Clear answer · calm next step
My Cat Is Not Eating but Is Still Drinking. What Should I Do?
A calm first-response guide for a cat who is drinking but refusing food, including what to check now and when to call a veterinarian.
The short answer
Drinking does not make appetite loss safe to ignore. Note when your cat last ate a normal meal, offer a familiar food in a quiet place, and contact your veterinary team promptly—especially if a full day is approaching or your cat has kidney disease, diabetes, is very young, or seems unwell.
Get urgent help if you notice
- Repeated vomiting, retching, drooling, or difficulty swallowing
- Marked weakness, collapse, labored breathing, or pale/blue gums
- A painful or swollen abdomen, straining to urinate, or no urine seen
- Known kidney disease, diabetes, toxin exposure, or a rapidly worsening condition
This list is not exhaustive. If your cat looks seriously unwell or you feel something is wrong, call a veterinary clinic or emergency service.
What to do next
- 1
Write down the last normal meal and any treats eaten since.
- 2
Offer a small portion of the cat’s usual food, slightly warmed, in a quiet room.
- 3
Check the litter box for urine, stool, diarrhea, or straining.
- 4
Call your veterinary team for timing advice; do not force-feed unless they instruct you.
Bring better notes to the vet
A short timeline is more useful than trying to remember everything under pressure. Track these six details: