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Why is my cat sick, lethargic, and not eating or drinking?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Longhair | Male | neutered | 11 months and 29 days old | 4 lbs

My cat seems sick .lethargic .won't eat or drink just wants to lay there

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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

Veterinarian

Published on January 9th, 2020

Hi, and thanks for your question. These signs could be compatible with an inflammation infection of the gastrointestinal system and surrounding organs (like pancreas and liver). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is immediately essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics and possibly further investigations (like abdominal imaging as ultrasound or radiographs) 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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Other Answers

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 9th, 2016

    These signs of illness are too unspecific to pin point what is wrong with your kitty other than that Bliss is very ill. Unfortunately , not eating by itself is a cause for illness in cats, so it is important to get her to eat again. Please take her to your vet for an exam. Do not wait for the weekend or for this to maybe get better by itself,

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 21st, 2018

    This is very concerning and certainly a sign of illness. Your kitty could be dehydrated, could have been in a traffic accident or could just be weak from not eating and drinking. In any case she needs to be seen by a pet doctor for an exam. preferably today. Unfortunately not eating and drinking and weakness are very unspecific signs of illness, so your cat needs a hands-on exam by a veterinarian to find out what is wrong with her.

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 15th, 2017

    I hate to hear that Dahlia isn't feeling herself. There are many many different things that could be affecting her: viruses, kidney disease, liver disease, stomach ulcer, pancreatitis, pyometra, cancer, dietary indiscretion....its pretty exhaustive. Since she has been sick for more than 2 days, I would recommend to take her into the veterinarian. The doctor needs to do a physical exam, take her temperature and will likely need to run bloodwork. There are other diagnostics that may be indicated as well. Since she's not eating or drinking well, you need to be worried about dehydration setting in. If you can't get her in tonight, take her in tomorrow morning. I hope she starts feeling better soon!

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