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Why is my cat weak, not eating, breathing loud, and hissing?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Ragdoll | Male | neutered | 9 years and 2 months old

Beethoven’s hind legs are extremely weak, he can’t walk at all. He’s breathing loudly and it’s irregular. He’s not eating anything, he’s not even drinking water. He got super thin and he hisses at me which he never did. I went to the vet and they gave him an enema shot even though i’m hundred percent sure he’s not constipated because i can feel his stomach and it’s empty. What does this means? And what should i do?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Elizabeth

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on June 6, 2019

I recommend to get a second opinion. Beethoven’s weakness is a sign of a serious illness. Make sure to have his blood work checked including his kidney values, electrolytes and his thyroid levels. The irregular breathing may be related to one of these conditions but it is possible something like cancer is present and causing all of the signs. Radiographs are one of the best methods to look for a tumor in the chest or abdomen. Have him examined again by a different veterinarian and make sure to ask lots of questions. Best of luck.
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