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My old cat stopped eating, has black poop, worms. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 9 years and 6 months old

I have a older female cat all of sudden she has stopped eating and has not left my bed for three days except to puke or have diarrhea. Last night she pooped in my tub and I noticed it was black and stained my tub.I thought maybe she just ate something she was not supposed to but now I am seeing dark stool I looked a little closer and did see a worm.what should I do

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on October 6th, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Precious!

I think you should take Precious to the Vet today before the weekend. Three days is a long time to be sick and not be better. We don't like cats going more than 3 days with out eating. I would collect a stool sample to bring with you so the Vet can check for intestinal parasites.

Causes of vomiting, diarrhea and not eating in an older cat are: kidney and liver failure, diabetes, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), intestinal parasites, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease and cancer.

Your Vet, after their exam, will likely do blood work, check her stool for parasites and possibly take an X-ray of her belly.

I hope this helps and I wish Precious a speedy recovery!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on October 23rd, 2017
HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Milo! He is very cute!

It sounds like Milo is suffering from a bad gastro-intestinal problem. Since Milo hasn't eaten for days he needs to see at Veterinarian as soon as possible. Cats can not go many days with out eating, they can get very sick and form fatty liver syndrome.

Causes of vomiting and diarrhea in kittens: intestinal parasites, feline leukemia, feline infectious peritonitis, toxin ingestion, viral or bacterial infections, pancreatitis, food allergy or intolerance, ate something that is upsetting his stomach or an intestinal foreign body (something is stuck).

At this time the best thing for Milo is veterinary care. I hope this helps and I wish Milo a speedy recovery!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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