Separate sudden refusal from long-standing pickiness: abrupt anorexia with lethargy, mouth odor, or weight loss deserves a vet check for dental and internal problems first.
Once health is confirmed, review whether excess treats, constant food switching, or instantly upgrading meals when the cat refuses has reinforced the behavior.
The fix is fixed mealtimes, removing the bowl after a set window, cutting casual treats, and mixing new food in tiny ratios so acceptance rebuilds calmly.
Cats that barely eat for over a day risk hepatic lipidosis, so never correct pickiness by starving; involve a vet if intake stays low.
