Cat - Change in Behavior. Wont eat.

Question
My 2-year-old, DSH neutered, indoor-only cat is not eating this morning. His fur seems dull, and he didn't crawl up my legs as he normally does.
He lives in very large house with 6 other cats and 3 dogs. He is what I'd call an 'alpha' cat, as he's the first to eat, demands attention.
The change alarms me, but he was fine yesterday, and I'm a little strapped for cash if he doesn't need to immediately go to the vet.
What I have done is separate him from the others, so if he ate something that disagreed with him, he can have the chance to feel better.
Can I keep an eye on him, bring him to the vet in a few days? I don't want to over react; it's just he's normally such an incredibly social, in-your-face kind of cat.
Thanks,
Maureen

Answer
Well you want to be careful about waiting too long. Cats that go over 3 days not eating risk serious complications from developing fatty liver disease.
You could wait until tomorrow,but if his coat is dull this didn't just happen overnight. He has been feeling bad or something is brewing inside of him.
That is why I wouldn't wait too long. He could just have a gut ache, but that is pretty rare with cats as well.

Is he current on his vaccinations? Has he been tested and vaccinated for leukemia? These are things to ask the vet about when you do see him.

You might want to call them first, but I would make an appointment. Cats can go from bad to really bad pretty fast.