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My cat is vomiting bile, not eating, and lethargic. Is it a vet emergency?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 8 years and 9 months old | 8 lbs

Hi, my 8 year old cat has been vomiting up foamy greenish yellow bile and not eating or drinking for almost two days now. She is sleeping alot, and wants to hide in the corner behind her pet bed. Is this an emergency that I should be taking her right now to the 24-hour vet (it's almost midnight). Or do you think I can wait and take her in the morning? Her breathing seems fine but she appears very tired even when she is sitting up.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 9th, 2017

It's really difficult to know for sure without being able to examine her. Given that she hasn't eaten for two days and is lethargic and vomiting, I have to recommend that she be seen by a vet as soon as possible. This could indicate a severe disease, or toxin ingestion. In both cases, her condition can diminish rapidly if not treated soon enough. If you have further questions or need further clarification, then you may consider having an online consult with one of our vets on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This way, you can send unlimited pictures and have a text conversation with a vet. I hope that helps and Nibbler gets better soon.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 3rd, 2017

    Poor Minou! Vomiting and inappetence could have a wide array of causes, including foreign body intestinal obstructions, kidney disease, pancreatitis, pain, etc. I doubt that a diet change alone would correct Minou's vomiting and inappetence. A vet needs to examine Minou and may need to perform blood testing to evaluate her organ function (CBC, chemistry, urinalysis, T4 - thyroid). Since you cannot take Minou to a vet, consider looking into house call vets in your area. Most house call vets are still able to perform any necessary diagnostic testing to help get to the bottom of the issue.

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