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Why is my cat hiding, not eating, vomiting, and losing weight?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 8 lbs

Bob has not been eating lately and has been hiding in dark places. He started vomiting and he has stopped going to the bathroom. He has stopped vomiting and started going to the restroom again. He has lost a total of four pounds.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 23rd, 2019

This is very serious. Cats often hide when they are ill. Bob needs to see a vet as soon as possible. You did not mention his age so it's difficult to give you an idea of what may be going on. If he is a young cat then he may have an intestinal obstruction. In an older cat the most likely causes for vomiting, hiding, weight loss and "bathroom" issues are: kidney disease, thyroid disease, diabetes and cancer. Regardless, he needs to see a vet. You can't let him go on suffering.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi, and thanks for your question. This is a quite generic but concerning presentation. Differentials are many, from gastrointestinal diseases (infection/inflammations often dietary related) to any disease that can spread systemically (causing lethargy for example) like infection, and anything that can cause pain/discomfort. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

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