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My cat won't eat, is lethargic, and has hard stool. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 9 lbs

Hi! My cat hasn't been eating for the last 2-3 days, and she's more sedentary than usual. At first, I thought it was because of stress. I had just taken her to visit family, and the combination of travel and a new environment stressed her out. However, now we've been home for four days, and she still isn't normal. Her stool is harder than normal, and she hasn't gone much recently. I've picked up a hairball cream because I know those can cause constipation, but should I do anything else?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Veterinarian

Published on August 15th, 2018

Hi and thanks for posting! Hard stool can certainly be an indication of constipation and while a hairball formula can help, you can also try a higher fiber diet (one that is formulated for hairball control) or just give a few teaspoons of plain canned pumpkin (not the pie filling) in her food which can help. However, if she is not eating and is acting lethargic, you may want to take her in to see a veterinarian to get checked out. Sometimes underlying health conditions such as liver or kidney disease or certain endocrine problems like diabetes can cause dehydration and can lead to harder stools and episodes of constipation as well as decreased appetite and lethargy. Certainly worth a veterinary visit if the hairball cream doesn't seem to be making a difference in her appetite or energy level. I hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Ufortunately cats actually can get very ill from not eating alone! So, because she has not eaten in 2-3 days this is very concerning. Not eating is a very unspecific sign of illness, and the fact that her stool is harder than normal is a sign that she is not drinking enough either and likely is dehydrated, which, in turn, is making her more sick again. This, by now, is an emergency and you need to take Natasha to a veterinarian for an exam and rehydration today. Ypur vet will likely want to do blood work and possibly xrays to see whether there is a major intestinal problem.

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