--- title: Cat Not Eating After Boarding: When to Worry url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-not-eating-after-boarding/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Guides](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/) - Cat not eating after boarding # Cat not eating after boarding A cat can eat less for a day after boarding, but a cat that eats little or nothing for 24 to 48 hours should be seen by a vet. Cats that stop eating can develop liver problems quickly, so do not wait it out. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) A change of place is a classic cause of a lost appetite in cats. Most come back to food quickly. Some do not, and the difference matters. ## Why it happens Stress is the common reason. A new smell, a car ride and a different bowl can all put a cat off food for a meal or two. Illness can hide behind the same sign, which is why timing matters more than a guess. First-time boarders in general may skip a meal or two on the first day, and the Happy Paws staff offer tempting food if a pet keeps refusing. ## The point where it becomes urgent The University of Illinois veterinary school explains that when cats stop eating, the body starts moving fat to the liver faster than it can handle it, a condition called hepatic lipidosis. Overweight cats are at greater risk, and the risk grows with every day without food. Jaundice, a yellow tint in the eyes, ears or gums, vomiting or lethargy mean you should call a vet immediately. Do not force-feed a nauseated cat; it can create a food aversion. ## What to try at home first In the first day after boarding, make it easy. Put out a small portion of the food your cat knows, warmed slightly to boost the smell. Add a spoon of a favorite wet food. Keep the room quiet and the water fresh, with the box close by. Do not switch brands now. If your cat ate the house food at the cattery, which was canned pate and chicken-and-rice kibble, going back to his own food is fine, a little at a time. ## Tell the kennel and the vet If your cat seems unwell, call your vet and tell them about the boarding stay, recent changes and any medications. Tell the kennel too, at 707-678-6600, so they can note it. Keep a record of what your cat eats and drinks for the next day. The [signs of stress in cats](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-stress-signs/) page lists other cues to watch. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine, hepatic lipidosis when cats do not eat](https://vetmed.illinois.edu/pet-health-columns/hepatic-lipidosis-when-cats-dont-eat/) - [Happy Paws Kennels, things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [Bringing your cat home after boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/bringing-a-cat-home-after-boarding/) - [Signs of stress in cats](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-stress-signs/) - [Litter, food and familiar smells for a boarding cat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/litter-and-food-for-boarding/) - [Cat boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/cat-boarding/) - [Cat boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/cats/) ## Read next - [Choosing and using a cat carrier](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-carriers/) - [Traveling with a cat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/traveling-with-a-cat/) - [Cat colds (upper respiratory infection) and boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-upper-respiratory-infection/) - [Senior cats and boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/senior-cats-and-boarding/) - [Boarding a cat on medication](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cats-on-medication/) - [What is a cattery?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/what-is-a-cattery/) - [Cat condos & towers](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-condo-vs-tower/) - [Boarding two cats together](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/multi-cat-boarding/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### How long can a cat go without eating? Veterinary sources advise calling a vet if a cat eats little or nothing for 24 to 48 hours, sooner for overweight cats or cats that vomit. ### Is it normal for my cat to eat less after a trip? A light appetite for a day is common after a change in place. A continued refusal is not. ### Should I offer treats? A small amount of a favorite wet food can help, but a cat that refuses everything needs a vet.