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My cat fell off the exam table. Why is he hiding and not eating?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Male | unneutered | 3.2 lbs

Chance has been recovering from Scabies, ear mites, and a URI since I rescued him a week ago. During a check up, he tumbled off the exam table to the floor. After that he would stay curled up in a ball in his litter box and would only eat if the food was beside him there. I took him to his vet who says nothing appears broken or too painful, and that he walked for them. Could he just be sore? Mad at me? Internal injury? I'm really perplexed. I'm getting him home today from an overnight stay.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jacqueline Nobles, DVM, DACVECC

Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist

Published on January 20th, 2018

Hello,
Chance certainly could be sore but we cannot rule out the possibility of a fracture or even internal injuries (less likely). I would evaluate him when you pick him up. If he is eating, drinking and eliminating normally, I would just continue to monitor him at home. In the event, he is not leaving the litterbox, limping, not eating or eliminating, I would advise you to have chance evaluated by a veterinarian.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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