My senior cat is lethargic, won't eat, and has diarrhea. What's wrong?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Persian | Male | neutered | 11 years and 3 months old | 10 lbs
My 11 year old Persian cat has become very lethargic within the last 24 hours. He will not eat or drink but has had a BM, diarrhea and peed. I have an appt tomorrow at 10:20 am, he is currently sleeping. What could this be?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 11th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Loss of appetite and diarrhea can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have Otto 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 good night! Hoping for a speedy recovery!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on August 28th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Loss of appetite can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. The concern is that if she is not drinking water, she will become dehydrated. If this continues, I recommend that you have Mitzie reevaluated 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!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 8th, 2016
You can try offering a bland diet (1:1 ratio of plain boiled boneless chicken and plain white rice) in small, frequent amounts. Serve it warm or mix in a teaspoon of baby food to stimulate Roxy's appetite. An exam and blood work with your veterinarian is strongly recommended given her age and condition. Discuss payment plans with your vet as well as alternative financing such as Care Credit (www.carecredit.com). You may also be able to get financial assistance from Red Rover (www.redrover.org).
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on January 17th, 2019
I'm so sorry Tooter isn't feeling well. My first thought in a senior cat with weight loss and inappetence and lethargy would be possibly kidney failure, or cancer. Hyperthyroidism or diabetes would also be considerations, and it could also be that she has severe dental disease that makes it painful to eat. Ideally, take her to your vet. He or she will do a thorough physical exam and likely will recommend running some bloodwork to see whats going on. At home, offer her plenty of water, keep fresh water available in multiple sources throughout the house within easy reach. Offer her a variety of foods, soft canned food, kibble, tuna, etc. Having said that, the only way to get an answer as to what is causing it (and whether or not you can do anything to treat it) is to take her to your vet. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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