Cat off food / low appetite- help!

[Allezvite]

My cat is suddenly off his food. Usually has a great appetite and enjoys both the dry and wet foods he is given every day. He seems entirely fine in himself otherwise, leaping and trotting around the place, usual purring and miaowing, coat and eyes look fine. He goes out in the day so he might be being fed elsewhere but he’s not been out since yesterday evening and hasn’t eaten yet today which is unusual.

He’s been eating a little bit so I don’t think he’s hurt his mouth, he isn’t shouting for food like usual though. He is usually very greedy and didn’t even go for some cooked chicken which is a favourite.

He sicked up a big hairball with yellow gunk (bile I guess) yesterday, could that be a sign of a bigger problem?

He finds the cat carrier / car journey / vet incredibly stressful so I don’t want to rush him to the vet unnecessarily.

Anyone got any experience on what it might be, or how long to leave him to see if he is just having an off day or two? He’s been like this since Friday. I was thinking see if he eats tomorrow (Mon) and if nothing by his evening meal call the vet on Tues?

If he won’t even eat chicken then something’s off.

When mine wouldn’t eat it turned out she had a wound that I hadn’t noticed, and it must have been causing her pain. She was herself in every other way. The vet found the wound and sorted it, after a week of pain relief and antibiotics she was fine.

Can you call the vet and get a slight sedative prescribed for the visit? Mine hates it too but does better after gabapentin a couple of hours before the journey, and just one pill isn’t expensive.

I’d call them first thing tomorrow if it were me.

Just had another thought. He is drinking? If he’s not drinking then I’d get vet advice immediately.

Thank you @DogDream he is drinking yes and I’ve checked his litter tray too. Will keep an eye on that today. I’ll also ask about the sedative too, that’s a good tip.

If he's drinking and seems fine otherwise, I would wait a little while. I have two cats, one did this recently and turned out to have a mild upset stomach but was fine less than 24 hours later. My other cat occasionally does this, he likes hunting and often eats his prey and then doesn't always eat his meals! It can make him vomit too.

When mine turned down dreamies. I knew she was I'll. she had pancreatitis.

How is he @Allezvite?

Having ignored food all day yesterday he was pestering for breakfast this morning and scoffed it down in record time.

so assuming he eats his tea I think all is well - thank you for checking in!

Wonderful!