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My cat is sleeping, not eating, losing fur & weight. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 12 lbs

For 4 days my cat has been sleeping all day. Rarely eats or uses the liter boxes. Her fur is disappearing and she looks to have lost a lot of weight.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Sarah Derksen, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 15th, 2017

Hi. These are all very concerning signs and can be a sign of a serious problem. Many possibilities are out there for the cause from GI, infections, cancers, metabolic, endocrine diseases, and many more. We would need mode information on history and signalment along with an exam to get us down the right road. I would recommend a exam tonight or tomorrow morning.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on October 25th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Loss of appetite and weight loss can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have Mimmy 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 Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 9th, 2018

    Unfortunately these are quite generic but concerning signs. Differentials are many, from gastrointestinal diseases (infection/inflammations often dietary related) to any disease that can spread systemically (causing lethargy for example) like infection, and anything that can cause pain/discomfort. The approach must be logic, starting from offering different kind of food. A check up is needed if inappetence lasts for more than 24hours. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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