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My cat won't eat or drink and is throwing up after moving. What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat isn't eating or drinking and is throwing up bile. I've just moved and I don't think she's taking it too well. How serious is this?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on August 15th, 2016

Poor kitty! If she is vomiting and not eating or drinking, this is a serious problem - even if the problem began because of stress, she will quickly become dehydrated if this continues. I would recommend having her examined by a vet as soon as you can - he/she can do blood work and x-rays if needed to find out what's wrong and get her started on IV fluids and other supportive care if needed.

8Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Sabina Snyder, Specialty Surgery Technician
Veterinary Technician
Cats are very tricky when it comes to not eating. They can only go for a short time before serious health concerns can arise. If it had been longer than 24 hours, then I would suggest seeing a very about this for sure.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Cats that don't eat for 2-3 days are at risk of serious liver related complications. The vomiting can lead to dehydration which will complicate matters. The stress of the move does not make things easier.

Try withholding food for 12 hours. Allow small amounts of water or unflavored PediaLyte. Resume feeding a bland diet (boiled boneless skinless chicken breasts and plain white rice) in small, frequent amounts. To get her eating, serve it warm or mix in a teaspoon of baby food. Once she's eating regularly, transition slowly to the regular diet. Pheromone products such as Feliway spray may decrease anxiety. If she doesn't start eating in the next 24 hours, have her examined by your veterinarian.
7Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Claudia Fioravanti
Veterinarian
Published on August 1st, 2018
It is best to have Peppermint checked over so that she can have some medications to feel more comfortable and understand if it is just a tummy upset or something else. I would not feed her in the meantime but just leave water down. Vomiting can be a sign of various health conditions and some can be potentially serious so it is important to see a vet. Hope this helps, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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