Crossword Genius

Pet perhaps needs a pick-me-up; it's not moving (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

catatonic

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'it's not moving' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'pet perhaps needs a pick-me-up' is the wordplay.
'pet perhaps' becomes 'cat' (cats are often kept as pets. I am not sure about the 'perhaps' bit.).
'needs' says to put letters next to each other.
'pick-me-up' becomes 'tonic' (I've seen this in another clue).
'cat'+'a'+'tonic'='CATATONIC'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for catatonic that I've seen before include "In a state of stupor - cat in coat (anag)" , "unresponsive" , "In a stupefied state" , "Senseless, not moving" , "Unable to move" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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