Take it seriously and act sooner than you would for a dog. A cat that stops eating for **more than about 24 hours** — and especially an overweight cat — is at real risk of a dangerous liver condition called **hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver)**, which develops when a cat goes without enough food. Not eating is also often the first visible sign of another illness, since cats hide sickness well. Contact your vet promptly; if your cat is also vomiting, weak, hiding, or jaundiced (yellow gums/eyes), or hasn't eaten for a couple of days, treat it as urgent.
## Why cats can't safely fast Unlike dogs, cats are prone to fatty liver when they don't eat: the body mobilises fat faster than the liver can process it, and the liver becomes overwhelmed. Overweight cats are at highest risk, and it can become life-threatening within days. That's why a cat's loss of appetite is treated more urgently than a dog's.
## When to see a vet Contact your vet — promptly, and the same day for the concerning ones — if your cat:
- Hasn't eaten for more than 24 hours (sooner if overweight).
- Is also vomiting, lethargic, hiding, or losing weight.
- Has yellow gums, eyes, or skin (jaundice) — a sign of liver involvement; this is urgent.
- Is drooling, pawing at the mouth, or has bad breath — a painful mouth or dental problem can stop a cat eating.
- Is straining to urinate or breathing oddly alongside not eating — go immediately.
## What you can try meanwhile Offer strong-smelling, tempting food (warmed wet food, a favourite), keep fresh water available, and reduce stress. Don't force-feed, and never give human medications. If your cat still won't eat within a day, or any red flag appears, get it seen — appetite loss in cats is not something to wait out.
Get to a vet immediately if you see any of these
- Not eating for more than 24 hours, especially in an overweight cat
- Yellow gums, eyes, or skin (jaundice)
- Not eating with vomiting, weakness, or hiding
- Straining to urinate or breathing difficulty alongside not eating
- Collapse or unresponsiveness
Common questions
My cat skipped a meal — how long can I safely wait?
Less time than for a dog. If a cat hasn't eaten for around 24 hours — sooner if overweight or showing other signs — contact your vet, because going without food puts cats at risk of a serious liver problem (hepatic lipidosis).
Why is not eating more dangerous in cats than dogs?
Cats are prone to fatty liver disease when they stop eating; the liver gets overwhelmed by mobilised fat. Overweight cats are especially at risk, and it can become life-threatening within days, so appetite loss is treated urgently.
My cat won't eat and has yellow-looking eyes or gums — what does that mean?
Yellowing (jaundice) suggests the liver is affected and needs urgent veterinary care. Combined with not eating, have your cat seen the same day.
Sources
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice, and cannot diagnose your pet. It does not replace an examination by a licensed veterinarian. When in doubt, treat it as an emergency and contact a vet or your nearest 24/7 emergency clinic right away.
Looking for a specific clinic? Browse our directory of veterinary practices.