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My cat still won't eat/drink after vet visit for fever. What now?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 10 years old | 10 lbs

My cat won't eat or drink. He's lethargic and low energy. His breathing is heavy and he's not using the bathroom normally. I brought him to the vet and they said he has a fever of 104. They out him on antibiotics and it's been a day. He still won't eat or drink anything. What do I do?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 8th, 2019

You need to take Mittens back into a vet immediately. He sounds very sick, and it's quite serious when an older cat won't eat and drink. It sounds like he may need hospitalization at this point. Please take him into a vet now.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 20th, 2018

    Ari is such a handsome boy, but I'm sorry he's been so sick lately! It will take some time for the antibiotic shot to take effect, and you should see improvement of signs within 24 hours. His fever may not have gone all the way down yet, and that could be why he's still breathing fast, not eating, or drinking. It could also be that he's in pain from the abscess, as that can lead to increased respiratory rate and as well as a decrease in appetite and drinking. He did have some fluids today, so you don't need to be worried about dehydration just yet. I would take him temperature rectally. A cat's normal temperature is between 101-102.5F, and if it's above 103F, I would take him back into a vet tonight. Otherwise, monitor him. Try to tempt him to eat with some gently warmed smelly wet food such as sardine or fish based. You can also try offering him some boiled white meat chicken (no bones). If by 1pm tomorrow he's still acting this way with no improvement, and still isn't eating or drinking, then I would take him back into the vet. Hopefully with time, you will see some improvement. Good luck, I hope this helps and thank you for contacting Pet Coach!

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