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My cat is lethargic, not eating, vomiting. Is it an emergency?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 8 years and 5 months old | 13 lbs

9yr old male cat, 13 pounds. Was fine yesterday, today, very lethargic, moved once from living rm to closet. No food or water. He is moving around a little, and will wake up if I pet him a bit. I am planning on the vet in the morning. He threw up every night the last 3 nights, last night a hair ball came up. I'm just hoping he will be ok until tomorrow.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 26th, 2018

Poor Alvin - it sounds like he is not doing well, especially if he is lethargic and moving very little. These signs are very nonspecific and can be caused by a number of things, from an injury to a serious infection. I recommend having him seen by a vet right away. It is likely best to have him seen in an emergency clinic, most towns/cities have at least one that is open 24 hours/day. I hope all is well!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Anna M., DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 1st, 2020
Oh my, this sounds like a very sick cat. Harry needs to be seen by a vet as soon as possible. He could have pancreatitis, a foreign body, urinary obstruction ....there's a long list of possible causes, but with this degree of lethargy, vomiting, and inappetance he needs immediate vet care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on October 21st, 2017
Poor Pierre sounds quite ill at the moment! I'm quite concerned that he has eaten or drank in two days, and now he's throwing up water. He could have a severe GI illness, could have a foreign body, could have liver disease, kidney disease, or cancer causing his symptoms. When a cat doesn't eat going on 72 hours, they develop a fatty liver which is fatal without treatment. You need to avoid that, so taking Pierre into a vet now is recommended. Please take him into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on November 14th, 2016
Poor Clyde! If he isn't moving, that is serious, and I would take him into a vet right away. Normally with a GI illness, cats would still move around, but if he won't move, it makes me concerned that he may be suffering from pancreatitis, or may have a foreign body. I would take him into a vet now.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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