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Why is my cat not eating, hacking, and lethargic after a new kitten?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Ocicat | Male | neutered | 1 year and 3 months old | 12.6 lbs

Ever since I got a new kitten my 1 year old ocicat has been eating very little. Over a week progressively started hacking but nothing is coming out. Eventually he lost his voice completely and can hardly talk. I has been 9 days and I think he's getting weak from not eating because he's very lethargic. I took him to the vet and they said that this may be because of the new kitten. I separated them completely after 4 days.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Ana M, DVM

Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 2nd, 2019

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Kenji. The stress of the new kitten could have started his symptoms, but most of the time a cat will adjust to new circumstances in the amount of time you have described. If it is not stress, he may have contracted an illness from the kitten. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian again or you can consider seeking a second opinion. Bloodwork would be warranted at this point. Cats can actually develop severe liver disease if they go extended periods without eating. I hope this information helps!
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