If you are a cat person or a pet parent, you must have wondered How long can cats go without Food? You may already know that cats are obligate carnivores, and they need a high-protein diet to survive. However, we all have listened to stories where cats have been lost for days and were away from home, so how did they survive without food?
In this blog, we are going to discuss How long can cats go without Food? And what are the potential reasons if your cat isn’t eating? So, if you are a cat lover, and want to know what you can do when your cat is not eating, then keep reading!
Why do cats Need Food?
Cats are extremely energetic, and they need a high-protein diet to maintain their energy levels. Moreover, they have to maintain muscle mass and to support their immune system, they need protein. Furthermore, cats are prone to many diseases like obesity, urinary tract infections and many more. So to prevent these diseases, they need a balanced and nutritious diet. This is why having a proper diet is very crucial for cats.
What Happens if cats don’t Eat?
If your cat isn’t eating, then it can cause many severe issues like hepatic lipidosis, commonly known as fatty liver disease. This condition occurs when the cat’s body breaks down fat to use it as energy, but the liver cannot process it correctly. However, this can lead to even liver failure as well.
However, if you dont take any timely medical actions, then this can even be life-threatening for your cat. So, if your pet is not eating for a long period of time, then this needs medical attention, and you shouldn’t ignore this.
How Long can cats go without food?
Now coming to the main question, how long can cats go without food? Cats can survive without food for upto two weeks, but this also depends on the cat’s health, age and other conditions as well. However, kittens, old cats and other cats with underlying health conditions may not be able to survive as long as they are without food.
How to Promote Eating Food for Cats
There are various ways you can use to promote eating food in cats. Here are some tips and tricks that will help you to promote better eating habits in cats.
Offer a variety of foods
As you may know that cats are very picky eaters. So it is important to provide them with different variety of foods. You can try changing the brand of the food, trying different flavours or playing with different textures. Try something different than usual. This will make your cat excited to try new food items. It’s a great way to enhance their appetite.
Try sticking to a feeding schedule
Establishing a regular feeding routine can really help in promoting eating in your cat. Make sure that you feed your cat every day at the same time. This way, she will get used to having food at that particular time. This is an amazing way to promote eating.
Try feeding small and frequent meals
Cats prefer to eat small meals frequently throughout the day. Thus, it is better to feed them small portions of food several times a day instead of one or two large meals. This way, your cat will feel hungry and will eat food timely.
Encourage water intake
Cats need to stay hydrated, so it is extremely important to provide some fresh water at all times. Dehydration can result in loss of appetite as well. However, some cats prefer running water, so you can consider using water fountains to encourage drinking water.’
Make mealtime enjoyable and fun
Create a comfortable and stress-free environment for your cat during mealtime. Cats prefer to eat in a quiet and calm place, away from loud noises and distractions. Stress can also cause loss of appetite. Thus, it is recommended to create a stress-free environment for the cats.
Monitor the eating habits of your cat
Keep an eye on your cat’s eating habits and monitor any changes. If your cat suddenly stops eating or loses its appetite, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
Provide a Balanced Diet
Make sure your cat is getting a balanced and nutritious diet that meets all of its nutritional needs. Choose high-quality commercial cat food that is appropriate for your cat’s age, breed, and activity level.
Suppose your cat continues to refuse food for more than a day or two. In that case, it is important to consult your veterinarian as soon as possible to identify the underlying cause and begin treatment.
Potential reasons why your cat is not eating
There can be several reasons why a cat may not be eating. So if you want to resolve the issue, it is crucial to understand the cause. Thus, here are some possible explanations:
Illness or Pain
If your cat is not feeling well or experiencing pain, it may not have an appetite. Health issues such as dental problems, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney disease, or infections can make your cat feel unwell and lose its appetite.
Change in Diet
A sudden change in your cat’s diet can make it refuse to eat. Always introduce new foods slowly and gradually to avoid upsetting your cat’s digestive system.
Ageing
As cats age, they may become less interested in eating due to a decreased sense of smell or taste. This can be especially true if your cat is suffering from dental issues or other age-related health problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can cats survive without food for a week?
Cats can survive without food for up to two weeks. However, it also depends on the age and health of the cat.
- How long can kittens go without eating?
Kittens are much more sensitive and vulnerable. So they might not be able to survive as long as adult cats without food. So if your kitten has stopped eating, then you should seek medical help.
- What can happen if a cat stops eating?
If a cat stops eating for an extended period of time, then this can be a reason to worry. This can develop into a life-threatening condition or fatty liver disease.
- How can I prevent my cat from developing health conditions related to diet?
There are a few things that you can do to prevent your cat from developing health conditions. Such as feeding your cat high-quality food and keeping them hydrated.
The Bottom Line
A healthy and balanced diet is very important. Going without food for a long time can cause severe medical conditions. Try to make things interesting so that your cat can enjoy a balanced and nutritious meal. However, if this continues for a long duration, then you must consult a veterinarian.
