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

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!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry Thomas is sick! There are many possible causes: fever, infections, ate something that upset his tummy, or not being able to pee. You didn't say how old he is but metabolic problems like kidney disease or diabetes is also possible. If his symptoms continue then have your Vet look at him tomorrow. If he isn't urinating/straining to urinate then have him seen ASAP. I wish you the best and hope Thomas feels better soon!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Mr. Fluffy! I am curious on how old Mr. Fluffy is. If he hasn't eaten well while you were gone either because he was scared or because he is suffering from a medical condition he needs to see a Vet. Cats can not go longer than 3-5 days with out eating before getting even sicker from fatty liver disease. I would take Mr. Fluffy to the emergency room today or as soon as your Vet opens Monday to have an exam and blood work ran. Check the whites of his eyes and if the whites look yellow he should go to the emergency room today. I hope this helps and I wish Mr. Fluffy a speedy recovery!

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Mittens. Abnormal behavior in a cat is often the first sign of problems. If this continues, you should have him evaluated immediately. Your vet can take a history, perform an examination, and then advise a diagnostic/treatment plan. Possible causes include pain, infection, inflammation, stress/anxiety, bite/scratch wounds if he was outside, among other things. Good luck and I hope Mittens bounces back to normal soon.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry to hear Jax hasn't been feeling well. Does he go outside? If he does, even if you can't find one right now I would be concerned that he suffered a bite of some kind, as cats can develop abscesses fairly easily when they suffer a trauma. I would be concerned by his behavior, as it does sound like there may be an underlying issue going on, such as an infection, GI upset, or an underlying medical issue (such as kidney disease or diabetes). If he doesn't perk up, start eating and getting some energy back, I would recommend he be evaluated by his regular veterinarian to determine the underlying cause for his change in behavior, have any necessary testing done (xrays, bloodwork) and start any treatment he may need to resolve it. Good luck!

Hi there, and thanks for your question on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. A decreased appetite in a young cat who's usually a good eater is definitely cause for concern. Although it's not a very specific symptom, appetite tells us a lot about how our pets are feeling, and since the decreased appetite has been going on more than 24 hours, it's time for Cash to see the vet. Hope this helps and he feels better soon!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Kong. When a cat doesn't eat, it's extremely serious. That's because if the cat goes long enough without eating (about 72 hours), they will develop a fatty liver. A fatty liver is fatal without treatment. The fact that he won't eat or use the litter box tells me he is quite sick or injured. I would consider his symptoms a medical emergency that cannot be treat at home. Please take him into a vet immediately. Best of luck.