My cat won't eat and is hiding, but still purrs. What should I do?

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!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This does sound like relatively abnormal for Piper, and can be caused by many things because it is so nonspecific. Loss of appetite can be caused by general pain, intestinal issues such as a foreign body or parasites, and infections. I recommend keeping a close eye on Piper, if you are concerned that his energy and appetite are low, there is valid reason for him to be seen by his vet. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any other questions you may have!

It sounds like he should be examined by a vet to rule out a medical problem. He could have an infection, parasite, metabolic, and/or endocrine disease and your vet can run blood work to help diagnose and the determine if treatment is needed. Hope he feels better soon!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This may be due to discomfort of some sort and that may be why he is not eating as well. I would recommend you consider going to your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They can then check for these and other possibilities so that hopefully therapy can be used accordingly. Best of luck!

If Major had not been urinating or had been in and out of the litter box a lot then it’s possible he could have a urinating blockage which is an emergency. If he is urinating normally but not eating I would still recommend a vet visit tomorrow. Hiding is something cats do when sick. There are any number of things that could have an older cat not feeling well including dental disease, renal disease or other organ dysfunction. I hope Major is better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is in fact a concerning sign in cats as inappetence can be observed with conditions such as pancreatitis, kidney disease (most likely chronic in nature), dietary indiscretion and diabetes, just to mention a few possibilities. Cats can develop serious illness when they stop eating. This is known as hepatic lipidosis which is directly related to anorexia. I recommend that if Nutmeg is not eating by tomorrow morning, to have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. General labwork and thoracic/abdominal imaging may be recommended for work-up. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

This is concerning and it could be a sign that Basey has a medical problem causing a decrease in appetite. Dental disease, kidney disease, or gastrointestinal problems like IBD or pancreatitis could cause a decrease in appetite. I'd recommend having your vet examine him - they might recommend checking some blood work to start.