My Kitten Not Eating
A kitten that will not eat can become seriously ill fast, especially if very young or also weak, vomiting, or dehydrated. Here’s how to tell when this is an emergency, what to do right now, and when your kitten needs a vet immediately.
This can be a veterinary emergency.
If your kitten is not eating and is very young, lethargic, vomiting, having diarrhea, struggling to breathe, or seems weak or dehydrated, call a veterinarian right away or go to an emergency animal hospital.
Talk to a vet now →When to call a vet
Go to the ER now
- ● Your kitten is younger than 6 weeks and has avoided food for 12 hours or less.
- ● Your kitten has not eaten for 24 hours.
- ● Your kitten is weak, collapsed, hard to wake, or unusually sleepy.
- ● There is vomiting, diarrhea, trouble breathing, pale gums, seizures, or collapse.
- ● Your kitten may be dehydrated, feels cold, or is not drinking.
- ● Your kitten may have eaten a toxin, string, ribbon, foreign object, or spoiled food.
See a vet within 24 hours
- ● Your kitten is eating much less than normal for a day, even if still drinking.
- ● There are signs of mouth pain, drooling, bad breath, or trouble chewing or swallowing.
- ● There is nasal congestion, eye discharge, sneezing, or fever along with poor appetite.
- ● Your kitten seems hungry but approaches food and cannot eat normally.
Watch at home, call if it worsens
- ● Your kitten misses part of one meal but is otherwise bright, playful, drinking, and quickly returns to normal eating.
- ● A mild appetite dip happened during a recent food transition or stressful change, but your kitten is acting normal and improves promptly.
What Happened & Why It's Dangerous
Young kittens have little reserve
Very young kittens can become dangerously weak if they stop eating, and kittens under 6 weeks may be at risk after only about 12 hours without food.
Not eating is a symptom, not a diagnosis
Loss of appetite can happen with infections, parasites, fever, gastrointestinal disease, dehydration, pain, congenital problems, and many other illnesses.
Some kittens want to eat but cannot
Mouth pain, ulcers, dental problems, trouble swallowing, or severe nasal congestion can make a kitten approach food but fail to chew or swallow it.
Ongoing poor intake can lead to serious complications
Cats that do not eat are at risk of worsening dehydration and other complications, and veterinary care is needed to find and treat the underlying cause.
What to Do Right Now
Call a veterinarian promptly — If your kitten is very young, has not eaten for many hours, or has any other symptoms, contact your vet or an emergency clinic now.
Check for other warning signs — Look for vomiting, diarrhea, trouble breathing, hiding, weakness, pale gums, eye or nose discharge, drooling, belly pain, or signs of dehydration.
Offer fresh food and water — Offer their normal kitten food, a clean bowl, and a quiet place to eat. Do not force-feed unless a veterinarian specifically tells you how.
Do not give human medications — Do not give over-the-counter medicines, appetite stimulants, or home remedies unless your veterinarian recommends them.
If toxin or object exposure is possible, say so immediately — Tell the veterinary team if your kitten may have chewed string, ribbon, plants, human food, chemicals, or anything that could cause poisoning or blockage.
- Call a veterinarian promptly
- Check for other warning signs
- Offer fresh food and water
- Do not give human medications
- If toxin or object exposure is possible, say so immediately
Common questions
How long can a kitten go without eating?
Why would a kitten stop eating?
What symptoms make this an emergency?
Should I syringe-feed my kitten at home?
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Every pet is different — always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet's health, diet, or care. If you'd like personalized guidance, you can talk to one of our vets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency animal hospital immediately.