An obese cat that is not eating for multiple days is at an increasd risk for developing which condition?

An obese cat that is not eating for multiple days is at increased risk for developing hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease).

This is a critical concern in cats because they are particularly vulnerable to this condition during periods of anorexia or caloric restriction. When cats stop eating, their body mobilizes fat stores for energy, but cats have a limited capacity to process and export fat from the liver, leading to rapid accumulation of lipids in hepatic tissue. This can progress quickly to hepatic dysfunction and failure if not addressed.

The guidelines emphasize this risk specifically in the context of weight loss management. When diabetic cats are placed on high-protein, calorie-restricted diets for weight loss, a high-protein formulation is recommended precisely to "limit the risk of hepatic lipidosis during weight loss" and "prevent lean muscle-mass loss."

In an obese cat with anorexia lasting multiple days, prompt veterinary intervention is essential—both to identify and address the underlying cause of the anorexia and to prevent or manage hepatic lipidosis. This is a medical emergency in cats.