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Why is my cat not eating, vomiting, and listless after vet visit?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Male | neutered | 9.47 lbs

My cat, Stretch, has been off his food for over a day&only had a sip of water this morning. His has been very listless. Normally he would be crying at the door to get out. He loves being outside. I took him to the vet&he was a given a good check over. The vet says he is dehydrated but his temperatue is OK, he felt him all over&did't find anything bad. He weighed him for reference&gave him a steroid shot. Tonight I offered Stretch some food&he gagged. He vomited bile earlier. Help!

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Kristin DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 6th, 2017

It sounds like Stretch is having a rough time. Unfortunately there is a lot we cannot diagnose on physical examination alone. I don't know if your veterinarian discussed checking blood work or abdominal radiographs (x-rays), but these would be good next steps. There are lots of conditions that can cause poor appetite or vomiting in cats. We think about foreign objects they might have eaten, toxins, infections, pancreatitis, kidney disease, and much more. You might want to discuss further testing if Stretch continues to have symptoms, and hopefully your veterinarian can get him feeling better soon.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on October 26th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Loss of appetite and vomiting can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. Not being able to stand may be a separate issue or it may be due to weakness. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and others depending on the findings on exam. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a great day! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on February 8th, 2018

    It's possible he could have gotten into something making him feel unwell or disoriented, thus causing his strange behavior or refusal to eat. Minor injuries or wounds may also cause changes in behavior, signs of pain or changes in gait that you saw. In cases of neurologic problems, illness, etc, symptoms usually worsen rather than resolve, or remain for longer than a day, however without an exam it would be hard to tell if this is the case or not in your situation. It's good that he's back to normal, however if the behavior returns, or he refuses to eat completely, seems dazed or confused, is twitching or shaking, or otherwise appears unwell, seeking veterinary care is best.

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