How Long Can Cats Go Without Food?A Deep Look To The Question

Meta Data: Are you wondering how long cats can go without food? Well, here is everything you need to know about cats and food.

Cats are different pets than any of the other famous animals as pets. Especially in their nature, they are more independent. At some point, they will feel so excited, and sometimes they will sleep all day. So you can't really predict anything about cats.

Though one might ask how long can cats go without food? Then, as an owner, you must know that if your cat is showing a finicky nature when it comes to food and not eating anything, you must be aware of that.

Whether your cat is not eating anything because of some illness, stress, or somehow, in cases of emergency, there is no access to food. Knowing how long a cat can survive without food will make you do something on time.

Here today, you will learn everything about food and cats, how long they can go without food, the danger of starvation, and more.

Quick Answer:

How Long Can Cats Go Without Food?

According to experts, cats can survive without food for two weeks. Though it will take a lot out of cats to survive for 2 weeks that way. There are conditions if the conditions are severe, then they might not reach 1 week and die.

Reasons why your cat is not eating anything:

Before delving into the topic, if your cat is not eating anything at all, then it is concerning. There must be some reason for it. The first thing you must do is consult with a Vet, in case the Vet is not there; these are the possible reasons why your cat is not eating anything.

Dental Problems

Most of the time, it is the dental tooth pain, infection, or gums injuries that make eating painful. If there is a broken tooth or inflamed gums, they will not even look at the food. So, it's better to check for any dental problems first.

Kidneys Problem:

Sometimes when there is a kidney problem or a kidney disease, cats are always reluctant to eat anything. In issues like these, you have to consult with the Vet as soon as possible.

Gastroenteritis Problems

There may be some gastrointestinal issues, which mainly include Parasites, Colitis, gastroenteritis, or, in worst case scenarios, it can be cancer as well.

Gut Problems:

There is a chance of digestive obstruction, indigestion, or constipation. You can check the last food your cat ate, whether it expired or not.

Medication:

If your cat is on medicine, it may be its reaction; in fact, vaccination can sometimes have side effects. So, in these types of cases, consult your Vet about it.

Anxiety and Stress:

Other common issues among cats are anxiety, stress, and depression. If you are changing your cat's environment or moving to some other place or there is any major event that happens, it can put your cat under stress. In cases like these, cats need your love and attention to console them.

New food

If you added a new food to your cat's diet, then it can be the reason why your cat is now reluctant to eat anything. So you go back to your previous diet for the cat, and it may start eating again.

Metabolism Problems:

Cats may suffer through metabolism problems especially in older cats. If your cat is a senior cat then it may be there due to metabolism being too slow to eat something.

These are possible reasons why your cat is not eating anything. However, it is recommended to see a vet as soon as possible if your cat has the same issue over time.

Can a Cat go without food for 24 hours:

Yes, cats can go without food for 24 hours, though if your cat is not eating anything at all, then it is concerning. Even if a cat goes without food for 24 hours, it is not a good sign. If such a case happens to you, call your Vet immediately and get a recommendation from your Vet.

Moreover it also depends on an outdoor and indoor cat. If your feline friend is an outdoor cat, then you can't be so sure about whether it ate anything or not. Likewise, indoor cats are pretty obvious because they have only one source at home. So, if you have an outdoor cat, then you shouldn't worry too much. Otherwise, if it is your indoor cat, then you must consult your Vet.

How long can kittens go without food?

If we talk about kittens then all they do is eat or drink mother's milk. They tend to grow continuously, and they need the proper nutrients for it. How long they can go without food mainly depends on their specific age.

Young kittens may not even go a few hours without feeding. Such kittens need their mother constantly.

Likewise, older kittens, depending on their condition, can go for a couple of days without eating. However, in a single day, they can get severe conditions like malnourishment and weakness, which can make it very hard to survive for another day.

What next to do if your cat isn't eating anything?

In case your cat isn't eating at all or stops eating, these are the things you need to do.

Water intake:

First and foremost, check your cat's water intake. A dehydrated cat doesn't eat anything, and there is a possibility that your cat may be dehydrated. Fill the bowl with fresh water, or you can add a flavor to encourage your cat to drink it.

Try Some other food:

If your cat is on a dry food diet, then try wet cat food and warmed-up meals. You can go for treats as well to entice them to eat something.

Stress release:

Mainly not eating food for cats is because of stress. All you can do is give time to your cat. Give a calm environment and give love and your attention.

Check for symptoms:

If your cat is not eating, then check out any other symptoms. Check if there is vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or any other symptoms. If your cat has any of these, then your cat is ill, and you need to consult with your Vet urgently.

Consult with your Vet:

It's always best to consult your Vet if you see any unusual activity with your cat. Like if your cat refuses to eat for more than a day or two, you need to consult with your veterinarian immediately.  

FAQs:

What happens if a cat doesn't eat for 3 days?

One of the significant risks a cat can get after not eating for 3 or more days is Hepatic Lipidosis, which is a severe liver condition. In fact, if a cat goes without eating for 2 hours, it starts getting weaker and weaker because they don't get enough nutrients, and in the end, they get into extreme conditions where their survival is always at risk.

How long can indoor cats go without eating?

If you own an adult indoor cat, it will survive for one to two weeks without food, depending on their health condition. Especially a cat with fat reserves can survive for a more extended period. However, it is essential to take it to its Vet before it gets too late.

Is it okay for a cat to not eat for 24 hours?

No, it is not okay if your cat does not eat for 24 hours. Cats primarily digest all their food in 12 hours. Now, in case your cat goes without food for 24 hours, then your cat will get serious stomach issues. In such cases the first thing you should do is take your cat to a vet and consult.

How to tell if a cat is suffering?

Any particular change, especially in your cat's behavior, can be a sign of suffering and pain. Some of the common sports include not eating or drinking, meaning without reason, lying and hanging up on a couch, and more. The simple way to judge is to know if your cat is behaving differently from its regular routine these days, then there is a problem with it.

Conclusion

Answer to the question, how long can cats survive without food? Is simple. They can survive for two weeks maximum without food. However, even before searching it on Google, you need to take your cat to the Vet if there is anything unusual about it, especially if not eating anything at all. Moreover, as a cat owner, you must know your cat's dietary needs. If you ensure their nutritional needs and give the best and fresh food on a daily basis your cat will never face such issues. Above is everything you need to know about cats and their survival without food.