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My cat won't eat food or treats. When should I take her to the vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 7 years and 8 months old

My cat, normally very food-motivated, is refusing all food and treats. She did eat this morning and noon, she usually eats 3x/day. How soon be for I should take her to her vet?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on September 26th, 2017

Since Julie ate twice today you can wait until tomorrow to see if her eating is back to normal. In the meantime make sure she's drinking, take note of her urination and poop in case there are changes so you can relate that information to your veterinarian if you need to take her in. I would pet her all over to see if she is painful, watch her walking to check for lameness and please check her gums to see if they are pink and moist. Some animals if they don't exercise sometimes eat less on lazy days. You are very observant through so if she's not her normal self tomorrow it's fine to bring her in for an exam. They will check her temperature and give her a thorough physical. If there are any problems they may recommend a blood panel, urinalysis and fecal test if they have not been done recently. Cats often hide when they are sick so catching a medical problem before it becomes serious is always a good idea. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Julie.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Amber W
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
I'm sorry to hear that something is going on with Julie. She may just have something simple like mild stomach upset. However, if she is not back to eating normally by the morning I would have her examined by a veterinarian. When cats go for longer than 12-24 hours without eating they can end up with an issue called hepatic lipidosis. This is more likely to occur in overweight cats. So I would not wait longer than 12 hours if Julie is still not eating. Your veterinarian can run blood work to see if there are any underlying issues causing her inappetance.

To encourage her to eat your could try to offer her some boiled chicken, hamburger, or steamed fish.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope Julie is feeling better soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on August 9th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Princess!

Did the Vet do feel her back or check her urine for a urinary tract infection? Even though the blood work and X-rays are normal she could still have pancreatitis or a virus that just needs time. But since we are approaching the weekend and now day 3 with out eating, I would call your Vet when they open. See if they want to recheck her today or try something else (antibiotic, pain medications, appetite stimulant).

I wish you and Princess the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 27th, 2017
It may be related to the fact that she is not spayed - she may be coming into heat. That would be my first guess although it is really hard to say because her symptoms are not specific. Pretty much anything that can cause illness in a cat can have these symptoms. That is why the vet exam is important. Your vet may be able to find something obvious on the exam or they may have to do some diagnostics (like x-rays and/or blood testing) to figure it out.

I don't recommend you do anything until the vet visit other than monitoring her and if she worsens at all then take her in on emergency.

Hope this helps. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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