My cat is lethargic, can't drink, and my other cat died. Contagious?

There are some contagious viruses such as calicivirus that can cause ulcers in the mouth along with other upper respiratory signs such as sneezing and nasal discharge. It is also possible that both cats were exposed to a toxin or something caustic that injured their mouths if they go outdoors or have access to any chemicals. If their symptoms have been present for more than 24 hours I'd recommend taking them to an emergency veterinarian. They can examine both cat's mouths to look for problems and determine whether or not they may be dehydrated from not eating or drinking.

Yes, it sounds like Sebastian is lethargic. His symptoms are non-specific, but could indicate infection, trauma leading to injury, or endocrine/autoimmune disease. I recommend that you have him seen by a veterinarian to help determine the cause of his symptoms. Your vet may recommend blood and urine testing or even imaging such as an x-ray to help determine what is going on with Sebastian.

These symptoms are definitely of concern and most likely a sign of illness and not depression. It is not any fault of yours, but he does need to see a veterinarian to determine the cause of his illness. They may recommend running bloodwork to check for signs of systemic illness such as kidney disease or infection, and may want to test his for Feline Leukemia and Feline Aids since he was an outdoor cat before he came to you.

Hello. This is very concerning because your first thought is that both kitties got into something toxic. Until proven otherwise, I truly urge you to get Momma in to your vet as soon as possible. She is not depressed. She is very sick & it would be tragic for you to lose her as well. I hope she is feeling better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Oh no, I'm so sorry that both of your cats have died recently! You are correct that they could have gotten into something toxic causing their symptoms, but unfortunately without seeing them in person, I can't say what that toxin might be. You could take their bodies into a vet for a necropsy (an autopsy for cats) which may give you some answers. If it's too late to take them in because you've already buried them, then I recommend looking out for similar symptoms in any other cats you may have at home. Should you see those symptoms again, rush them into a vet immediately for treatment. Again, I'm so sorry for your loss :-(

Your cat really needs to be seen by a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. She is likely dehydrated from not eating or drinking well and will require subcutaneous or intravenous fluids. Because she hasn't been eating, she is also at risk of developing a condition called hepatic lipodosis. This disease is the most common cause of metabolic liver failure. At home encourage your cat to eat by offering highly palatable food, such as fish-flavored canned cat food or Stage 1 strained chicken or turkey baby food (no onions or garlic). If necessary, gently open her mouth and place a small amount of moist food on her tongue. Watch to see if she swallows it. If she does, place a couple more dollops of food on her tongue, then encourage her to eat a bit on her own.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Clementine. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian, today if possible. It is worrisome that she is refusing to eat and drink normally. Depending on her age, different diseases are more likely. Kittens are prone to respiratory tract infections and as well severe GI infections. Middle age cats are more likely to develop thyroid disorders, while older cats tend to suffer kidney problems. Of course there are other possibilities as well. Blood work and urine testing are common diagnostic tests. Her veterinarian will decide on testing and treatment options based on her exam findings. I hope this information helps!