Why Is My Cat Not Eating? Causes, Warning Signs, and Vet-Approved Solutions

If your cat is not eating, the most common causes include dental pain, gastrointestinal upset, stress from environmental changes, food aversion, and underlying illnesses such as kidney disease or infections. A cat that refuses food for more than 24 hours needs veterinary attention, as cats are uniquely susceptible to hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) when they stop eating — a potentially fatal condition that can develop in as few as two to three days of fasting. Below, we cover every major cause, the warning signs that demand urgent care, and proven strategies to restore your cat's appetite.

By Dr. Amanda Foster, Veterinarian · Last updated March 2026

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Table of Contents

• Understanding Cat Appetite: What Is Normal?
• Medical Causes of Appetite Loss in Cats
• Behavioral and Environmental Causes
• Food-Related Reasons Your Cat May Refuse to Eat
• When to See the Vet: Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore
• How to Get Your Cat to Eat Again: Proven Solutions
• Best Products for Picky Eaters and Appetite Support
• Veterinary Treatments and Appetite Stimulants
• Preventing Future Appetite Problems
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Sources & Methodology

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Understanding Cat Appetite: What Is Normal?

Before diagnosing a problem, it helps to understand what normal feline eating behavior actually looks like. Cats are not small dogs — their feeding patterns, preferences, and metabolic requirements are fundamentally different.

Natural Feline Eating Patterns

In the wild, cats are solitary hunters that consume multiple small meals throughout the day — typically 10 to 20 small feeding events per 24-hour period. This evolutionary pattern persists in domesticated cats, which is why many cats are "grazers" rather than "meal eaters."

A healthy adult cat typically consumes between 24 to 35 calories per pound of body weight per day, depending on age, activity level, body condition, and metabolic rate. For a 10-pound cat, that translates to roughly 240 to 350 calories daily — or about one-half to three-quarters of a cup of average dry food, plus a portion of wet food.

Normal variations in appetite include:

• Seasonal fluctuations. Some cats eat slightly less during warmer months. While indoor cats are less affected by seasonal changes than outdoor cats, many owners notice a mild summer dip in appetite.
• Age-related changes. Kittens and young adults tend to eat voraciously. Middle-aged cats settle into predictable routines. Senior cats (12+ years) may gradually eat less as their sense of smell diminishes and metabolic needs decrease.
• Meal skipping. An otherwise healthy cat occasionally skipping a single meal is not, by itself, a cause for alarm. Cats can be selective, and a brief pause in eating — especially if the cat is otherwise active and engaged — does not necessarily indicate illness.

The critical threshold is this: if your cat has not eaten anything in 24 hours, or has eaten significantly less than normal for two or more consecutive days, something is wrong and needs investigation.

Why Cats Are Different: The Hepatic Lipidosis Risk

Cats have a unique metabolic vulnerability that makes food refusal more dangerous than it would be in dogs or humans. When a cat stops eating, the body begins mobilizing stored fat to the liver for energy conversion. However, the feline liver is poorly equipped to process large amounts of fat rapidly. The result is hepatic lipidosis — fatty liver disease — a condition where fat accumulates in liver cells until liver function is severely impaired.

Hepatic lipidosis can develop in as few as two to three days of complete fasting, and overweight cats are at the highest risk. Without treatment, it is often fatal. This is why veterinarians take feline appetite loss seriously and why "wait and see" is a risky approach with cats.

For more on keeping your cat in optimal health, read our guide on how to keep your cat healthy.

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Medical Causes of Appetite Loss in Cats

Medical issues are the most common — and most important to rule out — cause of appetite loss in cats. If your cat suddenly stops eating, an underlying health problem should be your first consideration.

Dental Disease and Oral Pain

Dental disease affects an estimated 50 to 90% of cats over the age of four, according to the American Veterinary Dental College. Conditions that cause oral pain and lead to food refusal include:

• Periodontal disease. Inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting structures around the teeth. Advanced periodontal disease causes significant pain when chewing.
• Tooth resorption. A painful condition unique to cats in which the body's own cells break down and absorb tooth structure. Tooth resorption affects roughly 30 to 70% of cats and often causes acute pain during eating.
• Stomatitis. Severe, diffuse inflammation of the oral mucosa. Cats with stomatitis may approach the food bowl, attempt to eat, and then withdraw — sometimes crying out in pain.
• Fractured teeth. Broken teeth expose the sensitive pulp, causing sharp pain on contact with food.

What to look for: Drooling, pawing at the mouth, preferring wet food over dry, dropping food while chewing, head tilting during meals, or a foul odor from the mouth.

Gastrointestinal Disorders

The GI tract is a frequent source of appetite suppression. Common culprits include:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Chronic inflammation of the intestinal lining causes nausea, intermittent vomiting, and reduced appetite. IBD is one of the most common GI conditions in cats and can be challenging to diagnose definitively without intestinal biopsies.
• Pancreatitis. Inflammation of the pancreas causes significant nausea and abdominal discomfort. Feline pancreatitis is often chronic and low-grade, making it easy to miss. Cats with pancreatitis may eat less gradually over weeks rather than stopping abruptly.
• Gastric or intestinal foreign bodies. Cats that ingest string, ribbon, hair ties, or other non-food items may develop partial or complete GI obstruction, leading to vomiting and food refusal.
• Constipation. Severe constipation causes abdominal discomfort and reduces appetite. Cats that strain in the litter box and eat less should be evaluated promptly.
• Gastritis. Simple stomach inflammation from dietary indiscretion, hairballs, or other irritants can suppress appetite for one to several days.

Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is extremely common in older cats — studies suggest that 30 to 40% of cats over the age of 10 have some degree of kidney dysfunction. CKD causes nausea, increased thirst and urination, weight loss, and progressive appetite decline. Cats with early CKD may become increasingly picky about food before overt appetite loss becomes apparent.

Acute kidney injury (from toxin ingestion, infections, or urinary obstruction) causes a more sudden and dramatic loss of appetite, often accompanied by vomiting and lethargy.

Infections and Fever

Any infection that produces fever will suppress appetite. Upper respiratory infections are especially common in cats — the congestion they cause reduces the cat's ability to smell food, which is the primary driver of feline appetite. A cat that cannot smell its food will often refuse to eat entirely.

Other infectious causes include feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), and bacterial infections of various organ systems.

Other Medical Causes

• Cancer. Various forms of cancer cause appetite loss through nausea, pain, metabolic disruption, or physical obstruction.
• Liver disease. Beyond hepatic lipidosis, primary liver conditions cause nausea and appetite suppression.
• Hyperthyroidism. While hyperthyroidism usually causes increased appetite, some cats — particularly those with concurrent kidney disease — may eat less.
• Pain. Any source of pain — arthritis, injury, post-surgical discomfort — can suppress appetite.
• Medication side effects. Antibiotics, NSAIDs, chemotherapy drugs, and other medications can cause nausea and reduce appetite.

It is also worth knowing pet first aid basics in case your cat's condition escalates to an emergency.

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Behavioral and Environmental Causes

Not every case of appetite loss is medical. Cats are highly sensitive to their environment, and changes that seem trivial to us can profoundly affect a cat's willingness to eat.

Stress and Anxiety

Stress is the leading non-medical cause of appetite loss in cats. Common stressors include:

• Moving to a new home. Relocation disrupts every aspect of a cat's established territory. Many cats refuse food for one to three days after a move.
• New pets or family members. The introduction of a new cat, dog, baby, or roommate changes the social dynamics of the household. If your cat feels threatened or displaced, appetite may suffer.
• Loss of a companion. Cats grieve. The departure (through death, rehoming, or a family member moving out) of a bonded companion — feline or human — can cause days or weeks of reduced appetite.
• Household disruptions. Renovations, loud construction, parties, or changes in the owner's work schedule can all produce stress-related appetite suppression.
• Veterinary visits. Some cats eat poorly for a day or two after stressful veterinary appointments.

For more on managing feline stress during household transitions, see our guide on how to introduce a new cat to your home.

Location and Bowl Issues

Where and how you present food matters more than many cat owners realize:

• Bowl placement near the litter box. Cats are fastidiously clean animals. A food bowl located near the litter box may be rejected.
• High-traffic feeding areas. Cats prefer to eat in quiet, low-traffic locations where they feel safe. A bowl in the middle of a busy kitchen may deter a shy cat.
• Multi-cat conflict at the feeding station. In multi-cat households, a dominant cat may intimidate a more submissive cat away from the food bowl. The affected cat may stop eating rather than risk confrontation.
• Bowl whisker fatigue. Some cats find deep, narrow bowls uncomfortable because the sides press against their whiskers. Switching to a wide, shallow dish can make an immediate difference.
• Dirty bowls. Cats have a highly developed sense of smell. Residual food odors on unwashed bowls — especially plastic bowls, which harbor bacteria in micro-scratches — can deter eating.

Changes in Routine

Cats are creatures of habit. If you have recently changed your cat's feeding schedule, shifted from free-feeding to timed meals (or vice versa), or altered the feeding location, the disruption itself may temporarily suppress appetite while your cat adjusts.

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Food-Related Reasons Your Cat May Refuse to Eat

Sometimes the problem is not the cat — it is the food.

Sudden Diet Changes

Cats are notoriously resistant to dietary changes. A sudden switch from one food to another — even if the new food is nutritionally superior — can cause outright refusal. The feline brain is wired to be suspicious of unfamiliar foods, a survival mechanism known as neophobia that protects wild cats from eating potentially harmful substances.

The proper approach is a gradual transition over 7 to 10 days, mixing increasing proportions of the new food with the old food.

Stale or Spoiled Food

Dry food left in an open bag loses its aroma and palatability over time. Wet food left at room temperature for more than two to four hours develops bacterial growth and off-flavors that cats detect before we do. If your cat has been ignoring food that has been sitting out, freshness may be the issue.

Temperature Preferences

Many cats prefer food at or slightly above room temperature — roughly body temperature, mimicking freshly caught prey. Refrigerated wet food served cold may be unappealing. A brief warming (10 to 15 seconds in the microwave, stirred to eliminate hot spots) can dramatically improve acceptance.

Flavor and Texture Fatigue

Some cats develop preferences for specific textures (pate, shreds, chunks in gravy) or proteins (chicken, fish, turkey). A cat that has eaten the same flavor for months may simply lose interest. Rotation among two or three flavors can prevent this — though some cats are the opposite and prefer strict consistency.

Food Recalls or Formula Changes

Manufacturers occasionally reformulate products without prominent labeling. If your cat suddenly rejects a food they previously enjoyed, check whether the brand has recently changed its recipe, packaging, or supplier. Online pet food forums and the FDA recall database are useful resources.

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When to See the Vet: Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore

While not every skipped meal demands a vet visit, certain combinations of symptoms indicate that something serious may be happening.

Seek Veterinary Care Immediately If:

• Your cat has not eaten anything in 24 hours or more
• Your cat is vomiting repeatedly or has diarrhea lasting more than a day
• Your cat is lethargic, hiding, or markedly less responsive than usual
• Your cat is drooling excessively or pawing at its mouth
• You notice blood in vomit, stool, or urine
• Your cat is straining to urinate or visiting the litter box frequently without producing urine (this is an emergency — possible urinary obstruction)
• Your cat has a distended or painful abdomen
• Your cat is a kitten under six months old — kittens have minimal reserves and dehydrate rapidly
• Your cat has pre-existing health conditions (diabetes, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism)

Seek Veterinary Care Within 24 to 48 Hours If:

• Your cat is eating significantly less than normal for two or more days
• Your cat is drinking noticeably more or less water than usual
• Your cat has had a gradual but persistent decline in appetite over weeks
• You notice weight loss that you cannot explain
• Your cat's coat condition is deteriorating (dull, matted, excessive shedding)

What to Expect at the Vet Visit

Your veterinarian will likely perform a physical examination, check your cat's weight against previous records, and may recommend diagnostic tests including blood work (complete blood count, chemistry panel, thyroid level), urinalysis, and potentially abdominal imaging (X-rays or ultrasound). These tests help rule out or confirm medical causes and guide the treatment plan.

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How to Get Your Cat to Eat Again: Proven Solutions

Once serious medical conditions have been ruled out (or while awaiting a vet appointment for mild cases), these evidence-based strategies can help coax your cat back to the food bowl.

Strategy 1: Enhance Food Aroma

Cats rely on smell far more than taste when evaluating food. A cat with a reduced appetite or mild nasal congestion may respond to food with an enhanced aroma:

• Warm the food. Heat wet food to just above room temperature (roughly 100-102 degrees Fahrenheit — body temperature). This releases volatile aromatic compounds that stimulate appetite. Microwave for 10 to 15 seconds and stir thoroughly to avoid hot spots.
• Add warm, low-sodium broth. A tablespoon of unseasoned chicken or bone broth mixed into wet food adds both aroma and liquid. Ensure the broth contains no onion, garlic, or excessive sodium.
• Sprinkle a food topper. Freeze-dried protein toppers, bonito flakes, or nutritional yeast can add a compelling scent layer to otherwise uninteresting food.

Strategy 2: Offer High-Value Foods

When your cat is refusing regular food, temporarily offering something more palatable can break the fasting cycle:

• Try a different protein. If your cat usually eats chicken, try fish or turkey. Novel proteins often spark curiosity.
• Switch textures. Move from pate to chunks in gravy, or vice versa. Some cats strongly prefer one texture over another.
• Offer small, frequent meals. Instead of one or two large servings, present tiny portions every two to three hours. This mimics natural feeding patterns and feels less overwhelming to a cat with reduced appetite.

Strategy 3: Optimize the Feeding Environment

• Move the bowl to a quiet, low-traffic area away from the litter box, laundry machines, and loud appliances.
• Use a wide, shallow bowl — ceramic or stainless steel, not plastic. Whisker fatigue from deep bowls is a real deterrent for some cats.
• Clean the bowl thoroughly before each meal. Wash with hot water and unscented soap; rinse completely.
• In multi-cat homes, provide a separate feeding station for the affected cat in a location where they feel secure.

Strategy 4: Reduce Environmental Stress

• Provide hiding spots (covered beds, boxes, elevated perches) where your cat can retreat and feel safe.
• Use synthetic pheromone diffusers (Feliway Classic) in the feeding area to promote calm.
• Maintain a consistent daily routine for feeding, play, and interaction.
• If a new pet was recently introduced, ensure the affected cat has resources (food, water, litter box, resting areas) that they can access without encountering the new animal.

Strategy 5: Hand-Feeding and Engagement

Some cats will accept food from a finger or spoon when they refuse it from a bowl. This is not a long-term solution, but it can break a fasting spell and provide critical calories while you work on the underlying cause:

• Place a small amount of wet food on your fingertip and offer it near your cat's nose.
• Gently stroke your cat and speak in a calm voice while offering food.
• If your cat licks the food, gradually move your finger toward the bowl to encourage independent eating.

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Best Products for Picky Eaters and Appetite Support

The following products are specifically designed to appeal to cats with reduced appetite or selective eating habits. All links use our affiliate tag; purchasing through them supports Cat Care Guides at no additional cost to you.

For help choosing the right base diet, see our guide on best cat food for indoor cats.

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Veterinary Treatments and Appetite Stimulants

When home strategies are insufficient, your veterinarian has several tools to restore your cat's appetite while treating the underlying condition.

Prescription Appetite Stimulants

Mirtazapine is the most commonly prescribed appetite stimulant for cats. Originally developed as a human antidepressant, mirtazapine has a potent appetite-stimulating effect in cats at much lower doses. It is available as:

• Oral tablets — typically dosed at 1.88 mg every 48 to 72 hours for cats. Your veterinarian will calculate the precise dose based on your cat's weight and kidney function.
• Transdermal ointment (Mirataz) — an FDA-approved topical formulation applied to the inner ear flap. This is especially useful for cats that resist oral medication or are vomiting. Mirataz is applied once daily and provides consistent drug delivery through the skin.

Capromorelin (Entyce) is a newer oral liquid appetite stimulant that works by mimicking the hunger hormone ghrelin. It has been gaining use in feline medicine, though it was originally developed for dogs. Your veterinarian can advise whether it is appropriate for your cat.

Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine with appetite-stimulating properties. It is used less frequently than mirtazapine due to its slower onset and variable effectiveness, but it remains an option for cats that do not tolerate mirtazapine.

Fluid Therapy

Dehydrated cats feel nauseated and have suppressed appetites. Subcutaneous or intravenous fluid therapy corrects dehydration and often produces a noticeable improvement in appetite within hours. For cats with chronic conditions like kidney disease, your veterinarian may teach you to administer subcutaneous fluids at home.

Anti-Nausea Medications

If nausea is contributing to appetite loss, your veterinarian may prescribe:

• Ondansetron (Zofran) — a potent anti-emetic commonly used in feline medicine
• Maropitant (Cerenia) — effective for both vomiting and nausea, available as an injection or oral tablet
• Famotidine (Pepcid) — an antacid that reduces stomach acid production and relieves gastric discomfort

Feeding Tubes

In severe cases where a cat cannot or will not eat despite all interventions, your veterinarian may recommend a feeding tube. While this sounds alarming, feeding tubes are a well-established and often life-saving intervention in feline medicine. They allow direct delivery of a liquid diet to the stomach or esophagus, bypassing the need for voluntary eating while the underlying condition is treated.

Common types include:

• Nasoesophageal (NE) tubes — placed through the nose into the esophagus; suitable for short-term use (days)
• Esophagostomy (E) tubes — surgically placed through the neck into the esophagus; suitable for weeks to months of use and well-tolerated by most cats

Feeding tubes are most commonly used for cats with hepatic lipidosis, severe oral disease, or post-surgical recovery. They are removed once the cat resumes voluntary eating.

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Preventing Future Appetite Problems

Prevention is more effective — and far less stressful — than treatment. These practices help maintain consistent, healthy eating habits in your cat.

Establish a Consistent Feeding Routine

Feed your cat at the same times each day in the same location. Consistency reduces anxiety and establishes predictable hunger cues. Two to three measured meals per day is the approach recommended by most veterinarians.

Rotate Proteins Gradually

Offering two to three different protein sources in regular rotation prevents both flavor fatigue and the development of rigid food fixation (where a cat becomes so accustomed to one food that they refuse everything else). Introduce new flavors gradually by mixing a small amount with the familiar food.

Monitor Food Freshness

• Store dry food in its original bag inside a sealed container — do not pour kibble directly into a container, as this can accelerate rancidity.
• Use opened wet food within 48 hours; refrigerate unused portions in a sealed container.
• Check expiration dates and buy quantities you will use within a reasonable timeframe.

Schedule Regular Veterinary Checkups

Twice-yearly veterinary exams catch emerging health problems — including dental disease and early kidney changes — before they progress to the point of appetite suppression. Annual blood work for cats over the age of seven is a particularly valuable screening tool.

Maintain Environmental Stability

When changes are unavoidable (moving, new pets, renovations), take proactive steps to minimize stress. Provide safe zones, maintain feeding routines, and consider temporary use of pheromone diffusers during transition periods.

For more tips on keeping your indoor cat engaged and content, explore our guide on best cat toys for indoor cats.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my cat not eating?

Cats may stop eating due to medical issues (dental disease, kidney problems, gastrointestinal disorders, infections), stress or environmental changes (new home, new pet, schedule disruptions), food-related factors (stale food, bowl aversion, sudden diet changes), or age-related appetite decline. If your cat has not eaten for more than 24 hours, consult a veterinarian, as prolonged fasting can cause hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) in cats.

How long can a cat go without eating?

While cats can technically survive for one to two weeks without food, they should never go more than 24 to 48 hours without eating. After just 24 hours of fasting, cats begin mobilizing fat stores to the liver, which can trigger hepatic lipidosis — a life-threatening condition. Kittens, senior cats, and cats with existing health conditions are at even higher risk and should be seen by a veterinarian sooner.

What can I do to get my cat to eat again?

Try warming wet food slightly to release aromas, offering a different protein source, using food toppers or appetite-stimulating broths, ensuring the food bowl is clean and in a quiet location, and reducing household stressors. If home remedies do not work within 24 hours, your veterinarian may prescribe appetite stimulants such as mirtazapine or capromorelin.

When should I take my cat to the vet for not eating?

Seek veterinary care if your cat has not eaten for more than 24 hours, shows additional symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or hiding, is a kitten under six months old, has a pre-existing medical condition, or is losing weight rapidly. Prompt intervention prevents complications like hepatic lipidosis.

Can stress cause a cat to stop eating?

Yes. Stress is one of the most common non-medical causes of appetite loss in cats. Moving to a new home, introducing a new pet or family member, changes in routine, loud noises, or conflict with other animals can all trigger food refusal. Cats are creatures of routine, and even seemingly minor environmental changes can suppress appetite for days.

Is it normal for a cat to skip a meal?

Occasionally skipping a single meal is not uncommon, especially if your cat has been snacking, is in a warm environment, or is simply being selective. However, consistently skipping meals or refusing food for a full day warrants attention. Monitor your cat's behavior, energy level, and litter box habits, and consult your veterinarian if the pattern continues.

What is hepatic lipidosis and why is it dangerous for cats?

Hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver disease, occurs when a cat stops eating and the body mobilizes fat reserves to the liver faster than the liver can process them. Fat accumulates in liver cells, impairing liver function and potentially leading to liver failure. It is one of the most common liver diseases in cats and can be fatal without treatment. Overweight cats are at especially high risk.

Are appetite stimulants safe for cats?

Veterinary-prescribed appetite stimulants like mirtazapine (available as an oral tablet or transdermal ointment) and capromorelin (an oral liquid) are generally safe when used under veterinary supervision. Side effects are usually mild and may include increased vocalization, restlessness, or mild sedation. These medications should only be used as directed by your veterinarian and are not a substitute for diagnosing and treating the underlying cause of appetite loss.

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Sources & Methodology

This article was written by Dr. Amanda Foster, DVM, and reflects current veterinary nutrition and clinical guidelines as of March 2026. Sources consulted include:

• American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC): Clinical guidelines on the prevalence and treatment of feline dental disease, including periodontal disease and tooth resorption.
• Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery: Peer-reviewed research on feline hepatic lipidosis, appetite stimulant pharmacology, inflammatory bowel disease, and feline nutrition.
• International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM): Guidelines on feline stress management, environmental enrichment, and appetite assessment in clinical practice.
• American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP): Clinical practice guidelines for feline senior care, nutritional assessment, and management of chronic kidney disease.
• International Renal Interest Society (IRIS): Staging and treatment guidelines for feline chronic kidney disease, including nutritional management.
• Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook: Dosing guidelines and safety profiles for mirtazapine, capromorelin, cyproheptadine, ondansetron, maropitant, and famotidine in cats.
• National Research Council (NRC): Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats — caloric requirement calculations for adult cats based on body weight and activity level.
• Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP): Data on the prevalence of obesity in domestic cats and its relationship to indoor living and appetite regulation.

Product recommendations are based on the author's clinical experience, published nutritional data, and veterinary consensus. Prices are approximate and subject to change. We independently select and review all products; purchases through affiliate links may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.

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About the Author

Dr. Amanda Foster, DVM is a licensed veterinarian and feline nutrition specialist with over 14 years of clinical experience. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and has completed advanced continuing education in feline internal medicine, clinical nutrition, and emergency care. Dr. Foster currently practices at a companion animal hospital with a special interest in feline medicine and serves as a clinical advisor for Cat Care Guides. Her areas of expertise include appetite disorders, nutritional management of chronic disease, and preventive feline health care.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your cat's diet or if your cat has stopped eating, especially if your cat has existing health conditions, is on medication, or is a kitten. Individual health needs vary, and the information in this article is not a substitute for a professional veterinary examination and diagnosis.

Cat Care Guides is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This does not influence our editorial recommendations.

Last updated: March 2026

See also: best cat trees and scratching posts for indoor cats