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My cat won't eat, is throwing up, and is very quiet. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 1 year and 8 months old

Hi, my cat is in it’s 3rd day of not eating, she drank water about 4 times today when I brought the bowl up to her mouth. I noticed yesterday she had vomited yellow foam. She is very quiet and has t really moved from the sofa or my knee. I set her on the floor to see if she would follow me but she didn’t move, I’ve trued this a few times, she did walk from one room to another last night but hasn’t done this today . She isn’t in good form at all and is getting thin

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 25th, 2018

Cody needs to see a vet immediately. When cats don't eat for at least three days, they will develop a fatty liver which is fatal without treatment. She hasn't eaten for three days, and is now in danger of developing a fatty liver. It's also concerning she has vomited and gotten thin. She has to have veterinary care now, there is nothing you can do for her at home. Please take her into a vet immediately.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on October 25th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Vomiting can be caused by many conditions primarily gastrointestinal in nature such gastroenteritis and gastrointestinal foreign body ingestion and obstruction or other conditions such as pancreatitis or kidney disease. I am afraid that Ghost can start becoming dehydrated. Not eating for a cat can be detrimental to their health. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Likely diagnostics to be performed include abdominal imaging and general bloodwork. Treatment would be dependent on findings. Good luck and have a great day!

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on October 13th, 2018

    Unfortunately vomiting and lethargy are very vague symptoms of multiple issues. GI upset, illness, organ issues, pain, obstructions, parasites, food allergies, functional issues, etc can all be potential causes of both vomiting and lethargy. If Dante doesn't improve after a day, continues to vomit and can't keep anything down, or seems to worsen, seeking veterinary care is best to get him feeling better ASAP.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 11th, 2016

    Poor Snape! He could have a foreign body, a severe GI illness, or may have eaten something rotten. It becomes very serious when a cat doesn't eat for more than three days, as it can cause them to have a fatty liver, so he needs to be seen by a vet before three days pass. If you cannot get him into a vet tonight, then he needs to be seen by one first thing in the morning so the cause of the vomiting can be diagnosed and treated.

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