How Long Can a Cat Go Without Eating?

It is a stressful time for any parent when their child isn’t feeling well – including pet parents. So when you notice that your cat isn’t eating well, you might already be on high alert.

But how long can a cat go without eating? And what is the best way to increase their appetite?

While it could be as easy as changing their diet from kitten wet foods to dry, other times, it can be a symptom of a bigger problem.

Yes, cats can go a whole 24 hours without food. But should they? No.

Generally, kittens need to be fed three times a day. Adult cats need to be fed twice a day, 12 hours apart.

Any more hours apart or a widely inconsistent eating schedule could run the risk of giving them digestion complications like gastritis or liver ailments.

A combination of food and water is essential to your cat’s nutrition and well-being. Felines can survive for up to two weeks without any food, but only if they have access to drinking water. They can only survive for about three days without hydration.

If you plan on staying away from home for more than 24 hours, arrange a pet sitter to refill your kitty’s bowls or get an automatic cat feeder like this one to help you out.

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