14yo cat won't eat - how long do I wait before it's too late?

My 14-year-old tabby hasn't touched his food in two days and I'm terrified this is the beginning of the end.

I know I should have posted this sooner but I've been in shock. I wrote up the whole timeline of the vet visit and what we tried at home here: My cat's recent vet visit and home care. Basically, he's lethargic and hiding, but his breathing seems okay for now. The vet said "wait and see" but two days feels like forever. How do I know if this is just a bad day or if he's actually dying?

Oh, dear, that must be incredibly stressful. I am so sorry you are going through this. My Cleo is 12 and has asthma, so I know the fear of watching a senior cat struggle. I found this thread helpful when I was worried about her breathing: Cleo's asthma flare up last month.

Have you checked his gums? They should be pink, not pale or sticky. If they look dry or pale, that is a sign of dehydration which is very serious. I would call your vet back today to report the two-day fast. Do not wait any longer.

Two days is the limit for cats. They can develop hepatic lipidosis (liver failure) quickly if they stop eating. This is not a "wait and see" situation anymore.

Check if he is still drinking water. If he is not eating or drinking, go to the ER. If he is drinking but not eating, you need to force feed him syringe style or get him to a hospital for an appetite stimulant and fluids. I have a 5-year-old cat, Gus, who is healthy, but I know a senior cat's system is fragile. See this thread for signs of liver issues: Interpreting senior cat blood work.

sowens, I saw that thread and it made me cry. I don't want to think about liver failure.

He is drinking a little water, maybe half a cup total? I tried warming up his food and putting it near his bed but he just looks at it. I tried the tricks from here: Ways to get a picky cat to eat. Nothing works. Is it the environment? He's been in the same spot but maybe he's stressed? Environmental stress and cat appetite

Val, I am so sorry. My Simba is 6 but he gets hairballs and has had periods of not eating, and it is always scary. I take photos of his face to show the vet what he looks like when he is "off" because I can't describe it well.

The "hiding" part is the biggest worry to me. Cats hide when they are in pain. If he is hiding and not eating, that is a pain signal. Have you checked his temperature? I know this is hard to do at home.

Also, look at this thread about when it becomes too late: Red flags for senior cats not eating. It lists specific symptoms that mean you need immediate intervention. It might help you decide if this is temporary or terminal.

I can't get him to stop moving to take a temp. He's weak. I just want to know if I'm wasting his last days or if I'm being too late. I read the palliative care thread but I'm not ready for that: Palliative care discussion for end of life.

Is there anything I can do right now? It's 11pm. The vet is closed.