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My old cat stopped eating, hiding, and not using litter box. Help!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 15 lbs

My cat is 15-17 yrs old and she stopped eating on Tuesday also not using litter box...for the last month she's been hiding..I know she's on her last life..suggestions

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lauren Celestin, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Dentistry Resident

Published on August 4th, 2017

I'm so sorry to hear that Miss Kitty is not feeling well. Ideally Miss Kitty should be seen by a veterinarian for diagnostics and/or supportive care. When cats stop eating it is usually a sign that they are very ill. If Miss Kitty is not urinating/defecting at all that is also very concerning and should be further investigated by a veterinarian. She could be experiencing illness related to her kidney's, which is very common in cats.

The most important thing is Miss Kitty's comfort and quality of life. I think having her examined by a veterinarian will answer those questions and help you make the best decisions for Miss Kitty moving forward.

In the interim you can try to get Miss Kitty to eat something. At this point she can have anything that she is willing to eat (i.e. chicken, tuna, any canned wet food). Usually the smellier the food the more enticing it is for cats. Some other tricks are to offer warmed up a canned food or offering baby food. You just want to make sure the food is not piping hot and just warm. If you offer baby food be sure that the flavor you get does not have onions in it.

Hopefully this helps and I hope Miss Kitty feels better soon.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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