How long can a cat go without food?

This is more urgent than people realise. Cats should not go more than 24 hours without eating. After 48–72 hours, they're at serious risk of hepatic lipidosis — fatty liver disease — which can be fatal even after they start eating again.

Cats are obligate carnivores with a metabolism that depends on a steady protein intake. When they stop eating, the body starts breaking down fat for energy, but cats can't process fat through the liver as efficiently as dogs or humans. The fat accumulates and the liver fails.

If your cat hasn't eaten in 24 hours:
1. Try warming wet food (10 seconds in the microwave — release the smell)
2. Try a different protein (a cat who refuses chicken might eat fish)
3. Try a tiny bit of plain cooked chicken or tuna juice (no salt) on top
4. Check that they're not stuck somewhere (cats hide when sick)

If they refuse food for 48 hours, vet now — not tomorrow. Especially urgent for overweight cats and cats over 7. Hepatic lipidosis is more dangerous in cats with body fat to break down.

Common reasons cats stop eating: dental pain, kidney issues (more common in older cats), nausea from medication, stress (new home, new pet, schedule change), or simply hating their new food. Most causes are treatable, but the window matters.