When to take a lethargic cat to the vet?
Just like us, cats can occasionally feel lethargic but if they are acting like this for an extended period of time and they are also refusing to eat or drink then this calls for an emergency visit to the vet. Here are the most common reasons for cats that are low in energy and also experiencing a change in eating or drinking behavior.
Why is my lethargic cat not eating anything?
I’m in tears because I can’t stand knowing he’s in pain and how he was so sweet yesterday morning and so expressive and lively and now he’s completely the opposite. If you have an emergency vet available, I think I’d get him in asap – not wait until tomorrow.
What should I do if my cat won’t eat?
Not eating is a serious matter in cats. They cannot go more than a… Our cat will not eat or drink and she is lethargic. Not eating is a serious matter in cats. They cannot go more than a few days without eating or they risk liver damage. Your cat needs to be seen by your vet right away for an exam and bloodwork to…
Why is my 5 year old cat so lethargic?
My 5 year old male cat was fine yesterday morning. However something must have taken effect overnight. This morning he is completely lethargic. He won’t get up from his spot and keeps sleeping. He seems almost lifeless and barely responsive.
Why is my lethargic cat not eating or drinking?
Feline leukemia, kidney or liver disorders, pancreatitis, or anemia can weaken the cat and deter it from eating. When a lethargic cat refuses to eat or drink, this is of serious concern and should be addressed by a vet immediately.
What does it mean when a cat won’t eat?
When a cat will not eat and is lethargic, it can signify a serious problem, according to WebMD, and can be caused by illness, as a side effect of a recent vaccination, traveling to unfamiliar surroundings or even due to a psychological problem or being finicky.
What does it mean when a kitten is lethargic?
Young cats and kittens are normally hugely playful, with abundant energy, so when a kitten becomes lethargic it is a cause of concern. As cats age, their energy slows down. They tend to sleep more and enjoy the good things in life, such as sun bathing and watching the world go by.
What makes an older cat tired and lethargic?
Older cats are prone to chronic kidney disease or failure. This disease is a progressive loss of kidney function and often cats appear weak, frail, or tired and sometimes vomit, drink more than normal, or urinate more than normal. Liver and gall bladder diseases can also make cats sick and lethargic.
Lethargy is a symptom of cats with ketoacidosis, which occurs in advanced cases of diabetes. If your cat has diabetes and becomes extremely lethargic, take him or her to the veterinarian immediately as this requires treatment right away.
Can a lethargic cat be diagnosed with depression?
Cats with depression are known to become lethargic and show hiding and avoidant behaviors. Any type of cat can suffer from depression although senior cats are particularly at risk. A veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist can help diagnose depression in your cat and prescribe medication and a behavior modification plan to treat this condition.
Why does my cat have a lot of lethargy?
If the lethargy has been going on for a while, they might show signs of weight loss or have muscle atrophy. There can be varying degrees of lethargy in cats. Some cats might be just mildly lethargic and aren’t as interested in playing or being as active as they normally are.
Why is my cat depressed all the time?
There can be several reasons why a cat gets depressed. No matter the reason why, be sure to give it extra time and attention until its happiness level improves. If pain is the culprit, then take your cat to the veterinarian. Illnesses can cause your cat to not feel well and even possibly be in pain.
Cats with depression are known to become lethargic and show hiding and avoidant behaviors. Any type of cat can suffer from depression although senior cats are particularly at risk. A veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist can help diagnose depression in your cat and prescribe medication and a behavior modification plan to treat this condition.
Why is my cat so lethargic all the time?
Depression: Fear, painful memories, and the loss of a loved one are just some things that could cause your cat to become depressed and appear lethargic. Diabetes: Diabetes causes loss of glucose and poses challenges with getting adequate food and water, which may make your cat lethargic.
There can be several reasons why a cat gets depressed. No matter the reason why, be sure to give it extra time and attention until its happiness level improves. If pain is the culprit, then take your cat to the veterinarian. Illnesses can cause your cat to not feel well and even possibly be in pain.
Is there a cure for a lethargic cat?
Unfortunately, there is no cure available for rabies but regular vaccinations can help prevent the deadly disease. Cats with lethargy can also be suffering from a behavioral issue rather than, or in conjunction with, a medical cause. Cats with depression are known to become lethargic and show hiding and avoidant behaviors.
What causes a cat to be lethargic at night?
Less common but serious conditions that could cause lethargy in your cat are: Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical upon presentation of a lethargic cat. Diagnosis is complicated as there are many possible causes of lethargy in cats which range from mild to severe, as lethargy is a symptom of most illnesses and disorders.
What to do for a lethargic cat with arthritis?
Cats with arthritis and other muscular-skeletal trauma and inflammation will become lethargic if their pain level is high enough. Your veterinarian can prescribe pain relievers such as Tramadol, a type of steroid called prednisone, and possibly some alternative therapies like acupuncture, massage, and heat packs.
Why is my cat so tired all the time?
When young active cats reach their senior or geriatric years, they tend to become slower and less active in general due to arthritis, muscle loss, and other normal aging changes. How do you know if you have a lethargic cat or just a tired one?
Why does my cat feel lethargic all the time?
It could be something mild or something as serious as kidney failure and pancreatitis. Don’t delay and get a diagnosis from the vet. Your vet may have already warned you on this but cats can also feel lethargic after they receive a vaccination. This is a side effect that will happen to some cats.
When to take your cat to the vet for drooling?
If your cat suddenly starts drooling when she never did before, it’s a cause for concern. Additionally, if you find your cat drooling, but it stops pretty quickly and Fluffy is otherwise acting normal, there’s no need to rush to the vet.
How is my cat doing in the morning?
This morning he is completely lethargic. He won’t get up from his spot and keeps sleeping. He seems almost lifeless and barely responsive. I would set him on his feet to have a feel of his ribs and stomach, checked his limbs, mouth, ears and they seem fine ( from what I can).
What causes lethargy in cats and what to do about it?
Other more serious conditions that are common in cats and cause lethargy are: Diabetes. Viral infections such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or feline leukemia virus (FeLV) Bacterial infection. Abscesses from bites by other cats. Musculoskeletal injury. Heartworm. Anemia.
What should I do if my cat has salivation?
Special diets may need to be followed to help alleviate these organ problems. To remove a foreign body causing salivation, the cat may need to be sedated. Certain cases may require surgery. If surgery has been part of your cat’s treatment, you will need to follow all at-home care guidelines provided by the veterinarian.
This morning he is completely lethargic. He won’t get up from his spot and keeps sleeping. He seems almost lifeless and barely responsive. I would set him on his feet to have a feel of his ribs and stomach, checked his limbs, mouth, ears and they seem fine ( from what I can).
Why does my cat have a hard time swallowing?
“If the cat can’t swallow, excess saliva flows out of the mouth.”. Oral pain has a myriad of causes. It can be the result of anything from dental disease and mouth sores, to a tumor caused by oral cancer or problems with the tongue.
Why is my cat not eating or drinking?
My cat, Tom, is lethargic, breathing heavily while laying down, won’t eat or drink water, and is shedding more fur than usual. What should I do?
I’m in tears because I can’t stand knowing he’s in pain and how he was so sweet yesterday morning and so expressive and lively and now he’s completely the opposite. If you have an emergency vet available, I think I’d get him in asap – not wait until tomorrow.
Not eating is a serious matter in cats. They cannot go more than a… Our cat will not eat or drink and she is lethargic. Not eating is a serious matter in cats. They cannot go more than a few days without eating or they risk liver damage. Your cat needs to be seen by your vet right away for an exam and bloodwork to…
What are the symptoms of a lethargic cat?
A lethargic cat will have an extended period of weakness, depression, or lack of energy. Even after a nice long nap or relaxing sunbathe, these cats will continue to be tired and not as active as they normally are. Cats with lethargy are sick and typically there are other warning signs that something is wrong.
Why is my female cat not eating or drinking?
Female cat is suddenly sick. Vomiting, not eating, lethargy. These signs could be just dietary related or compatible with a gastrointestinal inflammation/infection. I would suggest to withhold food for the next 8-12 hours and then start feeding with a bland…
What happens if your cat stops eating food?
Regardless of the reason, it’s a major concern if your cat stops eating. If you have an obese cat that’s stopped eating, it can quickly develop hepatic lipidosis by going without food for a few days. This disease is often referred to as fatty liver disease or fatty liver syndrome and it can be fatal if left untreated.
Why is my cat all of a sudden lethargic?
She is wobbly and was walking extremely slow -seems like her balance is off. Her eyes are also very droopy and she just looks miserable. She is now laying down and won’t move for anything. She didn’t eat her dinner and I haven’t seen her drink any water either.
Why is my cat vomiting and not eating?
A foreign body stuck in your cat is then referred to as an obstruction. An obstruction won’t let food pass through the digestive tract and therefore your cat may vomit, then most likely stop eating. Some foreign bodies can pass through your cat’s system, simply causing some vomiting and diarrhea, but also a lack of appetite.
What causes a lethargic cat to stop eating?
Cat with dental disease or infections might stop eating, become lethargic, have bad breath, have difficulty chewing, and may grind or chatter their teeth. There are several different neurologic diseases that can affect cats from spinal cord injuries to seizures.
Just like us, cats can occasionally feel lethargic but if they are acting like this for an extended period of time and they are also refusing to eat or drink then this calls for an emergency visit to the vet. Here are the most common reasons for cats that are low in energy and also experiencing a change in eating or drinking behavior.
Why does my Cat stop eating and drinking?
Accompanying gingivitis and stomatitis can make for a painful mouth and sensitivity when eating or drinking. Cat with dental disease or infections might stop eating, become lethargic, have bad breath, have difficulty chewing, and may grind or chatter their teeth.
When is it time to let your cat go?
Sometimes a dying cat will experience serious gastrointestinal near the end of their life. Whether it’s due to a chronic medical condition or not, these symptoms can cause a serious drop in their overall health. If your cat is experiencing chronic vomiting or diarrhea in their old age, it may be time to let them go.
What to do for a lethargic cat at home?
Provide the cat with plenty of enrichment such as toys, laser, playtime, scratching posts, cat trees, cat grass, etc. Try veterinary recommended cat-specific pheromones or calming supplements. Remove any sources of stress that can be removed.
Where does a lethargic cat hide in the House?
Many lethargic cats will hide in a quiet dark place such as under the bed or in a closet. They tend to prefer areas away from people and other pets. Lethargy is not a form of illness itself. Instead, it is usually a symptom of a health condition.
Cat with dental disease or infections might stop eating, become lethargic, have bad breath, have difficulty chewing, and may grind or chatter their teeth. There are several different neurologic diseases that can affect cats from spinal cord injuries to seizures.
What to do if your cat won’t eat for days?
An intense surgery or injury treatment, which could take days to perform, could make your beloved cat lethargic and not want to eat anything. So, for the purpose of helping him speedily regain his health, you can feed him nutritional gels available at any pet store.
Is it bad to force a sick cat to eat?
Trying to force your cat to eat is detrimental to their needs at the time, and probably a source of irritability for them. A healthy cat can survive for many weeks without food. This may not be ideal, but I am just trying to ensure people caring for a sick cat get their priorities right. It’s more important to focus on the ‘why’ it happened.
Is it normal for a cat to not eat or drink?
Yes, it certainly sounds like she’s sick – shaking is often a sign of pain or discomfort in cats, and not eating or drinking is also a very non-specific sign of illness. Unfortunately,…
Trying to force your cat to eat is detrimental to their needs at the time, and probably a source of irritability for them. A healthy cat can survive for many weeks without food. This may not be ideal, but I am just trying to ensure people caring for a sick cat get their priorities right. It’s more important to focus on the ‘why’ it happened.
What are the symptoms of lethargy in cats?
Symptoms of lethargy in cats are abnormal sleepiness, low energy, and lack of response to surroundings. Lethargy is not a condition or disease in itself, but can be a sign that something is wrong with your cat. Lethargy is a symptom in itself and is characterized primarily by the following:
What causes a cat to be weak and lethargic?
Cats with end-stage cancer are characteristically weak, depressed, and often won’t eat or drink on their own. Urinary Issues. There are several types of urinary tract diseases that afflict cats. Urinary tract infections, cystitis, urethral blockages, and urinary bladder stones are all lower urinary tract diseases that can cause lethargy in cats.
Many lethargic cats will hide in a quiet dark place such as under the bed or in a closet. They tend to prefer areas away from people and other pets. Lethargy is not a form of illness itself. Instead, it is usually a symptom of a health condition.
Why do outdoor cats have the shortest lifespan?
Cats that live outdoors have the shortest lifespan, due to exposure to toxins, trauma, animal attacks, and infectious diseases. While this trend is a generalization, there are outdoor-only cats with good genes that are provided with a nutritious diet and veterinary care that have very long lifespans.
Is there such a thing as lethargy in cats?
Lethargy is a symptom in itself and is characterized primarily by the following: In addition, there may be specific symptoms present that are indicative of a specific medical disease or condition. Cats sleep a lot by nature, however, excessive sleep or inactivity could be a sign of illness.
Cats that live outdoors have the shortest lifespan, due to exposure to toxins, trauma, animal attacks, and infectious diseases. While this trend is a generalization, there are outdoor-only cats with good genes that are provided with a nutritious diet and veterinary care that have very long lifespans.
Disorders of the heart and lungs make it harder for a cat to breathe and effectively pump blood to the rest of the body which results in lethargy. Your veterinarian may prescribe medications to treat. Lethargy is a symptom of cats with ketoacidosis, which occurs in advanced cases of diabetes.
What should you expect from a 16 year old cat?
By now your cat is noticeably less active than she used to be. She might avoid some activities she used to enjoy, perhaps because she has lost interest, or because they cause her discomfort. As cats age, sometimes they become more aggressive, overreacting to loud or strange sounds or new people.
What causes a cat to be lethargic all the time?
Obesity. Infection with a minor common virus such as cat flu. Other more serious conditions that are common in cats and cause lethargy are: Diabetes. Viral infections such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or feline leukemia virus (FeLV) Bacterial infection.
How old is a 16 year old cat?
By age 16 your cat’s physical and mental development is very much like that of an 80-year-old person. She has definitely slowed down physically (relative to her prime adult years)and may have developed a number of health problems.
Can a veterinarian diagnose a lethargic cat?
Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical upon presentation of a lethargic cat. Diagnosis is complicated as there are many possible causes of lethargy in cats which range from mild to severe, as lethargy is a symptom of most illnesses and disorders.
Is there a cure for lethargy in cats?
Diagnosis is complicated as there are many possible causes of lethargy in cats which range from mild to severe, as lethargy is a symptom of most illnesses and disorders. Your veterinarian will require a complete medical history of your cat including detailed description of symptoms in order to narrow down a possible cause.
Neurologic and Neuromuscular Disorders Cats with disorders affecting their nervous system, such as motor neuron disease, feline dysautonomia and neuropathy, will display weakness and lethargy. Treatment depends on the type of disorder but can involve supplements and supportive care if the cat becomes unable to move on its own.
Why does my male cat keep spraying the House?
Spraying can be unhygienic, and gives a really bad odor. Male cats also rub their scent to announce their territories. Spraying in home can also be due to kidney ailments, or urinary tract infections. Hence, if your cat is spraying indoors, it is better to take him to a vet immediately.
What is the most serious emergency a cat can have?
This has the potential to be a symptom of one of the most serious cat emergencies any feline faces: urinary obstruction. This condition, which is fatal if not treated, occurs when cats are unable to urinate.
Why do cats hide the signs of illness?
Therefore, cats have evolved to hide signs of illness. This means that in the early stages of illness, often the only thing that a cat owner may notice is that the cat has become quiet and withdrawn. Unfortunately, this also means a cat may be very sick before the owner realizes something is wrong.