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My senior cat is not eating, hiding, in pain, and not using litter.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Turkish Van | Female | spayed | 10 lbs

Suddenly, my 12 year old cat is not eating, hiding, loss of appetite, has not used the the bathroom, meowing and hissing loudly in pain. I recently changed her litter box and litter, but she has been using the the bathroom. Please help!!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Lauren Jones VMD

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on March 17th, 2017

It certainly sounds as though Grey is not feeling well! Inappetance, hiding and vocalization can indicate a number of underlying conditions, but hyperthyroidism is at the top of the list. I recommend taking Grey to her vet for an exam and lab testing (CBC, chemistry, T4/thyroid hormone, urinalysis) to get to the bottom of things. Cats can develop hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) when the stop eating, so her condition is fairly urgent.
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