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My cat is suddenly very sick, not eating. Where can I find affordable vet help?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 4 years and 9 months old | 8 lbs

Shadow, approx. 3 yrs old cat. Excessive sudden (24 hrs) weight loss, Lethargy, weakness, excessive order even after bath. Not eating, drinking, appears wet eleven hours after bath. laying stretched out on floor with the occasional "help me meow". On disability no money for vet.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on October 31st, 2017

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It sounds like Shadow is seriously ill and would benefit from seeing a veterinarian. There is really not much you can do at home at this point. It is hard to know exactly what is going on as her clinical symptoms are a bit non-specific. However, diseases such as pancreatitis or another inflammatory or cancerous process is possible. You could consider your local humane society as they usually offer inexpensive veterinary care. At the very least they can make sure she is stable. Good luck and have a good day!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers
Veterinary Technician
Published on July 5th, 2019
Unfortunately those are very vague symptoms of illness, rather than pointing to any one thing. Vomiting, diarrhea, and refusal to eat are all signs of something ongoing such as potential GI upset, underlying illness, infections, etc, and if they continue for more than a day, should be seen by a vet to rule out more serious problems and narrow down the cause. You can try offering a bland meal of some boiled chicken, however if Oreo refuses to eat for more than a day that is considered serious and needs to be checked out.

If you're having trouble affording vet care, this site may help give you some ideas to help make it affordable, otherwise trying to find a vet in your area that can look at her if symptoms continue is best: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/having-trouble-affording-veterinary-care
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
Published on August 24th, 2017
These are indeed very serious and concerning signs and she would benefit from urgent veterinary care. Please contact your local humane society for advice on subsidized and free clinics in your area, there are many charities which are happy to help in such a situation. In the meantime try to encourage fluid intake and offer small, bland meals of cooked chicken, egg or fish
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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