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What can cause lethargy in cats and kittens?

What can cause lethargy in cats and kittens?

Lethargy in Cats & 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..

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Why do seemingly healthy Old Cats suddenly get sick and die?

As I mentioned, the early symptoms of chronic diseases are subtle and can be hard or even impossible to detect.

What to do for a lethargic kitten with a fever?

Lethargic Kitten with Fever (FIP) 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. Your best bet for now is to continue anti-viral or antibacterial treatment.

When to call the vet if your cat is vomiting?

Ingestion is usually not witnessed, partly why it’s often fatal. Call your vet immediately if you suspect ingestion. Not all foods suit all cats and any diet change should be slow, taking at least a week. It’s also thought some cats may actually be allergic to certain proteins in foods.

When to take a lethargic cat to the vet?

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.

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 are the signs of an older cat getting sick?

Increased appetite may also be a concern, especially if it comes on suddenly in an older cat. Hypothyroidism may be the explanation, but your vet will need to run tests to be sure. Increased appetite should not be ignored, even in younger cats.

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.

Why is Cosmo a depressed and lethargic cat?

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.

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.

Lethargy in Cats & 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..

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.

How old are sick kittens when they open their eyes?

Sick kittens may not right themselves when turned on their backs. They may not root and suckle normally. Their eyes may not open at the usual age of five to 14 days. They will often be smaller than their littermates.

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.

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 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.

Lethargic Kitten with Fever (FIP) 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. Your best bet for now is to continue anti-viral or antibacterial treatment.

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 early signs of fading kitten syndrome?

Preventing crises is key to reducing fatality from fading kitten syndrome. The early signs of fading kitten syndrome are subtle but often detectable. Sick kittens may not right themselves when turned on their backs. They may not root and suckle normally. Their eyes may not open at the usual age of five to 14 days.

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.

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.

Why does my 9 week old kitten feel sick?

From your post – your kitten seems to have fairly significant GI upset, nausea, and lethargy! The most likely causes for these signs in a kitten include infectious causes, inflammatory causes, or eat something they shouldnt…they are much less likely to have significant organ disease, endocrine disease, and cancer.

Can a cat’s tear ducts be a sign of sickness?

Anyone who has owned a cat knows that they get eye crusties just like the rest of us. However, sometimes the goop in their tear ducts can be a sign of a sickness on the horizon.

What are the symptoms of fading kitten syndrome?

Fading kitten syndrome is a set of symptoms that are associated with a failure to thrive in neonatal kittens. Fading kitten syndrome is not a single disease. It can have many underlying causes, many of which lead to rapidly declining health, or even death, without immediate intervention.

What to expect when you bring home a shelter cat?

Your new cat has had a rough day already, and will probably be stressed by the time you bring him home. He is most likely used to the closed environment of a shelter cage, so it would be best to keep him confined in a small safe room for the first few days, especially if there are other cats in the house.

Fading kitten syndrome is a set of symptoms that are associated with a failure to thrive in neonatal kittens. Fading kitten syndrome is not a single disease. It can have many underlying causes, many of which lead to rapidly declining health, or even death, without immediate intervention.

What should I expect from my 10 month old kitten?

Discipline will never be more important for your cat than during her teenage phase. Ignore problems at this age, and you will have a hard time changing her behavior later. Consistency is needed, but never strike or abuse your cat. Your tone of voice is the key. If your cat does not respond to your voice, don’t assume she is ignoring you.

Discipline will never be more important for your cat than during her teenage phase. Ignore problems at this age, and you will have a hard time changing her behavior later. Consistency is needed, but never strike or abuse your cat. Your tone of voice is the key. If your cat does not respond to your voice, don’t assume she is ignoring you.

When does a kitten turn into a cat?

Adrienne Kruzer, RVT, has worked with a variety of animals for over 15 years, including birds of prey, reptiles, and small mammals. Kittens quickly become cats during the last half of their first year of life, and there are some notable changes that occur.

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 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:

How old is my 4 year old cat?

My 4 year old cat is extremely active and playful. When I got home from work today she was acting like herself – ready to play. A few hours later, her behavior completely changed. She became very lethargic and sickly looking.

When does diarrhea stop in a new kitten?

Once its body adjusts to the new item, diarrhea typically stops after a couple of days of eating the new food item. If you are regularly providing different foods, treats, etc. then diarrhea may also occur regularly, especially in a kitten with a sensitive gastrointestinal tract.

From your post – your kitten seems to have fairly significant GI upset, nausea, and lethargy! The most likely causes for these signs in a kitten include infectious causes, inflammatory causes, or eat something they shouldnt…they are much less likely to have significant organ disease, endocrine disease, and cancer.

How long does it take for a kitten to get sick?

The diagnosis of sick kittens can be very challenging because kittens frequently get sick very quickly. It is not uncommon to hear about a kitten that ran around, playing, eating, and drinking normally in the morning but became horribly sick and stopped just 4 to 6 hours later.

Once its body adjusts to the new item, diarrhea typically stops after a couple of days of eating the new food item. If you are regularly providing different foods, treats, etc. then diarrhea may also occur regularly, especially in a kitten with a sensitive gastrointestinal tract.

Why does milk cause diarrhea in kittens?

Cow’s milk is a prime cause of kitten diarrhea because kittens can’t digest it. “Milk is probably the most common thing that people give to kittens that causes diarrhea. Everyone thinks that’s what they need, but it’s not. It will affect them very quickly,” says Dr. Mears. So nix the milk!

What should I do if my kitten is sick?

When kittens feel sick and lethargic, convincing them to eat can be a challenge. If your kitten is very young (less than 4 weeks of age), you can attempt to bottle feed them using a milk replacement product. Older cats may be tempted by canned or dry food.

What does it mean when a kitten is not eating?

Thomas: When a kitten suddenly has a behavior change — and especially if he’s not eating — it is often a sign that he is sick. A kitten that young should never lose his appetite. Dahlia: Lethargy (sleepiness, not playing, not being social with littermates) is also a sign of illness. The wobbliness you mention is also of concern.

What should you do if your cat is lethargic?

General treatment of the symptom lethargy often includes an improved diet and supplements , such as iron supplements for anemia. It may also include intravenous fluids or oxygen therapy if required. Rest is also prescribed for lethargic cats that require it.

Why did my kitten die so suddenly?

Thomas: The most common reason for cats to die suddenly is heart disease. Cats can develop a condition called Cardiomyopathy An acquired or inherited disease of the heart muscle which makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood to other parts of the body. . Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy A cardiovascular disease that is characterized by an abnormally thick heart muscle. causes the muscles in part of the heart to thicken and not work as well.

Why does my kitten sleep all day?

Kittens sleep even more, due to the growth hormone that is released. The number of hours a cat sleeps varies according to his lifestyle and age. Typically, cats like to sleep during the day and keep awake during nighttime; however, if your keep your cat active during the day, he will adjust to sleeping during…

Why does my kitten sleep with his tongue sticking out?

Another popular reason cats have their tongue out is just how they sleep. Sometimes when a cat falls asleep their mouth stays a little bit open and their muscles are relaxed, so their tongue might slip out and create the iconic cat sticking tongue out look.

Why is my kitten tired all the time?

But you won’t know what’s going on with your kitten until you get him to a vet for a checkup and blood test. Siouxsie: Parasites such as intestinal worms, can cause lethargy and fatigue because they eat up all the nutrients the cat gets from its food before the cat itself can get any.

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 dog so lethargic all the time?

This happens with humans all the time, so it stands to reason that prescriptions and other medications can induce side effects that leave animals lethargic, or worse. Williams said that a lot of medications can cause serious medical problems in dogs and cats, though the only symptom they might be expressing outwardly is lethargy.

Why does my cat have a fever all the time?

Fevers brought on by infections will also make your cat lethargic. There are many common viruses that affect cats like Feline Upper Respiratory Infection (FURI), Panleukopenia (FP), and Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV). Regular annual vaccinations greatly reduce the risk of your cat contracting these infections.

Is it normal for a cat to die suddenly?

As cats move into their senior years, age-related diseases become commonplace. While some cats may die very suddenly, many age-related diseases are slow and progressive and can be managed with veterinary care over a long period of time. Eventually, the cat will move into the late stages of the disease and pass into the dying phase.

My 4 year old cat is extremely active and playful. When I got home from work today she was acting like herself – ready to play. A few hours later, her behavior completely changed. She became very lethargic and sickly looking.

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.

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.

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,…

What does it mean when your cat is lethargic?

Lethargy is an indication of your cat not feeling well and could relate to a relatively minor medical condition or could be a sign of a more serious illness. Careful investigation by your veterinarian will be required to narrow down the cause.

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,…

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.

Is my kitten too aggressive?

Kittens can also become aggressive due to people. When a human plays with a kitten too roughly, such as fighting her with a hand or allowing her to bite and scratch without punishment, that kitten will start to believe that that is acceptable behavior. Teasing is also detrimental to a young cat.

Should I crate my kitten at night?

Crating a tiny kitten will keep him safe and out of trouble at night while everyone else sleeps. And crating an elderly cat who gets confused will make him feel secure and safe. If you crate your cat at night, make sure the crate is comfortable .

What to do if your kitten won’t eat anything?

It could just be an upset tummy, in which case try giving them some boiled chicken or something else mild (unseasoned rice is ok too) to help get them eating again. Again, if nothing is working, take your kitten to the vet. 7. Vomiting

Is it normal for a kitten to lose its appetite?

Loss of appetite Kittens can be picky eaters, but they should still be eaters. If you notice your kitten is not eating anything you put out for them, this could be a sign of something wrong.

How to get a depressed cat to eat?

1 Encourage him to eat by petting it while you serve the food. 2 Warm the food. Some cats prefer warmed meals. 3 Feed him tuna-flavored kitten food or something else he loves. This should get him eating pronto!

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.

Why is my 6 week old kitten so lethargic?

At 6 to 7 weeks the kitten was probably just recently weaned. You may want to extend the bottle feeding period until you are more confident she will be ok. Also, lethargy is not unusual immediately following vaccinations. However, continued lethargy can be quite serious and can result from many diseases.

What to do if your kitten stops eating?

But, if your kitten stops eating or her symptoms fail to improve, make an appointment with your veterinarian. 2. Ear mites are also extremely common in kittens, though cats of any age can be infected. These parasites are contagious to other cats and less frequently to dogs.

What to do when your cat is lethargic should you worry?

Try to ensure it is safe. If you have all these factors covered, then if your cat is lethargic, and there is no obvious reason that requires immediate attention, then give your cat some time (quiet) to see if they can heal themselves. One vet told me four days was a good bench mark to go by.

Can a kitten that young lose his appetite?

A kitten that young should never lose his appetite. Dahlia: Lethargy (sleepiness, not playing, not being social with littermates) is also a sign of illness. The wobbliness you mention is also of concern.

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.

What causes lethargy and fatigue in a kitten?

Siouxsie: Parasites such as intestinal worms, can cause lethargy and fatigue because they eat up all the nutrients the cat gets from its food before the cat itself can get any. A serious flea infestation can cause anemia in kittens, too. Thomas: So, Lisa, what you need to do is get the sick kitten to your vet and have him checked over.

A kitten that young should never lose his appetite. Dahlia: Lethargy (sleepiness, not playing, not being social with littermates) is also a sign of illness. The wobbliness you mention is also of concern.

Thomas: When a kitten suddenly has a behavior change — and especially if he’s not eating — it is often a sign that he is sick. A kitten that young should never lose his appetite. Dahlia: Lethargy (sleepiness, not playing, not being social with littermates) is also a sign of illness. The wobbliness you mention is also of concern.