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My cat stopped eating and drinking. Is this a sign of a serious illness?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 14 lbs

My 7-year-old female fixed cat first stopped much eating about 2 weeks ago and began drinking more than usual. now she doesn't want to drink much. She doesn't seem to be ill. and hates her new food. Normal BMs up to 2 days ago. Hates wet food. What can I do?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 12th, 2017

I am sorry to hear about Annabelle. If she is not eating and now not drinking these are definitely signs of concern that require evaluation by a veterinarian. In particular, if she is an overweight cat (it says on your information that she is 14 pounds) then she is at risk of developing a dangerous liver condition called hepatic lipidosis if she isn't eating. There are many possible underlying causes for her symptoms, including primary GI disease (such as inflammatory bowel disease, gastritis, stomach ulcer, gi tumors, gi infection, pancreatitis, cholangiohepatitis) or disease of the liver or kidney (either of these can cause increased thirst). The vet will want to do an examination and will likely recommend bloodwork and an x-ray to try to determine the cause of her symptoms. She may need to be prescribed an appetite stimulant, and may need fluid therapy if she is dehydrated.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 20th, 2019
Hello, thank you for your question about Chloe.

Lack of appetite, weight loss, and increased thirst can be signs of many different underlying problems such as diabetes, GI disease, or a thyroid problem. I would recommend having her seen by a veterinarian so that they can examine her and discuss performing bloodwork to look for an underlying problem.

Hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on November 5th, 2017
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

How old is your cat? From the picture she looks a bit sick.

If she can not poop she may be constipated. Constipation is a symptom of something else either kidney disease or intestinal disease.

Since she isn't eating well and is drinking a lot, I recommend a Veterinary exam and full blood work. Causes of increased thirst are: kidney failure, liver disease, diabetes, cancer, hyperthyroidism (over active thyroid).

I hope this helps and I wish you both the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 10th, 2019
Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your question. I would recommend having her blood tested to ensure there are no abnormalities such as thyroid disease or diabetes. I would speak with the veterinarian again and see if you can bring her in to have her blood drawn and tested to rule out other causes. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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