Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My cat won't eat, seems depressed, and isn't playing. How can I help?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Ragdoll | Male | neutered | 2 years and 5 months old | 14 lbs

Hi. I ask again with more details. My cat used to eat 20-30 kilograms of food every month. He is very attached to the members of the family and one member is in a little depression. The cat since that moment does not eat more than 6-8 kilograms a month. He is attached much to us. What can i give to get him to eat. I am thinking to get a guineea pig to play and maybe je gets back to normal. He does not even move much, he looks depressed. Not playing with my other cat. How can i help my cat? Thx

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on September 12th, 2017

I am very sorry to hear that Kent is not himself. I completely agree that our pets form strong bonds, and pick-up on our moods and issues. There is most likely a component of that occurring here. I would suggest trying a new higher quality food brand to begin with.

There are only three pet food brands which are approved by veterinarians. These are science diet, royal canin and purina pro plan. Only these three Have undergone research to ensure they provide an adequate and nutritious diet for pets. This research is approved by veterinarians. Any other food brands may not be regulated or researched as thoroughly. For this reason I would only advise feeding one of those three.

Here is my best recommendation for a healthy food;

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=29338

If the change in food does not help increase his appetite by the end of the week I would have to advise a check-up at the veterinarian. There could be an underlying medical condition causing the changes to energy and eating habits.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My cat isn't eating or playing for days. Is he sick or depressed?

I'm so sorry to hear that Beow isn't feeling well. It is very concerning when a cat doesn't eat for more than 24 hours. I would recommend having Beow examined by a veterinarian right away. They may be able to tell you what is going on based on an examination, but more likely may need to do some blood work. Unfortunately, cats tend to become sicker the longer they do not eat and do not tend to improve without treatment, so I would recommend having him treated as soon as possible. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Beow feels better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Is my healthy, quiet kitten depressed? What can I do to help?

We certainly see depression in animals, and I have seen depression in a kitten before. However it is challenging to treat. First, at 13 ounces, your foster kitten is certainly underweight if he is 5-6 weeks old. If he has been malnourished before you got him, he may need some extra time to recover. There is some research that Omega 3 fatty acids (especially DHA) are important for brain development, so you might consider adding that to his food. I normally recommend Wellactin ( http://www.welactin.com/cat ) for cats. I have also had good luck with using Bach Flower Essences for depression in animals. They are homeopathically prepared flower essences that were developed for humans for mental issues. The most common formula is Rescue Remedy ( http://www.bachflower.com/rescue-remedy-pet/ ), but you can also design a custom formulation. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and gives you some ideas. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My cat is suddenly lethargic after a food change. Should I see a vet?

There can be many causes for the sudden change in activity level, including unhappiness with the new food flavor, pain from arthritis or another source of pain, GI upset from food allergy or dietary intolerance, anemia, constipation, infection, among many others. I would keep a close eye on his food and water intake, and monitor his bowel movements and urinations. If he is not back to himself in 48 hours, or if additional symptoms develop, he should see a vet for and exam and appropriate diagnostics.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Why won't my cat eat? Could she be sick or depressed after a change?

Hi, I personally think depression would be more transient and would have happened earlier not after settling so I would recommend to have her checked over. Hope this helps and it is nothing too serious.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My cat is withdrawn and depressed. How can I help her feel better?

I would recommend having Lilly see a veterinarian. I would want to make sure it isn't medically related and more related to having the other cats gone. If they don't see anything medically going on I would recommend making sure you are spending extra quality time with her doing things she loves and then discussing medication with your vet. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Why isn't my 10-month-old kitten eating or active for two days?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Loss of appetite can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and others depending on the findings on exam. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a great day! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My cat is sleeping more, not playing, and eating less. What's wrong?

Hello, and thank you for your question. Cats are notoriously good at hiding their signs of pain and illness. Often the only indication is a decrease in energy and appetite. Possible causes could include pancreatitis, systemic infection, gut parasites, or dental or abdominal pain. If her symptoms are not improving within the next 24 hours, I would recommend taking her to the vet. They can perform a full physical exam, checking for any areas of pain or discomfort, and check for fever and dehydration. They may recommend bloodwork and viral testing to pinpoint a diagnosis. At minimum, they can help rehydrate her if she is dehydrated, and offer medications to improve her appetite and comfort while searching for a diagnosis. In the meantime, offer her some other wet and dry food options in case she has just become picky with her food, and monitor her for any vomiting or diarrhea. I hope this helps, and that Oreo feels better soon!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share