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Both of our indoor cats have stopped eating. One is about 8 years old, the other of uncertain age, maybe 14? They have both been throwing up, too, for about four days now. We've tried canned cat food (usually they get dry food), which tempted the older one a little, but not much. Neither seems desperately sick (still walking around), but both maybe less active than normal. If it were just one, I'd be thinking vet, but since it's both, we wonder whether it might just be a virus, and self-limiting.
Anyone with more kitty experience have ideas? Neither has seen a vet in years.
/Mr Lynn
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It's vital that you get them to the vet.
Cats are not like humans. If they go a few days without eating their livers shut down and they die.
If they've been throwing up for 4 days then they may have been poisoned. Should have gone to the vet as soon as symptoms were observed in both of them And maybe they're past it, but after a cat has thrown up a lot, s/he may develop an aversion to food. Any of these scenarios is bad.
If they're still walking around... well you can use your judgment about whether to hit a 24-hour emergency vet. I'd do it for my cat.
At the very least, you should call the vet NOW and see if you can get an emergency appointment in the morning.
In the meantime, try coaxing them with tuna-water. (The liquid from a can of tuna.)
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For cats, smell is a vital component of their food. Try warming some of the wet food in a microwave to increase its aroma. Not hot, just warm.
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Do they roam around? Maybe they get into something at the neighbor's.
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It's vet time. Cats will try to not show any signs of sickness or weakness, which fools us humans into thinking that everything will be okay. Before you know it, your cats are either dead or your vet bills are going sky high...sometimes in tandem.
Edit: I know what I am talking about...both my wife and I are community cat feeders and line of medical care for almost two dozen cats.
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If they've been throwing up for 4 days then they may have been poisoned.
It might be something non-malicious, but poisoning was my first thought, considering it's both cats.
I would have got them to a vet much sooner.
I hope this turns out well.
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Don't see how poison could be a factor—they are indoor cats. No sign that they have gotten into any household chemicals, either.
They both ate a few kibble treats tonight; not much, but more interest than yesterday. We'll see how they are in the AM.
/Mr Lynn
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The majority opinion is to take them to the vet!