Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

How long can feral cats go without food for TNR? Is 3 days too long?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | 5 years and 9 months old | 15 lbs

I feed a colony of about 18 feral cats. I am working with a neighbor who is part of a Animal rescue. They trap spay/nuter release. I am withholding food and we have traps ( the kind that open, the cat goes in to eat the food and the door shuts behind the cat). I am concerned that the cats are hungry. My neighbor said she wants me to withhold their food for 3 days. I have water for them. This seems like too long for them to go without food. What should I do?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 18th, 2019

You are correct that is too long. If a cat goes 72 hours without eating, they will develop a fatty liver which is fatal without treatment. Do not do this. They only need to be fasted for 12 hours to be safe for surgery.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Food & Nutrition

My cat won't eat after a death. How long can he survive without food?

It’s a medical emergency when a cat won’t eat, and if they go longer than 72 hours without eating, they will develop a fatty liver. A fatty liver is fatal without treatment. Koko cannot wait until Monday to be seen, i strongly urge you to take him into an ER vet now.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My feral cats aren't eating. What's wrong, and what can I do?

Typically when cats stop eating, it means they are sick. It's actually very serious when a cat stop eating, as if they don't eat going on 72 hours, they develop a fatty liver which is fatal without treatment. I would take them into a vet immediately. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Neighborhood cat not eating for 3 days, only drinking. What to do?

Not eating is quite serious for a cat, and when they don't eat going on 72 hours, they will develop a fatty liver. A fatty liver is fatal without treatment, so that has to be avoided. I would take Simba into a vet immediately to get checked out. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My cat stopped eating after neuter surgery for days. Is it serious?

That is concerning that Kovu has suddenly stopped eating as much and has not eaten for the past three days. That makes it a medical emergency. When a cat doesn't eat for three days, they will develop a fatty liver which is fatal without treatment. Since you cannot reach your vet, you need to take him into an ER vet clinic now or find another vet in town to see you. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

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

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Why isn't my newly adopted cat eating, drinking, or using litter box?

It's actually quite serious that Tigger isn't eating. When cats go for 72 hours without eating, they develop a fatty liver. A fatty liver is fatal without treatment. While it could be he is stressed from the move to his new home, it could be a medical illness causing him to not eat. He should see a vet immediately for a health check to prevent him from developing a fatty liver. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My kitten won't eat and is lethargic. How long can a kitten survive?

This is a medical emergency, and Blacky has to see a vet now. If a kitten goes longer than 72 hours without eating, they will develop a fatty liver, which is fatal without treatment. Leaving her like this is cruel, and you need to find a way to afford a vet. Borrow money from family and friends. See if your vet accepts payment plans. You cannot treat this at home, please take her into a vet right away.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share