Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My cat is vomiting bile, listless, and not eating. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 9 years and 5 months old

Vomiting bile then solids. One further episode of vomiting. Cat listless and not eating

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 29th, 2017

Poor Wee One. From what you're describing, she needs to see a veterinarian. It's a little hard to tell, but in her picture she looks thin and like she may have muscle loss. I'm concerned about kidney disease, diabetes, IBD, endocrine disease such as hyperthroidism, and liver/gallbladder issues. Really in cats, most issues would cause the symptoms you're seeing. Wee one's vet will likely run blood work, take some x-rays, and possibly recommend and abdominal ultrasound. If your regular vet isn't able to see her today or tomorrow, I'd recommend taking her to an emergency clinic. Good luck to you and Wee one.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on January 9th, 2020
Hi, and thanks for your question.
These signs could be compatible with an inflammation infection of the gastrointestinal system and surrounding organs (like pancreas and liver). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is immediately essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics and possibly further investigations (like abdominal imaging as ultrasound or radiographs) may be needed.
Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My cat is vomiting bile, not eating, and lethargic. Is it a vet emergency?

It's really difficult to know for sure without being able to examine her. Given that she hasn't eaten for two days and is lethargic and vomiting, I have to recommend that she be seen by a vet as soon as possible. This could indicate a severe disease, or toxin ingestion. In both cases, her condition can diminish rapidly if not treated soon enough. If you have further questions or need further clarification, then you may consider having an online consult with one of our vets on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This way, you can send unlimited pictures and have a text conversation with a vet. I hope that helps and Nibbler gets better soon.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat vomited bile and won't eat, but she is drinking water. What's wrong?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I’m sorry to hear Cuppy isn’t feeling well. If she isn’t eating, I recommend taking her to a vet to find out why. Cats cannot go more than a few days without eating. They will start by doing a physical exam and will likely recommend lab work to see how her organs are functioning and the status of her red and white blood cells. They may also run a thyroid test to determine if it’s over-active. The vet may need to take radiographs of her abdomen to rule out a foreign object or other abnormalities. Once a diagnosis is made, they should be able to give her some medications to help her feel better. Good luck and kisses to Cuppy!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat is lethargic, not eating, and throwing up bile. What to do?

I can see why you are concerned about Kansas! I am worried, also. There can be many, many causes for the symptoms you see, including intestinal obstruction, diabetes, and kidney failure. I recommend that you see a vet ASAP!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Senior cat vomiting, not eating or drinking. Is it an emergency?

As your cat has not been eating for a few days now as well as not drinking, this is an emergency. Cats can get liver disease from not eating for more than 2 days and not drinking will make them dehydrated and feel even worse and less inclined to drink and eat. Vomiting bile can be a sign of chronic or acute pancreatitis. There are some diseases that will have to be ruled out (can be done easily with a blood test), such as kidney disease and hyperthyroidism and dental problems. I think taking her to an emergency clinic is definitely warranted.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my cat lethargic, vomiting, not eating, and tail whipping?

It sounds as Widget is suffering from a gastrointestinal condition, possibly an infection. it could also be due to ingestion of a foreign body material. i would recommend taking her to the vet the first chance you get, she will need to be checked first, if the vet thinks it's a simple gastrointestinal infection she will need an anti vomiting injection, antibiotics and a special food for a few days in order to get better. if the vet thinks it is more serious she will need a blood test and possibly an ultrasound in order to find out what is wrong.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat is lethargic, not eating, vomiting, and shivering. What to do?

It sounds like Kara may be pretty unwell. There are so many potential causes for her to act this way - it can be very concerning when a cat stops eating, sometimes it is due to a fever. Please take her for a veterinary exam as soon as possible to try to determine what could be wrong. Your vet may suggest tests like blood work and xrays to determine the cause of her illness. They will be able to ask you more questions to narrow down a diagnosis. Hope Kara feels better soon!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My senior cat is sick, not eating, and lethargic. Is it old age?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. If Willow did not have her blood tested when she was in for her exam I would highly recommend having the vet pull a blood sample and check to see if she has any abnormal values. Kidney disease is something we quite commonly see in older cats and this certainly could be the cause of the vomiting / decreased appetite. The sooner her blood is tested the better and the faster you will know what is going on with her. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share