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Why is my cat lethargic, not eating, and has a gunky eye? Stress?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 5 years and 11 months old

My cat has become lethargic and off food, still drinking water though, since our other cat has been and come back from the vet post a partial tail amputation. We believed it was stress due to the sudden change, but she has also developed a "gunky" eye and though she seems to have improved some, is still not herself.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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

Veterinarian

Published on March 28th, 2017

These signs are quite generic indeed and could be all related to a stress event (as you suggested). Discharge from eye could be related either to a localized conjunctivitis or to a more extended upper respiratory tract infection/inflammation. Usually viral diseases like herpes or calicivirus are involved.
Inappetence could be related to an infection or generalised status of stress as well.
A check up and physical examination would be needed to understand if all these signs might be related or not and give appropriate treatment.
Unfortunately it is difficult to be more specific at this stage.
Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation (where you can post pictures ) if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 14th, 2020
So sorry that your cat is sick. There are many possible conditions that could cause the clinical signs that your cat is experiencing including an infection, parasite, kidney disease, liver disease, hyperthyroidism, cancer, etc. He should be examined by a vet for a work-up to determine the cause. Your vet can run lab-work and take x-rays to help diagnose and then determine the best way to treat. Please call your vet and schedule an appointment.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on January 31st, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Loss of appetite and lethargy can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have Siri evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and others depending on the findings on exam. They can also check her eyes to see if she has something like conjunctivitis which could explain her eye discharge. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a great day! Hoping for a speedy recovery!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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