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My cat is lethargic, not eating or drinking for 3 days. What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat has not been eating, and is drinking very little water. She is very lethargic. It's been about 3 days! She has no vomiting or diarrhea.

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura E. McRae

Veterinary Technician

Published on February 24th, 2015

Your cat really needs to be seen by a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. She is likely dehydrated from not eating or drinking well and will require subcutaneous or intravenous fluids. Because she hasn't been eating, she is also at risk of developing a condition called hepatic lipodosis. This disease is the most common cause of metabolic liver failure.

At home encourage your cat to eat by offering highly palatable food, such as fish-flavored canned cat food or Stage 1 strained chicken or turkey baby food (no onions or garlic). If necessary, gently open her mouth and place a small amount of moist food on her tongue. Watch to see if she swallows it. If she does, place a couple more dollops of food on her tongue, then encourage her to eat a bit on her own.

26Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Paula Simons
Veterinarian
This is an emergency situation as lack of appetite in cats can be life threatening even after a few days. Please have her seen by a veterinarian asap.
21Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Tomasz Wnuk
Veterinarian
Published on May 6th, 2018
Lethargy and lack of appetite are common symptoms in many diseases in cats, so it is very hard to say what is going on without seeing and examinng Tony. Drooling could be a sign of nausea or pain but again, drooling is seen in many diseases. As this has been going on for 24hrs now, you should take your cat to your vet. Your vet may recommend a blood test or scan/x-ray to make the definitve diagnosis. For now, you should try and offer Tony his favourite food and water and if he refuses that, you may have to syringe some water into his mouth to avoid dehydration.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Tomasz Wnuk
Veterinarian
Published on November 26th, 2014
These sounds worrying.If cat is not eating for more then 72 hours hepatic lipidosis(liver damage) can develop and also after two days of not drinking your cat must be dehydrated by now.You should take your cat to the vet for examination and proper treatment.
63Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ann Dion, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 19th, 2017
Hello. I am sorry that Randi isn't feeling well. Cat's that are lethargic, not wanting to eat and drink and are vomiting, are very very sick. It sounds like Randi might be dehydrated, and requires medical attention. The cause of the vomiting and lethargy could be due to a gastritis, something stuck in her stomach, or a problem with her organs. I would get her to a vet as soon as you can today. Best of luck with Randi.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My cat is licking lips, lethargic, not eating or drinking. What to do?

Your cat needs to be seen by a vet as soon as possible for an exam and labwork so that he can be treated for his ailment right away. Not eating is a serious matter in cats. They cannot go more than a few days without eating or they risk liver damage. Your cat needs to be seen by your vet for an exam and bloodwork to determine the cause for your cat’s loss of appetite. Based on the findings, your vet will be able to give you a clearer picture of what is going on with your cat and be able to offer you treatment options. Try enticing your pet to eat with beef or chicken baby food that does not contain onion or garlic powder. Onion and garlic causes anemia. Warm it in the microwave for a few seconds. Stir it with your finger first to make sure there are no hot spots and that it isn't too hot. This makes it more aromatic and appealing to your pet. Wetting dry food or mixing wet food with low sodium chicken broth, also warmed, might entice your pet to eat. Some cats like to be petted while they eat, some want to be left alone. You'll know your cat's habits and be able to act accordingly.

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My 4-month kitten is lethargic and hasn't eaten in 2 days. Emergency?

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