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My cat drank milk and won't eat. Is she okay? When to call the vet?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 10 lbs

My cat had milk earlier today and now she won’t eat. Is she going to be okay and how long should I wait before going to a vet?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 20, 2019

If Sophia still isn't eating the morning, take her into the vet right away. It's very serious when a cat doesn't eat, as they will develop a fatty liver if they don't eat for long enough. Try to tempt her to eat with some boiled white meat chicken (no bones). Best of luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on April 13, 2018
You do need to get Aria into a vet immediately, this cannot wait until Monday. When cats don't eat going on 72 hours, they develop a fatty liver which is fatal without treatment. This needed to be avoided, which is why I'm saying she has to go into a vet now. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Best of luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 3, 2020
It's actually a medical emergency that Zelda hasn't eaten for days. When a cat doesn't eat going on 72 hours, they develop a fatty liver which is fatal without treatment. She has to see a vet now. She could have a problem with her kidneys, as kidney failure is common in older cats. Please take her into a vet immediately.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on April 8, 2019
Edith is so lovely. I agree, this does not sound good. Rapid weight loss and stopping eating completely is extremely serious in a cat. When a cat goes long enough without eating (about 72 hours), they will develop a fatty liver which is fatal without treatment. I think she needs to see a vet now. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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