How Long Can Cats Go Without Eating
Liver disease is a common cause of death for cats. The liver is an important organ, responsible for removing toxins from the blood and breaking down proteins, fats and carbohydrates into energy your pet needs to live. Symptoms of liver disease include vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. The average lifespan of a cat who has liver disease is about three years but can vary depending on how much damage has been done to the organ itself by toxins or viruses that attack this vital organ.
What is liver disease?
Liver disease is one of the most common conditions in cats. Because it’s not a single disease, but rather a group of conditions, there can be several different causes. The liver’s main role is to filter the blood and remove harmful substances from it. If this ability is impaired in any way, it can lead to liver disease.
The most common cause of liver problems in cats is an inherited condition called feline hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver). This condition occurs when fat builds up inside your cat’s liver cells, making them unable to do their job properly. In most cases this will lead to death if left untreated; however, it may take several months for symptoms such as vomiting and weight loss to become apparent—which means that many owners don’t realise their pet has been suffering from this condition until it’s too late!
Other causes include infections such as toxoplasmosis which infects around 50% of all cats at some point in their life; parasites like fleas and ticks; medications used by human owners which are toxic when eaten by felines such as paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen); heavy metal poisoning due to ingesting lead paint chips or contaminated soil etc…
Initial signs and symptoms for liver disease
Liver disease can be caused by many factors, including viruses, bacteria and parasites. Liver disease can also be caused by toxins, infections and cancer. A cat suffering from liver disease may show some of the following symptoms:
- Loss of appetite (anorexia)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss when the cat could have been gaining weight
Causes of liver disease in cats
Liver disease in cats can be caused by a number of different diseases, which include:
- Viral infections
- Bacterial infections that affect the liver
- Parasitic infections and infestations that affect the liver (e.g. liver flukes)
- Toxins such as certain types of medications and household chemicals; heavy metals like lead or mercury; poisonous plants and fungi; insecticides/pesticides used around your home; rodenticides used to kill rats and mice that may have entered your home through holes in walls or damage in pipes leading out into yards. If you suspect these might be causing problems with your cat’s health then it is best to contact a veterinarian immediately so they can take steps to treat whatever type of poisoning has occurred.”
How long can cats go without eating before dying?
In the wild, cats can go without food for up to 5 days. However, they need water every day and need to drink at least 50ml of water per kilogram of bodyweight.
So how long can your cat go without eating? Cats need to eat on a daily basis, but they do have the ability to survive short periods of fasting if they are otherwise healthy and hydrated. A healthy adult cat should be able to go without food for two days before needing veterinary treatment.
If you suspect your pet has not eaten for several days, visit your veterinarian right away. If you leave it too late there is a chance that their organs may fail or be damaged due to dehydration.
When it comes to liver disease, cats are very sensitive and require immediate veterinary care. If your cat has been diagnosed with liver disease, you should talk with your veterinarian about the best way to manage their condition.
