How Long Can Cats Go Without Food? Plus, 11 Reasons Why Your Cat Won’t Eat

Cats can be picky about what they eat, where they eat it, and how often they would prefer to be served. Even with a selection of wet and dry foods filling the important niche of nutrition, your finicky feline may turn their nose up at your carefully crafted meals. Whether you have a picky eater loafing about or your cat has suddenly had an appetite change—you might wonder how long cats can go without food. Cats can go without food for two weeks and without water for three days.

However, if your cat doesn’t eat for 24 hours, it’s a clue that you should monitor your cat for signs of sickness, pain, or a dislike for the current food. If your cat won’t eat for one day but is drinking water, experts say they won’t experience long-term medical effects. Without food or water, cats can experience serious medical concerns in as little as a day.