Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 10/1/2008

Question
Have you ever heard of a cat that suddenly stops eating/drinking and vomits, gets weaker and weaker....then dies?  The vet can't find anything wrong.  Do cats sometimes just give up on living and make a decision to die?  We are on our 3rd cat that is doing this.  Any ideas?

Answer
Marianne -

Usually when cats do the things you describe they are  ill, not necessarily wanting to die.  It is strange that the doctor could not find anything wrong with this happening to three cats.  Since the cats refuse food and water, bloodwork will show results consistent with dehydration and possibly gastritis. Several diseases can present with anorexia, nausea, etc.,  but cats will not just decide to die unless they are extremely sick or severely depressed.

Cats are stoic creatures that can be great at hiding illness.  Often cat owners do not know that their pet is ill until the disease process is advanced; if we wait too long, it may be too late to help their pet and the animal passes away or is euthanized.  Is it possible that your cats were sick and you were not aware that they were ill?

If there are are certain circumstances such as the loss of an owner, loss of another pet in the household, or excessive stress in the household, then cats do respond emotionally by refusing food.  With circumstances such as the above, it is not uncommon for a cat to respond in such a manner.  

Cats that are happy and healthy do not usually just make a decision to die; something usually precipitates such a sign of depression.  Consult with your veterinarian to determine what may have caused your cats to refuse food.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM