Cat Illnesses & Lack of Appetite

Lack of appetite (anorexia) is a common, non-specific symptom in cats. Cat illnesses causing appetite loss range from minor to life threatening and should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

  1. Mouth Pain

    • Tooth and gum disease are common and may make eating painful for a cat. An abscess in the mouth is another cause of oral pain.

    Kidney Disease

    • Kidney disease is common in older cats, especially those fed only dry food. These cats may be chronically dehydrated. Toxin build-up in the blood makes the cat feel sick, and anorexia is a common sign.

    Feline Diabetes

    • In diabetes, blood sugar is too high. It can cause a cat's appetite to change in either direction, either increased or decreased.

    Pancreatitis

    • Lack of appetite is one of the main symptoms of pancreatitis. This life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas needs immediate treatment.

    Infections

    • Viral infections that can cause anorexia include feline leukemia virus, feline distemper, and many others. Bacterial infections can also lead to lack of appetite.

    Complications

    • If a cat does not eat for over a day, it can cause serious complications. Severe appetite loss for any reason requires urgent veterinary care.