How Long Can Cats Go Without Food? Cats are carnivores and therefore require a lot of protein in their diet. The average amount of time a cat can go without food is about 12 hours, but this can vary depending on the circumstances.
Cats can eat and drink at a remarkably efficient rate – in many cases, their guts are so finely tuned that they can go without food for an extraordinary amount of time.
If you take your cat away from her regular diet for a few days or longer, though – she might be in danger of dying from starvation. How long can cats go without food? This article will answer this question!
In many modern households, feeding cats is not even on the radar. Many households have cats who live quite comfortably without food at all. The common belief is that cats can survive with no food or water for up to 4 days.
However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, and scientists are unsure how long cats can survive without food.
Table of Contents
How long can cats go without food?
From the average life span of a cat of 11 years and numerous anecdotal evidence from our own cats, we have an idea of how long cats can go without food.
A cat’s body is perfectly designed to survive for a long time without food. Cats have evolved in the wild, and they can rely on their hunting skills to catch prey. They usually only eat once per day.
When they are not eating, they use the metabolic energy reserves that can last them up to 30 days. So, theoretically, a cat can go without food for 30 days and still be alive.
If you wonder how long cats can go without water, there is no set number of days.
A cat can survive up to two weeks without food, but not without serious health consequences. A cat that goes away for about three days or more without eating will start using fat reserves for energy as per human desire. But a cat’s body is primarily designed to use protein for energy.
Cats are carnivores, so they need to keep fresh meat in their diet at all times. Although a cat may survive without food for a few days, it should not be stopped from feeding because without food, the cat can suffer from various diseases.
If your cat stops eating for more than 2 days, you should consult a veterinarian immediately.
Although cats may go without food for a short time, it is wise to make sure that you plan to provide your cat with all the food they need while away from home.
Why has my cat stopped eating?
If your cat has stopped eating, try to figure out the reason. Cat behavior is not always understood; If your cat has recently stopped eating their food, there could be a few different reasons why including:
1. You have recently changed the kind of food your cat is eating.
2. You have an unappetizing diet in general.
3. Something has happened to your cats, such as losing a friend or family member, affecting their mood.
4. You leave their food out all day, and they refuse to eat anything with dried food or meat that is not fresh.
5. When the cat is sick, it stops eating.
6. Even if cats have dental problems, they stop eating.
7. If the cat feels like something is wrong with the diet, they stop eating it.
8. If you have given a new pet, this may also cause your pet to stop eating.
9. When you are not home for long periods, the cat may become stressed, causing them to refuse food or water.
10. Cats usually eat for their moods and desires, just as we do with food and drink. If your cat has stopped eating and you have given them a chance to eat, this may have upset their stomach, or they are bored with their food.
11. You forgot about the cat for a long time, which can upset their stomach or cause emotional stress on the cat.
What happens if a cat doesn’t eat?
There are mixed opinions on how long cats can go without food, but it is clear that the time a cat can go without food is directly proportional to its size.
A small cat, for example, may be able to go 2 days without food, while a very large or overweight cat may need 5 days. The average cat can survive 5-7 days without eating anything.
It should be noted that cats will start to slow down and become lethargic after 3 days without food. A cat that has been deprived of food or liquid for a long time may suffer from dehydration and other complications.
If your cat has not eaten in several days, immediately take the cat to a veterinarian.
How long can cats go without water?
If your cat is sick or injured and cannot eat, you should make sure that they have regular access to water. Water is essential in the cat’s body, and if they go without it for too long, serious consequences can occur.
What to do if your cat has stopped eating and drinking?
If your cat has stopped eating and drinking for more than half a week, you should start looking for the reason. Cats will stop eating when they are afraid, bored, or scared.
What to do if your cat goes too long without food?
If you have no idea what may have caused your cat to stop eating and drinking, take the cat to see a vet. They can determine whether or not your pet is sick and what treatment will be necessary.
How long should I wait to see my vet?
The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends taking your feline friend to the vet after they have gone without food for 24 hours. If your cat is vomiting, you should take it to the veterinarian sooner.
How can I get my cat to eat?
Recovering from starvation and a lack of water can be very difficult. It’s important to remember that if your cat has stopped eating, you will need to feed them in smaller portions several times a day until they can normally eat again.
Try feeding them a little bit of canned “gourmet” wet food, or offer them some fresh meat to get their minds off of not eating. Remember, if your cat has been hungry for several days, it may be very picky.
Be patient – this may take a while.
Can a cat go 24 hours without food?
The answer to this question depends on the cat’s size and other factors, such as whether or not the cat is sick. Overall, it is perfectly safe for a cat to go a few hours without food.
It can be dangerous if the cat’s digestive system is not used to this and does not have an opportunity to supply adequate amounts of water every day. In such a situation, constipation may occur as a result of dehydration.
If your cat has gone without food for 24 hours, check their weight after several days.
Can a cat go 48 hours without food?
Studies have shown that a cat can go more than 24 hours without food, and this is, at worst, uncomfortable for the cat. If your cat is very small or very old, it may be necessary to feed them every few hours to ensure they receive adequate food nutrients.
How long can cats go without food or water?
While a cat may go several days without food, it is best to contact a vet as soon as possible before this happens.
Cats are very different from humans because they cannot store water or food. If they don’t eat or drink for an extended period, they will begin to suffer from dehydration and even death.
How long can a cat go without food before liver damage?
This isn’t easy to determine. It depends on the cat, the cat’s size, and other factors such as illness, personality, and health.
Signs of dehydration may include:
- Urine is dark in color
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Increased thirst or urination
- Depression, loss of appetite, abnormal skin and coat coloration.
How long can a cat go without food before kidney damage?
A healthy cat’s kidneys can function for several days without food. If the cat suffers from liver or kidney disease, it may not be able to go long without food.
Final Thoughts
Your cat can go without food for several days, but it’s best if you can avoid it. Most cats will refuse to eat or drink when they’re sick or feeling stressed from a new home. In such a case, a vet visit is essential.
By studying the signs that your cat will exhibit, you should be able to determine whether or not your pet needs medical attention. If your kitty may be in danger of not eating, contact a vet immediately.
I hope this article helps you understand what can happen to your pet if they go for too long without food.
By reading this article, you will be able to determine the symptoms and common causes of a cat not eating or drinking for several days and prevention methods that you can use.
If your pet is ill, contact a vet immediately; otherwise, try to get them to eat and drink regularly before it becomes necessary.
FAQs
What Happens If A Cat Doesn’t Eat For 3 Days?
If a cat doesn’t eat for 3 days, it will be very weak and dehydrated.
Can A Cat Go 12 Hours Without Food?
A cat can go up to 12 hours without food. The longer a cat goes without eating, the more dehydrated he will become.
Can Cats Go 24 Hours Without Food?
A cat can go up to 24 hours without food. This is when a vet should see them.
Can A Cat Go 15 Hours Without Food?
A cat can go up to 15 hours without eating. If a cat hasn’t eaten for more than 15 hours, it should be taken to a vet immediately.
Hi there! My name is Jackson; I am a cat lover. I specialize in writing about pet care & food. I have a wealth of knowledge on cat food niches and related subjects. I have worked in the pet industry for over 5 years and am passionate about helping cat owners provide the best care for their furry friends. With knowledge of cat food and nutrition, I aim to share their insights and help cat owners navigate the world of cat food niches. I enjoy playing with my two cats, reading, and exploring new cat food brands in my free time.
