My cat won't eat, is licking dirt, and seems sick. What should I do?

I'm sorry poor Latte is sick. It's actually very serious when a cat won't eat, as if they go long enough without eating, they will develop a fatty liver that is fatal without treatment. I think it's best you take him into an ER vet immediately. I hope this helps!

Your cat needs to be seen by a vet as soon as possible for an exam and labwork so that he can be treated for his ailment right away. Not eating is a serious matter in cats. They cannot go more than a few days without eating or they risk liver damage. 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. 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.

This is an emergency. Cats eating kitty litter usually are seriously ill. It is a general sign of serious illness, so there is no way to tell what is making him ill without a hands-on exam. Not eating for 2+ days is also life threatening to a cat. You will need to take him to a PetER right away please.

Hello, I am so sorry you cat is not eating well. It is difficult to determine the underlying cause without a physical exam. Common causes of not eating in cats include: dental disease, inflammation of the intestines, liver, or pancreas, kidney disease, parasites or cancer. Please make an appointment to have your Cat examined as soon as possible.

I would take Crinkles into a vet immediately. It's actually quite serious when a cat won't eat, and if they go long enough without eating, they develop a fatty liver. A fatty liver is fatal without treatment. Anorexia is a very general sign of illness and it can be caused by things such as dental problems, systemic illness, infection, inflammation, or injury. Please take him into a vet now.

Smokey is a handsome boy, and I'm sorry he's sick! He could have eaten something rotten, could have a foreign body, may have pancreatitis, or could have a GI illness causing his symptoms. It's serious when a cat doesn't eat, as it predisposes them to a fatty liver which is fatal without treatment. Given he's been sick since Friday, he needs veterinary care now. Please take him into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Best of luck.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Kong. When a cat doesn't eat, it's extremely serious. That's because if the cat goes long enough without eating (about 72 hours), they will develop a fatty liver. A fatty liver is fatal without treatment. The fact that he won't eat or use the litter box tells me he is quite sick or injured. I would consider his symptoms a medical emergency that cannot be treat at home. Please take him into a vet immediately. Best of luck.