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When is a lethargic cat a cause for concern?

When is a lethargic cat a cause for concern?

When is a lethargic cat a cause for concern, and when could it indicate a larger health problem for your cat? The cause of your cat lethargy can be as simple and benign as plain old boredom, however, such listlessness could also signal disease, and it is in every cat owners interest to know the signs.

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.

Can a lethargic dog be a problem?

Even healthy dogs and cats can appear lethargic, according to Boston Veterinary Clinic owner Dr. Brian Bourquin, any increased signs of inactivity in your pet can be indicative of a larger problem.

What happens if a cat has a hairball?

It can also decrease a cat’s appetite. Hairballs: If your cat is having more trouble with hairballs than normal, such that they’re unable to dislodge the hairball, they may seem depressed or lethargic, or show a disinterest in food.

When to call the vet if your dog is lethargic?

“If your pet is abnormally calm and quiet, you need to think he’s sick,” Williams says. That doesn’t necessarily mean he is sick, but the first step you have to take if your dog is acting lethargic for more than a day is to call the vet.

When is a lethargic cat a cause for concern, and when could it indicate a larger health problem for your cat? The cause of your cat lethargy can be as simple and benign as plain old boredom, however, such listlessness could also signal disease, and it is in every cat owners interest to know the signs.

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.

How old does a cat have to be to have FCD?

The condition affects more than 55 percent of cats 11-15 years old and more than 80 percent of cats who are 16-20 years old, according to the pets section of WebMD. Cats affected with FCD might experience a range of symptoms including memory loss, decreased cognitive abilities, and sight and hearing problems.

What kind of cat is depressed and lethargic?

I have an 8-month-old sweetheart who I got from a shelter. I have always had a cat but Stella is different from any other…she actually is quite a ‘talker’…and she owns me completely! About 3 weeks ago she started to have diarrhea and became a bit lethargic, she was eating ok and using the litter box.

What are the physical ailments of an older cat?

One of the most common physical ailments that affect senior cats is reduced mobility or immobility. Often hallmarked by hind leg weakness, stiffness, balance problems, and an inability to walk without a limp, the older feline can easily fall victim to joint and muscle deterioration.

What causes a cat to die without any symptoms?

Some cat owners will simply find their cat dead without any indication of symptoms. The most common heart disease in cats is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a condition resulting in an abnormally thickened heart muscle. Feline heartworm disease can also cause sudden death.

The condition affects more than 55 percent of cats 11-15 years old and more than 80 percent of cats who are 16-20 years old, according to the pets section of WebMD. Cats affected with FCD might experience a range of symptoms including memory loss, decreased cognitive abilities, and sight and hearing problems.

What happens when a cat is sick for a long time?

Sick cats usually become withdrawn and may hide, although this does depend on the personality of the individual cat. Some cats become more clingy or demanding of attention, while others just become cranky. As a general rule, cats that are sick will have lower energy levels.

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.

What causes a lethargic kitten to have a fever?

Lethargic Kitten with Fever (FIP) FIP is caused by a coronavirus. Cosmo could have picked it up while out or from infected items. Unfortunately, there is no reliable treatment for FIP, although a few cats have been known to recover. The harm to the body from FIP comes from the reaction of antibodies and virus that develop from the infection.

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.

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.

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.

What causes depressed and lethargic cats and kittens?

Lethargy often a symptom of problems like obesity, FIP, cancer, heart disease, leukemia, diabetespneumoniaor injuriesor parasites like heartworm, lungworm, hookworm. mobile page Lethargic, Depressed Kitten Not Thriving Lethargic with Fever (FIP) Diarrhea, Lethargy.. see also: Diabetes, FleasHeart Disease, Renal Failure, Death

When to take your dog to the vet for lethargy?

Lethargy accompanies a vast majority of canine and feline medical problems, and while they might be small ones, you should immediately consult with your veterinarian as soon you observe excessive lethargy in your animal – anything more than 24 hours, Williams said.

How long does an old cat sleep in a day?

An old cat sleeps a lot, for as long as 18-20 hours a day. But they would stick to the same routine in their waking hours, whether that involves prowling, looking for food, and seeking attention before getting another nap.

Why does my cat sleep in a different position when she is sick?

Cat Sleeping Positions When Sick (and What They Mean!) Lethargy is a common symptom of many different feline illnesses. While senior cats will naturally want to rest longer than a young adult cat, the sleeping position that a cat assumes could be a sign of sickness.

What does it mean when a cat is sleeping in a tight ball?

In the mind of a cat, pain is a sign of weakness. If your cat is sleeping curled in a tight ball, look more closely. If the cat displays any of these physical traits, it is in pain. The resting position is an attempt at relieving this problem: Loud purring is another warning sign.

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.

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.

An old cat sleeps a lot, for as long as 18-20 hours a day. But they would stick to the same routine in their waking hours, whether that involves prowling, looking for food, and seeking attention before getting another nap.

Cat Sleeping Positions When Sick (and What They Mean!) Lethargy is a common symptom of many different feline illnesses. While senior cats will naturally want to rest longer than a young adult cat, the sleeping position that a cat assumes could be a sign of sickness.

When do you Know Your Cat is not feeling well?

Changes in Activity. According to The Cat Hospital, if you notice a change in your cat’s activity level, either an increase or a decrease, it may be an indication the cat is not feeling well.

What should I do if my cat doesn’t eat for a week?

Keeping some things familiar will make her feel more secure. Be sure to change her water frequently and make sure that she is drinking. If your cat hasn’t eaten for a few days, call your vet to ask for advice. It may take your cat a week or two to adjust. Be patient.

Why does my new cat not come out at night?

Some cats are particularly frightened, and she may retreat to her hidey hole and not come out when you’re around at all. She may only come out at night when the house is quiet. Give her time. Your newly adopted cat may not eat much or at all at first.

When is your cat is lethargic should you worry?

The reason you have a lethargic cat depends on so many factors, there is no one answer. Here are a few common factors that may help you decide what to do. 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.

How long does it take for an old cat to die?

However, it will be the frequency and severity of these conditions that determine your cat’s overall state. The Home to Heaven pet hospice service lists several signs that indicate a cat may be within a few days to a few hours of death. These include: Geriatric cats can die from several types of medical conditions.

Changes in Activity. According to The Cat Hospital, if you notice a change in your cat’s activity level, either an increase or a decrease, it may be an indication the cat is not feeling well.

Is it normal for a child to be lethargic?

If your child is normally full of energy, showing symptoms of lethargy can make you concerned he is experiencing an underlying medical condition. While lethargy resembles fatigue, it is typically accompanied by an underlying cause beyond missing a few minutes of sleep per night.

Even healthy dogs and cats can appear lethargic, according to Boston Veterinary Clinic owner Dr. Brian Bourquin, any increased signs of inactivity in your pet can be indicative of a larger problem.

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.

What’s the difference between a tired Kitten and a lethargic kitten?

While they also require a lot of sleep, there is a noticeable difference between a kitten who is tired and a kitten that is lethargic: a lethargic kitten sleeps the whole day away, and when they aren’t sleeping, they are disinterested in playing or anything that isn’t looking for another place to fall asleep.

What to do if your kitten is lethargic?

If you find that your kitten is unusually tired do not hesitate to take him to the vet since lethargy is sometimes a result of more serious problems. Also, if you have not done so, make sure he has his initial checkup and that he gets his shots.

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 are the symptoms of a sick cat?

Increased Lethargy. Even though cats spend so much time asleep, changes in their sleeping patterns may be a sign of a medical problem. A sick cat may seem overly tired or weak, doesn’t show interest in anything, and often also exhibits other behavioral changes or a lack of interest in food and water.

Is it true that cats do not feel pain?

All cat owners know that cats only have three modes: 1) doesn’t care you exist, 2) purring cat cuddle time and 3) devil incarnate. But animal experts know that the royal fur balls put up a really good poker face and, contrary to their apparent apathy toward life, our feline friends actually do feel pain. They just don’t show it.

Is it normal for a cat to go a day without eating?

It is not normal for any individual to go a full day without eating when food is available, and not eating can be a symptom (kidney failure, complications of diabetes and intestinal obstruction) and a cause of (fatty liver) major health problems. 6. Protracted vomiting and/or diarrhea

How often should a cat with liver disease be wormed?

Adult cats should be wormed every 1-3 months, and kittens more frequently. Other signs include lethargy, lack of appetite, weight loss and increased thirst. Cats with liver disease may have a yellow discolouration to the skin/gums. Liver disease can occur alongside intestine and pancreatic disease in a complex known as ‘triaditis’.

Can a cat be a symptom of a disease?

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: In addition, there may be specific symptoms present that are indicative of a specific medical disease or condition.

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.

How to tell if your cat is dying of old age?

Telltale Signs an Old Cat Is Dying 1 Indications a Cat Is Dying of Old Age. According to the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine,… 2 Signs of Death for Specific Diseases. Geriatric cats can die from several types… 3 Treatment Considerations. The severity of your cat’s symptoms will increase during… 4 The Aging Cat. When a cat ages,…

When to bathe a cat after Cat spaying?

Don’t bathe your cat for at least 10 days and keep her indoors during the week after surgery, according to San Francisco SPCA. You may want to completely separate her from other animals for the first couple days in a secluded room to give her time to rest.

How long does it take for a female cat to act like herself after spay?

It may take a few days for your pet to act like herself again after surgery. Pretty much all female cats experience some after-effects from a spay surgery. The veterinarian must place your cat under anesthesia and make an incision of several inches along her abdomen.

What causes a cat to have a Death Rattle?

Some cats will experience a death rattle, which is caused by secretions which sit in the back of the throat, and the cat can longer shift them. Decreased heart rate: Circulation changes cause the cat’s heartbeat becomes slower and fainter; the skin and mucus membranes can become mottled.

“If your pet is abnormally calm and quiet, you need to think he’s sick,” Williams says. That doesn’t necessarily mean he is sick, but the first step you have to take if your dog is acting lethargic for more than a day is to call the vet.

Where does a lethargic cat go when its sick?

Cats with lethargy are sick and typically there are other warning signs that something is wrong. 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.

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.

How long does it take a cat to die without breathing?

This is the most urgent emergency any individual — cat, dog or human— can face. Death occurs after three minutes without breathing, so cats with breathing difficulties are on the edge of disaster. Breathing problems in cats can be hard to recognize at first.

What to do if your cat is lethargic after a bite?

Obesity: The right combination of diet and exercise can help your cat combat obesity—and the accompanying low energy levels. Rabies: The third and final stage of rabies, before death, is called the paralytic stage—occurring usually a week after a bite from an infected animal, and can look similar to lethargy.

Do you feel guilty if your cat doesn’t show symptoms?

But owners should not feel guilty if they fail to recognize these subtleties — cats don’t come with warning labels, and a person who doesn’t know the symptoms can’t be expected to recognize them (and, by definition, subtle symptoms are hard to recognize).

What are the signs of a sad Cat?

Ears held back, tail tucked, hair standing on end, and other body signs are all forms of silent communication that your cat may be sad. Aggression or fear:Sad cats tend to be more reactive and act out with aggression or fearfulness.

This is the most urgent emergency any individual — cat, dog or human— can face. Death occurs after three minutes without breathing, so cats with breathing difficulties are on the edge of disaster. Breathing problems in cats can be hard to recognize at first.

But owners should not feel guilty if they fail to recognize these subtleties — cats don’t come with warning labels, and a person who doesn’t know the symptoms can’t be expected to recognize them (and, by definition, subtle symptoms are hard to recognize).

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.

What happens to a cat’s energy as they age?

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. But they will still have their moments where they may tear around the house for a few minutes, then sit down and wash themselves as if nothing had happened.

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.

Telltale Signs an Old Cat Is Dying 1 Indications a Cat Is Dying of Old Age. According to the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine,… 2 Signs of Death for Specific Diseases. Geriatric cats can die from several types… 3 Treatment Considerations. The severity of your cat’s symptoms will increase during… 4 The Aging Cat. When a cat ages,…

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.

It can also decrease a cat’s appetite. Hairballs: If your cat is having more trouble with hairballs than normal, such that they’re unable to dislodge the hairball, they may seem depressed or lethargic, or show a disinterest in food.

What happens to a cat’s temper as he ages?

Even if he has been an angel his entire life and never scratched a soul, his temper will be shorter. If you have other animals in the household, you may notice them all undergoing behavioral changes. This is because animals develop a natural pecking order, and as your cat ages, his place in that order may change.

What kind of aggression does a neutered cat have?

I have seen several cases of aggression by neutered male cats to females that takes the form of sexual aggression.

Why is my 5 year old cat not eating?

Join our community of cat lovers now to reduce ads by 90%! Click here to join for free! Not open for further replies. 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.

What are the symptoms of a cat emergency?

Symptoms to watch out for are heaving sides, breathing with the mouth open, coughing, wheezing, abnormal respiratory noises, and the catch-all appearance of “breathing funny.” 2. Abnormal urination in male cats This has the potential to be a symptom of one of the most serious cat emergencies any feline faces: urinary obstruction.

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.

Even if he has been an angel his entire life and never scratched a soul, his temper will be shorter. If you have other animals in the household, you may notice them all undergoing behavioral changes. This is because animals develop a natural pecking order, and as your cat ages, his place in that order may change.

Symptoms to watch out for are heaving sides, breathing with the mouth open, coughing, wheezing, abnormal respiratory noises, and the catch-all appearance of “breathing funny.” 2. Abnormal urination in male cats This has the potential to be a symptom of one of the most serious cat emergencies any feline faces: urinary obstruction.