Is your cat eating less than usual? What you can calmly keep track of

Your cat suddenly leaves half her bowl. Or she sniffs her food and walks away. Naturally, you start wondering what's going on. This article won't help you guess what it is — only your vet can do that. But it will help you keep calm, clear track of what you see. That way you know when to call, and what to tell your vet.

First: when should you call your vet straight away?

If your cat is eating less, don't wait too long. Contact your vet straight away if your cat:

• eats nothing for more than 24 hours, or refuses food completely;
• is also vomiting, has diarrhoea or is visibly losing weight;
• is lethargic, hiding or reacting differently than usual;
• has trouble urinating, or keeps going to the litter box without producing anything;
• is drooling, has difficulty swallowing or can no longer chew her food properly.

In doubt? Call. Your vet would rather hear from you once too early than too late.

What you can note down

Is your cat eating a little less, but otherwise alert and her usual self? Then start taking short notes straight away. Each day, at roughly the same time, note:

• How much she eats. Weigh or measure her portion, and check what's left after a few hours. “About half” is already much clearer than “less”.
• What she eats. Which food, and whether she treats dry and wet food differently.
• Since when. The first day you noticed it.
• Drinking. Is she drinking less, the same, or actually more?
• The litter box. Stool and urine: how often, and does it look different?
• Energy and behaviour. Is she still playing, does she come to you, is she sleeping more?

Does she keep eating less than usual for more than a day or two, or is it getting worse? Then call your vet too — and bring your notes.

Also look at what changed around her

Also note any changes in her surroundings. A different food or a new bowl, a new spot for her bowl, visitors, a move, building work, a new animal in the house or hot weather: it can all play a part. Just write it down. Whether it means anything is something to discuss with your vet.

Why notes help so much

Small changes are easily forgotten. After three days, you often no longer know exactly when it started, or how much she really ate. With short daily notes, you can compare the days. And if you need to go to the vet, you immediately have a clear overview instead of a vague feeling.

A fixed structure for 14 days

The PawFix Cat Care System gives you that structure: a start profile for your cat's baseline, a daily tracker for appetite, drinking, stool, energy, coat and behaviour, and one clear decision each day — go ahead, slow down, observe or call your vet. It's intended for healthy adult cats and never replaces a visit to your vet.

Want to try it first? Download the start profile and the method for free, no sign-up needed.

PawFix supports structured observation and does not replace a diagnosis or a vet's advice. If you're worried about your cat, contact your vet.