What happens if you don't feed a cat for a week? - briefly
If a cat is not fed for a week, it will experience severe malnutrition, dehydration, and potential organ failure, which can be life-threatening.
What happens if you don't feed a cat for a week? - in detail
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are biologically designed to derive essential nutrients from animal-based proteins and fats. If a cat is not fed for an extended period, such as a week, severe physiological and behavioral consequences will occur. Initially, the cat will experience hunger, leading to increased vocalization, restlessness, and attempts to seek food. Within 24-48 hours, the body will begin to break down stored glycogen in the liver for energy. Once glycogen reserves are depleted, the cat’s metabolism shifts to utilize fat stores through a process called lipolysis. However, cats are not well-adapted to prolonged fasting, and their bodies struggle to efficiently convert fat into energy. This can lead to the accumulation of toxic byproducts, such as ketones, potentially causing a life-threatening condition called hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver disease. This condition occurs when the liver becomes overwhelmed by the influx of fat and begins to fail. Additionally, muscle tissue will be broken down to provide amino acids for energy, resulting in muscle wasting and weakness. Dehydration becomes a significant risk as cats typically obtain much of their water from food, especially if they are not drinking enough on their own. Prolonged starvation weakens the immune system, making the cat more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Behavioral changes, such as lethargy, depression, and loss of interest in surroundings, will become evident. In extreme cases, organ failure, coma, and death can occur. Cats are resilient animals, but their survival depends on regular access to nutrition. Even a week without food can have catastrophic consequences, and immediate veterinary intervention is critical if a cat has been deprived of food for an extended period.