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Why is my cat weak and tired with recurring digestive issues?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 8 lbs

My cat often gets these periods of time where he can't keep food down we put him onto dry food an he is keeping that down ok now but looks very weak and tired. We have previously took him to the vets over this problem where they thought he had eaten something so operated on him but found nothing and had no explanation for what was wrong with him and why this keeps happening. Does anyone have any idea?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on December 5th, 2016

If you have not yet, I recommend your cat getting a comprehensive blood panel done, as well as x-rays and possibly an ultrasound to check for physical abnormalities such as a stricture that could be a cause. Also I recommend getting some specialty bloodwork done for your cat, through the Texas A&M Gastrointestinal Lab. Any vet can draw the blood and send it off, the forms are easily found on their website. This will check for nutrition absorption deficiencies, pancreatic enzyme levels and other factors that could be contributing to your cat's condition.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on

    Poor Rey! Chronic GI problems like this can be frustrating to deal with. There are a number of things that could cause recurring episodes of vomiting like this, along with lethargy and tiredness - some possibilities would include chronic pancreatitis, cholangiohepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease (which often causes vomiting only, without any diarrhea in cats), a food allergy or intolerance, or a systemic illness like chronic kidney disease or hyperthyroidism. I would recommend taking Rey back to your vet for a follow-up visit to discuss what to do next to try and diagnose the problem. Personally, I would suggest general blood work (CBC and chemistry panel), a GI panel to test for pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, etc., and possibly a diet trial with hypoallergenic or prescription GI diet. Once a diagnosis is made, your vet can discuss treatment recommendations depending on what is found.

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