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My cat is throwing up yellow, lethargic, and can't walk. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Male | neutered | 15 lbs

Cat is lathric,was throwing up yellow liquid, is usually real active, now just laying there, can't seem to walk

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on May 24th, 2018

Oh dear! I'm sorry to hear that Puppycat is sick. Unfortunately, this sounds like a serious problem. There are many things that can cause vomiting and lethargy, so it's hard to say what might be wrong without being able to examine him and run some tests. He may have a GI problem such as pancreatitis or an intestinal obstruction, a systemic illness like liver or kidney disease, a urethral obstruction (this is common in neutered males), or may have ingested something toxic.

This does sound like it may be a life-threatening problem, so I would recommend taking Puppycat to an emergency clinic tonight to be seen. The veterinarian there can do blood work and x-rays if needed to help diagnose the problem and get him started on appropriate treatment.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on August 16th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Vomiting and lethargy can be observed with conditions such as gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, dietary indiscretion, gastrointestinal foreign body ingestion and obstruction, among other possibilities. For this reason, I highly recommend that you have Hazy evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment as soon as possible as I am afraid she is likely becoming dehydrated. They would be able to check for these possibilities and also check her hydration status and give her medications to make her feel better. Good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 23rd, 2019
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Leo. I recommend that he sees a veterinarian. There are many causes of vomiting. It is worrisome that he refuses to eat or drink. Depending on his exam findings, he may need need blood work and x-rays of his belly to determine why he is vomiting. Based on these results, treatment can be started. He may need fluids if he has become dehydrated. Cats can actually develop liver disease if they go too long without eating. So he should be seen soon. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My cat is throwing up yellow liquid. Do I need to see a vet?

It sounds as your cat 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.

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My 5-week-old kitten is lethargic, throwing up, and can't walk well.

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My cat threw up, now lethargic, not eating. Is it an emergency?

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