My cat won't eat, is lethargic, and scared. Is she sick or stressed?

Question

My cat will not eat her meals. She hardly touches her good. She will scoff her treats. She is sleeping alot and not going outside as often. She has been more needy and affectionate since she had has had a few run ins with a neighbours cat. I don't think they have had a fight just being chased and meowing loudly. She can seem scared to go outside. I've tried changing her food and giving her tuna but not much luck. Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 1 year and 5 months old | 8.3 lbs

Kevin Sanada, DVM · Accepted Answer

Cats will often go off their food and be more lethargic when they are coming down with an illness. This is usually due to an upper respiratory infection (aka cat flu) or an infection of the stomach or intestines. While she may not be having nose/eye discharge, or diarrhea right now, you may see this in a day or two. Their are a couple of other diseases that I worry about with a fighting cat, because they can cause them to feel bad like this and be spread through biting. FIV and FeLV are two viral diseases that can depress the immune system and possibly lead to long-term infections. These can be easily tested for by a vet. If she is eating a little, then make sure there is plenty of water mixed in the food, because I worry most about dehydration. Sometimes warming up the food will entice them to eat it, so try that along with trying different, tasty foods. The best thing to do for Alba is to take her to the vet. She may be running a fever and could already be dehydrated. They also may see something else that indicates what her specific aliment is. It doesn't seem like an emergency right now, but it would be best to get her to the vet within a day or two. I hope that helps and Alba gets better soon.

My cat won't eat, is lethargic, and scared. Is she sick or stressed?

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