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sick cat

my cat hasn't eaten for 24 hours which is very unlike her,she's even refusing her favourite treats.She's also very lethargic and glassy eyed?

•   Allison Williams, DVM says:

  January 07th, 2009 at 11:04 AM

  Bring her to the veterinarian tonight or tomorrow.  Cats (unlike dogs) CANNOT go for more than 2 days without eating.  If they starve, their bodies mobilize their fat storages for energy - but instead of using the fat for energy, the fat builds up in their liver and makes them extremely sick (hepatic lipidosis).  This seems like a cat that needs medical attention.

  Cats won't ear what they can't smell (in case she has an upper respiratory infection) so try a fishy smelling canned food warmed in the microwave for 7 seconds or so.  If she still refuses to eat, I would recommend force feeding her if she is not vomiting.  Try baby food first b/c it's easy to swallow.  If she is able to keep the baby food down, you may be able to manage her for a little while at home.  I would also recommend taking his temperature at home (rectally).  Their normal temperature is between 99F and 102.8F.   Anything above 102.8F would be considered a fever and again, should be evaluated by your vet. 

   

  Again, if this doesn't resolve, I would recommend an appointment with a vet.  These are very ambiguous signs which can be related to a variety of causes ranging from a simple upper respiratoty infection, stomach ache (gastritis), to things more serious like kidney disease, liver disease, cancer or toxin exposure.  If she is to get dehyrdated (her gums will be dry/tacky), it can make her symptoms worse.  Seeing her in person is the best way to evaluate her condition so I would strongly recommend it.

  -Good Luck - A. Williams

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