Like people, cats can go longer without food than water. Cats can survive for about two weeks without eating but only three days without drinking. The longer your cat goes without proper nutrition, however, the weaker they become, so it's important to contact your vet if you suspect they haven't eaten in a day or more.
Cats can survive up to two weeks without food as long as they have access to water, although they'll likely survive only three to four days even with water. “It's important to emphasize that if a cat goes for two days without food, it'll become malnourished and unwell,” Dr. Sievert told The Dodo.
Cats should eat at least two meals each day, about 12 hours apart. But a breakfast, lunch, afternoon, dinner, and right before bed schedule is an equally great option. If more than 12 hours elapses between meals, the stomach can become hyperacidic causing nausea.
Dr. Ochoa says effects on the liver can begin within 48 to 72 hours of not eating. If you spot these signs, contact your vet to prevent permanent cat liver damage: Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Cats who don't eat for more than a day or two are at risk for a condition called fatty liver, which can cause liver failure. Fatty liver, or hepatic lipidosis, happens when the body moves stored fat to use for energy during anorexia.
A cat that is truly hungry may have a certain type of insistent meow, or may hang around pawing at its food bowl or where its food may be stored. When food is offered, a hungry cat will eat quickly.
Cats can survive for about two weeks without eating but only three days without drinking. The longer your cat goes without proper nutrition, however, the weaker they become, so it's important to contact your vet if you suspect they haven't eaten in a day or more.
Try buying a few types of canned food (pate-style, flaked, etc.) in different flavors. Place some on a small plate and warm it slightly. If your cat shows no interest, try adding a little fish oil, chicken broth, tuna juice, or cooked egg.
If there's an obvious reason for your cat skipping a meal there most likely isn't anything seriously wrong. That being said, if it's been more than 24 hours since your cat has eaten or had any water, or they are exhibiting any other symptoms besides lack of appetite, it's time for the emergency vet.
Cats are particularly problematic if they don't eat. Inappetence for just a couple of days can result in a condition called 'hepatic lipidosis', or 'fatty liver'. This is when a lack of food leads to the cat's body breaking down fat stores rapidly.
"Once cats reach adulthood, once a day feeding is fine as long as they are healthy and have no disease problems suggesting a reason to feed differently," says Dr. Kallfelz.
An indoor cat may live 15-17 years, while the life expectancy for outdoor cats is only 2-5 years, according to researchers at University of California-Davis. Dr. Jeff Levy, DVM, CVA, owner of House Call Vet NYC, also discourages owners from keeping cats outdoors.
Even short periods eating less (three days or more) can have significant effects on recovery from illness, wound healing and the immune system, and cats are also vulnerable to liver problems caused by lack of food (hepatic lipidosis).
Unless the cat can find a water source, even rainwater dripping down from a leaky roof or condensation from a window, they won't survive for more than a few days. A healthy cat can survive without food for a surprisingly long period of time – for as much as two or three weeks.
Natural ways to stimulate appetite in cats
Try luring your cat with a few pieces of their favourite wet food or chunks of fresh tuna. You can also add low-sodium broth or tuna juice to the food as well. Provide variety: Providing variety in their meal plan can stimulate their appetite.
Tempting a sick cat to eat
To tempt them, warm their food to release aroma, and try strong smelling items such as pilchards (in small quantities so they do not cause digestive upsets). Do not leave uneaten food down – it may cause your cat to feel nauseous.
Cats can be addicted to tuna, whether it's packed for cats or for humans. Some tuna now and then probably won't hurt. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won't have all the nutrients a cat needs. And, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning.
General information and causes
However, if your cat is sleeping more than usual it could be a sign that something is wrong. Lethargy can be caused by many different conditions ranging from a simple cat bite abscess to more serious problems such as kidney disease, diabetes or poisoning.
If your cat, for no apparent reason, fails to eat for 24-36 hours, even in the face of normal water consumption, an examination by a veterinarian is recommended. Significant, and even life- threatening problems can occur if a cat is completely anorectic for a few days, or partially anorectic for a few weeks.
Remember not to panic if your cat has only been missing for a few days. Sometimes cats go missing for weeks at a time and then stroll in as if they have never been gone. It is in their nature to hunt, explore, and enjoy the great outdoors.
Malnourished cats will have hair that's dull and rough, and they may also have broken pieces of fur or bald spots. Malnourished cats will sometimes eat anything because their bodies tell them they lack nutrients. Some cats will eat items that aren't food, including toys, to get any nutrients they can from them.
Check Her Skin: Fluid keeps your cat's skin elastic and supple. If you suspect your cat may be dehydrated, pinch her gently on the extra skin between her shoulder blades to make a tent. When you let go, the skin should snap back to normal within one second or less. If it doesn't, she's probably thirsty.
Companion animals, such as dogs, cats, and even horses, are an excellent mechanism for soothing the symptoms of touch starvation. Symptoms of touch starvation include anxiety and depression, elevated stress, low relationship satisfaction, and more.