Q. What does it mean if my cat stops eating?

Elaine Wexler-Mitchell, D.V.M., says: Cats stop eating for a variety of reasons, including an unappetizing diet, dental disease, fever, loss of smell, and stress. Your cat can be in danger if he does not eat for an extended period of time. When your cat does not eat, the fat his body has stored is metabolized to provide energy. Too much fat breakdown damages the liver and leads to another condition called hepatic lipidosis, also known as fatty liver disease.

To tempt your cat to eat, try warming some baby food. Warm food generates an appetizing smell, which should encourage your cat to eat, and baby food is easy for your cat to digest. If your cat does not eat for two days, a veterinarian should examine him as soon as possible.  

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