Red flags for senior cats not eating

Hi everyone, I know valm81 posted about their 14-year-old tabby who stopped eating two days ago, and I’m feeling really anxious reading about it. I have a kitten and a rescue, but I’m worried about the future when they get older. What are the specific red flag symptoms that indicate a senior cat's loss of appetite is life-threatening rather than just a bad day? I want to know when I should be calling the vet immediately versus when I can wait and see.

It is completely understandable to feel this way, Laura. When we look at senior cats, the line between 'picky' and 'critical' can be blurry. For my anxious cat Dot, stress often mimics illness, so I always check if the environment changed first. But for a true red flag, look for dehydration. If the skin doesn't snap back quickly when you gently pinch it between the shoulder blades, or if the gums are dry and sticky instead of moist, that is a serious sign. Also, if they are hiding in unusual spots or becoming unresponsive to their name, that suggests systemic decline. I wrote about how to gauge comfort levels in Calming an anxious cat at home, but the physical signs of dehydration are the most immediate warning.

Agreed on the dehydration point. My Whiskey is a picky eater at 7, so I have to be careful not to panic over every skipped meal. However, if a senior cat is not eating for 48 hours, the risk of hepatic lipidosis goes up. I remember reading a thread that detailed the stages of this condition, especially the yellowing of the eyes and gums. If you see jaundice alongside the refusal to eat, that is a 'call the vet today' situation. You can find more on the physical manifestations in Signs of hepatic lipidosis. It’s not just about the stomach; it’s about the liver shutting down.

Oh no, that sounds scary! I hope valm81's cat feels better soon. My mainecoons are so energetic that I never worry about them not eating, but I know senior cats are different. Did anyone mention checking for dental pain? Sometimes they stop eating because their mouth hurts. I think there was a post about distinguishing that from other issues. Maybe Dental pain vs. appetite loss has some tips on how to tell if they are chewing and spitting out food versus just ignoring the bowl?

It is a delicate balance. Maple is five and still active, but I watch her closely when the weather changes. Sometimes a cat stops eating because they feel 'off' in a way we can't measure. If the cat is still drinking water but just not eating, that is slightly better than refusing both. But if they stop drinking, the timeline shortens drastically. I always wonder if there is a specific threshold of hours. I think How long can a cat go without food safely? discussed the 24 vs 48 hour mark, but I feel like it depends on their weight and prior health. A lean senior cat has less reserve than a chubby one.

Thank you all for the detailed answers. The dehydration check is something I can practice on my younger cats so I know what 'normal' looks like. I was worried about the jaundice point Greg mentioned. Is that something that happens quickly? Like within a day? Or is it a slow process? I want to be able to spot it early. Also, does the cat's behavior change if they are in pain? My rescue Bella is usually very vocal, so I would probably know, but Leo is quiet.

Jaundice usually develops over a few days, not instantly, but it is a very clear sign that the liver is struggling. As for pain, it often manifests as changes in posture. A cat in pain might hold their head down, avoid jumping, or become aggressive when touched. If a cat who is usually vocal becomes silent, that is indeed a red flag. It suggests they are too weak or unwell to make noise. At that stage, you are often looking at end-of-life comfort rather than acute treatment. I found the resources on End of life comfort care helpful for understanding what 'too far gone' looks like, so you don't have to guess.

To add to that, if the cat is eating nothing and drinking nothing for more than 24 hours, I would not wait. Senior kidneys are fragile. The combination of anorexia and dehydration is the biggest killer. I know valm81 has a thread about their specific vet visit, but for anyone else in this situation: if you can't get them to take fluids, the vet can administer subcutaneous fluids at home. It buys time. But if you see the gum color change or the skin tenting persist, that is the line where you stop 'waiting and seeing' and start acting.