Cats can theoretically survive without food for about 1 to 2 weeks if they have access to water, but going without food for more than 24 hours is concerning and can lead to serious health issues
. Most experts agree that a healthy adult cat should not go more than 36 to 48 hours without food, as their health starts to decline visibly and quickly after this period
. After 2 to 7 days without food, cats are at significant risk of developing hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), a potentially life-threatening condition especially common in overweight cats
. Prolonged fasting also leads to weight loss, muscle loss, weakened immune system, and other complications
. Cats can survive longer without food than without water; they usually become dehydrated within 24 hours without water and can survive only about 2 to 4 days without it
. Dehydration stresses their organs and can cause organ failure. For kittens, the safe period without food is much shorter—only a few hours to a day—due to their rapid growth and higher nutritional needs
. In summary, while cats might survive up to two weeks without food if hydrated, any refusal to eat beyond 24 hours is a serious concern requiring prompt veterinary attention to prevent severe health risks and complications
