#catrefusingfood

Every living being needs food and water to survive. There are times when we, human beings don't feel like eating, and reasons can be anything like because of physical illness or emotional issues. We can always share and find out solutions by ourselves but what about animals? They can't speak or share and sometimes they fail to express as well. What will you do when that happens? The first thing that comes to mind is consulting a vet, though that is an ideal solution before that, you will have to know that there is something wrong with your little one and for that you must know everything about the pet you are having.

Having a cat as a pet is such a blessing, though they are bit moody and picky; they will always love you no matter what! If you have or had a dog, you will be aware of the situation or problems you would have faced when you were busy with something. Probably, you won't be facing that problem with the cat as a pet. They are so understanding. They are the intelligent pets you can have, they groom themselves (still you will need to take them to the groomer once in a while), learn things quickly, and importantly they are understanding. Whether it is a dog or a cat, proper care is needed to prevent any life-harming situations. The problem with the cat is that are times when she can't express her issues and pains. But we are sure as you are with her from the long-term you can easily make out what problems she is facing.

It may be not having lunch, feeling tired, itchy or any of the problem. The main issue on the hand can be about How Long Can A Cat Go Without Food. Not only its answer but solutions are also provided. Before we move on to the answer, there is one thing that we would like to discuss the reasons or circumstances under which they will start skipping their meal.

Why she won't eat?

Among them, the first one is about being picky. Yeah, kitties are very picky about their food, and that can also be one of the reasons that they aren't consuming their food. Other reasons may include medical and non-medical reasons (being picky). Medical reasons involve cancer, diabetes, dental issues, kidney disease, UTI, arthritis, pancreatitis and ingestion of some unknown or harmful particle. All these can result in discomfort and loss of appetite. Other non-medical reasons are hairballs and nasal congestion (as they are short-term and can be easily prevented). If you are on an expedition with your little one or recently you have a renovation in at your place, this may also cause your feline pet in loss of appetite as they are relatively sensitive regarding changes in cat's surrounding. Or maybe little one is going through anxiety or depression. Even a small change can affect your sensitive kitty, and that will result in loss of appetite.

Answer:

Now coming to the main point, how long can a cat go without food? Firstly, let us tell you if your cat is not eating food it can result in a harmful situation, even untimely death. We know that it is scary, but this problem is that serious too. Cats can survive up to two weeks without eating food, only if she is drinking enough water. She may feel tired and weak due to the lack of proteins and nutrients in her body. But as soon as she starts eating, slowly she will recover and get her energy back. If she is neither eating food nor drinking water, then this is the alarming situation that may lead to dehydration. Dehydration can result in organ failure; in most cases, the higher chances are of kidney and liver. It also affects other organs like the stomach, heart and even brain. As it is said, 'once done can't be undone.' If organs have already started shutting down then no matter how much water you get into her system, it won't improve anything.

Solution:

Basically what you can do depends on whether or cat is ill or just being picky. If she is getting picky, then the things you should do are changing the brand of the food, heating it, giving her a mixture of wet and dry food, get different shape and size of kibble, or try changing flavours. You can even arrange a small cat party at your place and introduce her to new friends; this will help her cope up with anxiety and depression. If it is because of illness then remember cats aren't great drinkers, they absorb water from their food only. If your kitty is a good drinker, then the situation is not that alarming. Try to hand-feed her food, if she is refusing to it then make her drink water. Don't force-feed her as this will cause her to avoid it more and more. Also, it will increase the chances of a negative effect on her health. You can also make her learn the habit of drinking water, though it can be a little traumatic, it is the best way to avoid the dehydration issues.