surgery. 3) he may have kidney disease...a blood test can rule this out as well. Please take him to a vet for an exam and blood work. He will also need to be brushed or combed regularly if he cannot groom himself.

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    Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 29th, 2017

    Poor Matou! There are so many things that can cause a decreased appetite and weakness like certain viral infections, respiratory infections, bladder infections, kidney or liver disease, cancer and much more. If cats go a few days without eating, they can actually get worse because their liver will start to shut down and they get really dehydrated. Since it has alresdy been two days, i would strongly recommend to have your vet take a look at him. Your vet will be able to do a fecal, blood work and even X-rays if needed. Your vet will be able to get him on the proper meds and give him fluids if needed to help him feel better. You can try to entice him to eat with just plain chicken or tuna or different type of canned cat food. I hope this helps and he starts to feel better soon.

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