It's day two of your cat's cattery stay. You call for an update, and the staff member says: "He's settling in well, but he hasn't touched his food yet."
Your stomach drops. You know cats can develop serious health problems if they don't eat. But you're halfway through a week-long trip and can't come back. What happens now?
Here's the reality: appetite loss during cattery boarding is one of the most common stress responses in cats—and one of the most dangerous. Cats who don't eat for more than 24-48 hours are at risk for hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), a potentially fatal condition that can develop within just a few days of food refusal.
But here's what most cat owners don't know: reputable catteries have detailed protocols for managing inappetent cats, ranging from offering highly palatable foods to hand-feeding, appetite stimulants, and emergency veterinary intervention. The key is understanding the timeline—when stress-induced appetite loss becomes a medical emergency, and what interventions work at each stage.
This guide covers why cats stop eating at catteries, what happens at 24, 48, 72, and 96+ hours without food, how catteries encourage eating, when veterinary intervention is needed, and—most importantly—how to prevent appetite loss before boarding even begins.
Why Cats Stop Eating at Catteries: It's Not the Food
When your cat refuses to eat at a cattery, your first instinct might be to blame the food. But in most cases, the problem isn't what's being offered—it's the environment.
Stress and Territorial Displacement
Cats are territorial animals, and displacement can blunt appetite and thirst. When moved to an unfamiliar environment, cats experience what behaviorists call "stress-induced anorexia."
Cats are sensitive creatures who dislike change in their routine. When a cat moves home or spends time in a cattery, it may take a few days to settle in and for its appetite to pick up.
This isn't pickiness—it's a survival response. In the wild, eating in an unfamiliar location could mean letting your guard down in unsafe territory. Even though your cat is perfectly safe in a cattery, their instincts haven't caught up to that reality.
Scent and Routine Disruption
Cats rely heavily on scent to feel secure. Everything at the cattery smells wrong:
- No familiar bedding with your scent
- No familiar food bowls
- New litter (different brand, different scent)
- Unfamiliar cleaning products
- Scent markers from other cats
Additionally, feeding routines are disrupted. If your cat is used to eating at 7 AM and 6 PM while you're home, but the cattery feeds at 8 AM and 4 PM, that change alone can reduce appetite.
Fear and Anxiety
Some cats experience genuine fear during boarding:
- Sounds from other cats (meowing, hissing)
- Unfamiliar humans approaching their space
- Being confined to a smaller area than they're used to
- Lack of hiding spots that feel secure
Cats can experience illness flare-ups during times of stress, such as when boarding, and stress directly suppresses appetite through hormonal changes (increased cortisol, decreased ghrelin).
Medical Issues Triggered by Stress
Stress can also trigger or worsen underlying health problems that reduce appetite:
- Stress-induced cystitis (bladder inflammation causing discomfort)
- Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea)
- Upper respiratory infections (reduced sense of smell makes food less appealing)
- Exacerbation of chronic conditions (kidney disease, hyperthyroidism)
The "Imprint Eater" Phenomenon
Cats are "imprint eaters"—meaning whatever they first ate after nursing is "imprinted" as appropriate food, including taste, temperature, smell, texture, and even shape. Cats learn from their mother what is safe to eat at a very young age and develop strong preferences.
If the cattery offers a different brand, texture (dry vs. wet), or temperature than what your cat considers "real food," they may refuse it entirely. This isn't stubbornness—it's a neurological response. If your cat doesn't think the food is fit to eat, they will starve themselves, even to the point of life-threatening illness.
The Emergency Timeline: When Does "Won't Eat" Become Dangerous?
Not all appetite loss is created equal. Here's the critical timeline every cat owner should understand:
0-24 Hours: Monitoring Stage
What's happening:
- Normal stress response
- Cat is assessing the environment
- May be picking at food when no one's watching
Cattery response:
- Continue offering regular meals
- Note food intake in logs
- Monitor water consumption
Risk level: Low (but vigilance required)
What you should know: Many cats skip the first meal or two during boarding. This is common and not immediately dangerous. However, catteries should be tracking whether the cat is eating anything, even small amounts.
24-48 Hours: Intervention Begins
What's happening:
- Cats who haven't eaten for 24 hours need attention
- Dehydration risk increases
- Energy reserves begin depleting
Cattery response: Reputable catteries begin offering vetted alternatives like:
- Tuna or tuna water
- Baby food (chicken or turkey, no onion/garlic)
- Warming food to enhance aroma
- Offering wet food if dry was refused (or vice versa)
- Adding bone broth or gravy
Risk level: Moderate
What you should know: If a cat stops eating for 1-2 days, it should be taken to a vet. At this point, the cattery should be contacting you with updates and discussing appetite-enhancing strategies.
48-72 Hours: Medical Emergency Zone
What's happening:
- Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) can begin developing
- Risk increases dramatically, especially in overweight cats
- Nausea and lethargy worsen (creating a vicious cycle)
Cattery response: At approximately 72 hours, catteries may:
- Begin gentle hand-feeding or syringe-feeding
- Offer highly palatable options (warmed chicken baby food, tuna juice)
- Contact owner for emergency veterinary authorization
- Transport cat to vet for appetite stimulant medication
Risk level: High (medical emergency)
What you should know: When cats stop eating, hepatic lipidosis can start developing within just a few days. Don't let your cat go without food for more than 2-3 days before seeking veterinary attention.
96+ Hours (4+ Days): Critical Intervention Required
What's happening:
- Hepatic lipidosis highly likely if not already present
- Severe dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Muscle wasting begins
- Immune function compromised
Cattery response: At 96 hours, the cat should be:
- Under veterinary care (not at the cattery)
- Receiving IV fluids
- Getting appetite stimulant medications (mirtazapine, maropitant)
- Potentially receiving assisted feeding via syringe or feeding tube
Risk level: Critical (potentially fatal without intervention)
What you should know: At this stage, your cat needs emergency veterinary care. No amount of "trying different foods" will fix the underlying metabolic crisis. Treatment typically requires 24/7 care including placement of a temporary feeding tube.
Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver Disease): The Hidden Danger
Understanding why appetite loss is so dangerous in cats requires understanding hepatic lipidosis—the most common acquired liver disease in cats.
What Is Hepatic Lipidosis?
Hepatic lipidosis occurs when fat is broken down rapidly to supply energy and nutrients to the anorectic cat. The liver becomes overwhelmed and unable to process the fat, which then accumulates in and around liver cells, further compromising liver function.
The vicious cycle:
- Cat stops eating (due to stress)
- Body mobilizes fat stores for energy
- Liver can't process the fat load
- Fat accumulates in liver
- Liver function deteriorates
- Cat feels nauseous and lethargic
- Cat eats even less (repeat cycle)
How Quickly Does It Develop?
Fatty liver disease in cats can come on within a few days of the cat not eating. Usually, a cat with hepatic lipidosis has recently gone through a period of anorexia (little or no eating) for three to four consecutive days.
Critical timeframes:
- 24-48 hours: Early fat mobilization begins
- 3-4 days: Hepatic lipidosis can develop
- 5-7 days: Severe liver dysfunction likely
Who's at Highest Risk?
Overweight and obese cats are at significantly higher risk because they have more fat stores to mobilize. When an obese cat stops eating, the liver is suddenly flooded with fat—far more than a lean cat would mobilize.
Other risk factors:
- Middle-aged to senior cats (7+ years)
- Cats with underlying health conditions (diabetes, hyperthyroidism)
- Cats with a history of stress-related appetite loss
Symptoms to Watch For
If your cat is boarding and develops hepatic lipidosis, symptoms may include:
- Complete loss of appetite (anorexia)
- Lethargy and weakness
- Jaundice (yellowing of eyes, gums, ears)
- Vomiting or drooling
- Weight loss (rapid, within days)
- Dehydration
The terrifying part: By the time jaundice is visible, the disease is already advanced.
Prognosis with Treatment
The good news: As long as they get the treatment they need, as many as 90% of cats with hepatic lipidosis can be expected to survive.
The bad news: Treatment is intensive and expensive, typically requiring:
- Hospitalization for several days
- Feeding tube placement (may be needed for weeks)
- IV fluids and electrolyte correction
- Anti-nausea medications
- Supportive care
Cost in NZ: Expect $1,500-$4,000+ for hepatic lipidosis treatment, depending on severity and length of hospitalization.
What Reputable NZ Catteries Do When Cats Won't Eat
Not all catteries handle inappetent cats equally. Here's what separates responsible facilities from those that put your cat at risk:
1. Detailed Food Intake Monitoring
What good catteries do:
- Log every meal offered and how much was consumed
- Track water intake separately
- Note litter box usage (urination and defecation)
- Weigh cats every 2-3 days during extended stays
Red flag: Cattery staff can't tell you how much your cat ate, just that "food was offered."
2. Immediate Communication
What good catteries do:
- Contact owners within 24 hours of appetite loss
- Provide specific details ("hasn't touched dry food, ate 2 tablespoons of wet food")
- Ask about favorite foods/treats from home
- Get owner approval before trying new foods
Red flag: You don't find out your cat hasn't been eating until pickup day.
3. Appetite-Enhancing Strategies (24-48 Hours)
What good catteries offer:
- Warming wet food to body temperature (enhances aroma)
- Adding bone broth or tuna water to increase smell
- Offering different textures (pate vs. chunks vs. shredded)
- Providing highly palatable options (tuna, chicken baby food, sardines)
- Hand-feeding small amounts to encourage eating
- Moving food location (some cats won't eat near litter)
What doesn't work:
- "Tough love" (withholding food to force hunger—this accelerates hepatic lipidosis)
- Offering only one type of food repeatedly
- Assuming the cat will "eat when hungry enough"
4. Veterinary Consultation (48-72 Hours)
What good catteries do:
- Contact their vet for advice after 48 hours without food
- Transport cat to vet for examination if appetite doesn't return
- Discuss appetite stimulant medications with owner
- Get authorization for medical treatment
Options vets may recommend:
- Mirtazapine: FDA-approved appetite stimulant for cats, available as transdermal ointment or oral medication
- Maropitant (Cerenia): Anti-nausea medication that can restore appetite by relieving nausea
- Subcutaneous fluids: Hydration support
- Feeding tube: In severe cases, temporary tube placement may be necessary
5. Hand-Feeding and Syringe-Feeding (72+ Hours)
If a cat reaches 72 hours without eating, manual intervention becomes necessary.
Hand-feeding technique:
- Offer small amounts (fingertip-sized) of highly palatable food
- Allow cat to lick from finger (less threatening than spoon/bowl)
- Warm food to enhance smell
- Feed in a quiet, relaxing environment to reduce stress
Syringe-feeding technique: Syringe feeding should begin if a cat hasn't eaten for 24 hours, or barely eaten for two days:
- Use a feeding syringe (no needle)
- Mix wet food with water or broth to liquify
- Insert syringe into side of mouth, aiming toward cheek (not throat)
- Dispense small amounts (0.5-1ml at a time)
- Allow cat to swallow between squirts
- Spread feeding over several small sessions per day
Safety warning: Syringe feeding requires proper technique to avoid aspiration (food entering lungs). Catteries should only attempt this if staff are trained, or should transport cat to vet.
6. Emergency Veterinary Transport (96+ Hours)
At 96 hours without eating, the cat should not still be at the cattery. They should be under veterinary care receiving:
- IV fluids
- Appetite stimulants
- Anti-nausea medication
- Bloodwork to assess liver function
- Potential feeding tube placement
Cattery's responsibility:
- Contact owner immediately
- Transport cat to vet (or owner-designated emergency clinic)
- Provide detailed records of food intake, attempts made, and timeline
How to Prevent Appetite Loss Before Boarding
The best treatment is prevention. Here's how to dramatically reduce the risk of your cat refusing food at the cattery:
1. Pack Your Cat's Regular Food
What to bring:
- Enough of their current food for the entire stay (plus 2-3 extra days)
- Exact brand and flavor (don't switch to a different flavor "just for boarding")
- Treats they love (for positive reinforcement)
- Food from a fresh bag (stale food is less appealing)
Don't: Assume the cattery's food will be fine. Even if it's the same brand, a different flavor or formulation can trigger refusal in picky eaters.
2. Include Comfort Items with Your Scent
Scent = security for cats. Bring:
- Worn t-shirt or pillowcase (unwashed, with your scent)
- Favorite blanket or bed
- Familiar toys (not new ones)
Why it works: Your scent helps the cat feel like "home" is present, reducing stress and encouraging normal behaviors (including eating).
3. Book a Trial Stay First
Many NZ catteries offer trial visits or short trial stays for first-time guests. This allows your cat to:
- Experience the environment for a few hours or one night
- Test whether they'll eat in that setting
- Identify issues (won't eat specific foods, needs quiet location) before a long stay
If your cat refuses food during a trial stay, you know appetite loss is likely and can plan accordingly (bring favorite foods, discuss appetite stimulants with vet, etc.).
4. Discuss Appetite History with the Cattery
During booking, tell the cattery:
- "My cat is a very picky eater and will only eat [specific food]"
- "Last time he boarded, he didn't eat for two days"
- "She gets stressed easily and loses her appetite"
This allows the cattery to:
- Plan for early intervention
- Stock highly palatable backup foods
- Monitor your cat more closely from day one
5. Get Appetite Stimulant Medication from Your Vet (Preventatively)
If your cat has a history of stress-related appetite loss, ask your vet about prescribing mirtazapine before boarding.
Mirtazapine is an effective appetite stimulant that can be:
- Applied as a transdermal ointment (to the ear)
- Given as an oral tablet
- Administered by cattery staff with owner authorization
Preventative use: Some vets recommend starting mirtazapine the day before boarding for cats with known appetite issues, preventing appetite loss rather than reacting to it.
6. Consider Vet-Led Boarding for High-Risk Cats
If your cat is:
- Overweight or obese (high hepatic lipidosis risk)
- A known picky eater
- Prone to stress-related illness
- Senior with underlying health conditions
Consider boarding at a vet-led cattery (attached to veterinary clinics). These facilities:
- Have vets on-site daily
- Can administer appetite stimulants immediately
- Monitor health more closely
- Intervene earlier if problems arise
NZ vet-led catteries:
- Takurua Vets (Christchurch)
- Franklin Vets Cattery (Pukekohe)
- Henderson Valley Cattery (Auckland)
Cost: Typically $5-15/night more than standard catteries, but worth it for high-risk cats.
7. Gradual Food Transitions (If Switching Foods)
If you know the cattery uses a specific food and you want your cat to be familiar with it:
Start transitioning 7-10 days before boarding:
- Days 1-3: 75% old food, 25% new food
- Days 4-6: 50% old food, 50% new food
- Days 7-9: 25% old food, 75% new food
- Day 10: 100% new food
Why it works: A slow transition, gradually mixing more new food with less old food, is ideal for picky eaters and reduces the "this isn't real food" rejection response.
8. Pheromone Spray for Stress Reduction
Bring or ask the cattery to use Feliway (synthetic feline facial pheromone):
- Spray on bedding 15 minutes before cat arrives
- Reapply daily
- Reduces stress-related behaviors (including appetite loss)
Scientific backing: Feliway has been shown to reduce stress behaviors in boarding environments, though effectiveness varies by individual cat.
Questions to Ask Your Cattery About Appetite Loss Protocols
Before booking, ask these questions to assess how the cattery handles inappetent cats:
1. "How do you monitor food intake?"
Good answer: "We log every meal, noting how much was eaten. We track both food and water intake daily and weigh cats every 2-3 days for extended stays."
Bad answer: "We put food out and check if the bowl is empty."
2. "What happens if my cat doesn't eat for 24 hours?"
Good answer: "We contact you immediately and start offering alternative foods—warmed wet food, tuna, chicken baby food. We monitor closely and escalate to our vet if appetite doesn't return by 48 hours."
Bad answer: "Cats often skip meals when stressed. We keep offering food and they usually eat eventually."
3. "Do you have veterinary access for appetite issues?"
Good answer: "Yes, we work closely with [specific vet clinic]. If a cat hasn't eaten for 48 hours, we consult our vet and can administer appetite stimulants or transport for examination with owner approval."
Bad answer: "If there's a problem, we'll call you and you can arrange a vet visit."
4. "Can I bring my cat's own food?"
Good answer: "Absolutely. We strongly recommend bringing your cat's regular food, and we'll follow your feeding schedule as closely as possible."
Bad answer: "We provide premium food, so you don't need to bring anything."
5. "Have you had cats refuse to eat before? How did you handle it?"
Good answer: "Yes, it happens occasionally. We've successfully used [specific strategies: warming food, hand-feeding, tuna water, vet-prescribed mirtazapine]. We've never had a cat develop fatty liver disease because we intervene early."
Bad answer: "It's very rare. Cats always eat eventually when they're hungry enough."
6. "At what point do you escalate to emergency veterinary care?"
Good answer: "If a cat hasn't eaten anything by 72 hours, we contact you and our vet. By 96 hours, the cat should be under veterinary care, not at our facility."
Bad answer: "We've never had a cat go that long without eating."
What to Do If Your Cat Won't Eat While You're Away
You get the dreaded call: "Your cat hasn't eaten in 36 hours." Here's your action plan:
Step 1: Get Specific Details (Immediately)
Ask the cattery:
- "Exactly how much has he eaten (in tablespoons/grams)?"
- "Has he had any water? How much?"
- "Is he using the litter box? Urinating and defecating normally?"
- "What have you tried offering so far?"
- "Does he seem lethargic, or is he active but just not eating?"
Step 2: Authorize Appetite-Enhancing Foods
Give the cattery permission to try:
- Warming wet food
- Adding tuna water or bone broth
- Offering baby food (chicken or turkey)
- Hand-feeding small amounts
Provide favorites: "He loves [specific treat]. Can you try offering that?"
Step 3: Authorize Veterinary Consultation (48 Hours)
If your cat reaches 48 hours without eating, authorize:
- Vet examination
- Appetite stimulant medication (mirtazapine or maropitant)
- Subcutaneous fluids if dehydrated
- Bloodwork to check liver function
Discuss budget: Let the cattery know your budget limit for emergency care, or that cost isn't a concern (whichever applies).
Step 4: Consider Cutting Your Trip Short (72 Hours)
If your cat reaches 72 hours without eating:
- This is a medical emergency
- Hepatic lipidosis is developing or imminent
- Your cat needs emergency vet care, potentially including feeding tube
Evaluate: Can you return early? Can someone local collect your cat and take them to your regular vet?
Step 5: Emergency Vet Care Authorization (96 Hours)
At 96 hours, your cat should be hospitalized, not at the cattery. Authorize:
- Feeding tube placement if recommended
- IV fluids and supportive care
- Whatever treatment the vet deems necessary
Cost reality: Hepatic lipidosis treatment can cost $2,000-$4,000+ in NZ. Pet insurance may cover this (check your policy).
Red Flags: When a Cattery Puts Your Cat at Risk
Not all catteries are equipped to handle appetite emergencies safely. Watch for these warning signs:
❌ "Cats always eat eventually when they're hungry" – This ignores hepatic lipidosis risk ❌ Doesn't log food intake – Can't tell you how much your cat ate ❌ No vet relationship for non-emergencies – Can't get appetite stimulants quickly ❌ Won't accept your cat's own food – Forces diet change during stress ❌ Dismissive about appetite concerns – "She'll be fine, don't worry" ❌ Doesn't contact you for 3+ days – You don't know there's a problem until it's critical ❌ No appetite-loss protocol – Staff don't know what to do beyond "offer food" ❌ Won't hand-feed – "We don't have time for that"
Trust your instincts. If a cattery seems unconcerned about appetite loss or doesn't have clear protocols, choose a different facility.
The Bottom Line: Appetite Loss is Serious, But Manageable
Here's what every cat owner needs to know:
The risk is real. Fatty liver disease can develop within 3-4 days of a cat not eating, and it's potentially fatal without treatment. Overweight cats are at especially high risk.
Prevention works. Bringing your cat's own food, packing comfort items, doing a trial stay, and choosing a cattery with clear appetite-loss protocols dramatically reduces risk.
Early intervention saves lives. The difference between "my cat didn't eat for 24 hours" (manageable with food changes) and "my cat didn't eat for 5 days" (medical emergency requiring hospitalization) is cattery vigilance and owner communication.
Not all catteries are equal. A facility that monitors food intake, contacts you early, tries multiple appetite-enhancing strategies, and has vet access is worth the extra cost for anxious or picky cats.
You can prepare. If your cat has a history of stress-related appetite loss, talk to your vet about preventative mirtazapine, choose vet-led boarding, and authorize early intervention before you leave.
The goal isn't to avoid boarding entirely (though in-home pet sitting is a valid alternative for extremely anxious cats). It's to choose the right facility, prepare thoroughly, and ensure rapid intervention if appetite problems arise.
When managed correctly, most cats who experience initial appetite loss at catteries recover within 48-72 hours once appetite-enhancing strategies are used. The ones who develop serious problems are typically those whose appetite loss went unnoticed or unaddressed for too long.
Don't let that happen to your cat. Ask the right questions. Pack the right foods. Choose a cattery with protocols, not platitudes. And if your cat won't eat, demand action within 48 hours—not reassurances that "she'll eat when she's hungry."
Your cat's life may depend on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a cat go without eating before it's dangerous?
Cats should not go more than 24-48 hours without eating. Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) can begin developing within 3-4 days of food refusal, and this condition is potentially fatal. Overweight cats are at highest risk. If your cat boards at a cattery and hasn't eaten for 48 hours, veterinary consultation should begin immediately. By 72 hours, medical intervention (appetite stimulants, possible feeding tube) is necessary.
Will my cat starve herself at the cattery?
Yes, cats can and will refuse food to the point of medical emergency if they're stressed or don't recognize the food as safe. Cats are "imprint eaters" and will starve themselves if they don't think the food is fit to eat. This is why bringing your cat's own food to boarding is critical. Unlike dogs, cats don't have a strong "survival hunger" response that overrides their food preferences. Stress-induced appetite loss combined with food unfamiliarity can create a dangerous situation quickly.
What is hepatic lipidosis and how quickly can it develop?
Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) occurs when fat accumulates in the liver after a cat stops eating. When a cat doesn't eat, the body mobilizes fat stores for energy, overwhelming the liver's ability to process it. It can develop within just a few days of food refusal—typically 3-4 days. Overweight cats are at highest risk. Symptoms include jaundice, lethargy, vomiting, and complete appetite loss. Treatment requires hospitalization, feeding tubes, and supportive care, costing $1,500-$4,000+ in NZ. With proper treatment, 90% of cats survive.
Should I get appetite stimulant medication before boarding?
If your cat has a history of stress-related appetite loss, is a very picky eater, or is overweight (high hepatic lipidosis risk), ask your vet about prescribing mirtazapine before boarding. This FDA-approved appetite stimulant can be used preventatively (starting the day before boarding) or as needed if appetite drops. It's available as a transdermal ointment or oral tablet. Having it on hand allows the cattery to administer it immediately at 24-48 hours without eating, rather than waiting for a vet appointment.
What foods can catteries offer to encourage eating?
Reputable catteries try highly palatable options including: warmed wet food (enhances aroma), tuna or tuna water, chicken baby food (no onion/garlic), sardines, bone broth or gravy added to food, rotisserie chicken (plain), and high-value treats the owner recommends. Warming food to body temperature releases smells that stimulate appetite. Some cats prefer pate texture over chunks, or vice versa. The cattery should try multiple options, not just repeatedly offer the same food.
Can catteries force-feed or syringe-feed my cat?
Syringe feeding should begin if a cat hasn't eaten for 24 hours, or barely eaten for two days. However, this requires proper technique to avoid aspiration (food entering lungs). Food should be liquified and syringed into the side of the mouth toward the cheek, not the throat. Not all cattery staff are trained for this. If your cat reaches 72+ hours without eating, syringe feeding by trained staff or a vet is necessary, but by 96 hours, the cat should be hospitalized with potential feeding tube placement, not relying on syringe feeding alone.
Is it better to board my cat at a vet clinic if she's a picky eater?
Yes. Vet-led catteries (attached to veterinary clinics) are ideal for cats at high risk of appetite loss. They offer: immediate vet access (no transport delay), ability to administer appetite stimulants within 24-48 hours, closer health monitoring, and rapid escalation if problems arise. NZ vet-led catteries include Takurua Vets (Christchurch), Franklin Vets (Pukekohe), and Henderson Valley Cattery (Auckland). Cost is typically $5-15/night more than standard boarding, but for overweight, senior, or picky cats, it's worth the peace of mind.
What should I pack to prevent appetite loss during boarding?
Pack: enough of your cat's current food for the entire stay plus 2-3 extra days (exact brand and flavor), favorite treats for positive reinforcement, a worn t-shirt or pillowcase with your scent, familiar blanket or bedding, and feeding instructions (meal times, portion sizes, how to warm food if applicable). If your cat takes mirtazapine or other appetite stimulants, bring those with clear dosing instructions. Providing favorite foods and comfort items dramatically reduces stress-related appetite loss.
Appetite loss during cattery boarding is common, but it doesn't have to be dangerous. With the right cattery, proper preparation, and rapid intervention when needed, most cats eat normally within 48-72 hours. The key is vigilance, communication, and refusing to accept "she'll eat when she's hungry" as an answer when your cat's health is at stake.
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