What causes a cat to be weak and lethargic?
Anaemia is a low number of red blood cells – red blood cells transport oxygen around the body. Anaemia can cause your cat to feel weak and lethargic. Stress in cats can lead to many health issues and can cause them to withdraw. Cats are quite prone to stress. Heart problems lead to poor circulation and often causes lethargy.
What are the symptoms of loss of balance in cats?
Symptoms and Types 1 Weakness of the limbs. 2 Tilting head to one side. 3 Trouble hearing – non-responsive to being called to at normal voice pitch. 4 Stumbling, tipping over, swaying. 5 Excessive drowsiness or stupor. 6 (more items)
What are the symptoms of cat not being able to walk?
Its other symptoms include: 1 Lack of appetite 2 Weight loss 3 Diarrhea 4 Fever 5 Salivation 6 Loss of vision 7 Jaundice
What causes the loss of coordination in cats?
Ataxia, Vestibular Disease in Cats. All three types produce changes in limb coordination, but vestibular and cerebellar ataxia also produce changes in head and neck movement. Ataxia, in general, is a condition relating to a sensory dysfunction that produces loss of coordination of the limbs, head, and/or trunk.
What causes lethargy and weakness in felines?
Eye Discharge, Lethargy & Weakness in Felines 1 Common Respiratory Diseases. The two most common respiratory diseases in cats are calicivirus and feline rhinotracheitis virus, otherwise known as FRV or herpes. 2 FRV/Herpes. 3 Calicivirus. 4 Treatment. 5 Complications.
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.
Why does my kitten have weakness in her eyes?
If your kitten is lethargic and walking funny, it’s quite possible that there is a problem with her eyes. There can be a few reasons for a cat or kitten being lethargic and not being able to find her way around very well, but if these symptoms are accompanied by eye discharge and weakness or possibly other symptoms, her eyes may need a checkup.
Why does my cat have weakness in his back legs?
This is because diabetes leads to kidney and even liver issues. This then causes secondary issues which lead to toxin build up in the blood and then results in the cat being lethargic and having weakness in their back legs. A low blood sugar can lead to weakness–this could be due to lack of nutrition or secondary to disease.
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.
Why is my 12 year old cat lethargic?
My 12 year old cat is lethargic and back legs are wobbly took her to emergency hospital and they ran blood work and urine and said her levels were ok for her age and said i needed to take her to her vet. I took her to her vet and he did an ultra sound on her stomach area and ran blood work for her thyroid .
What to do if your cat is all of a sudden lethargic?
The safe thing is of course to contact a good vet ASAP. At the very latest in the morning. Preferably a good clinic, not a part time, free time practictioner. How much you dare or must to wait depends on your circumstances.
Why does my cat have a hard time jumping?
The Veterinary Journal explains that a cat’s sense of balance is linked directly to its vestibular system. If your cat has an ear infection, usually caused by mites, its balance will almost certainly suffer. This will make jumping difficult or even impossible. Your cat will struggle with landings and lose all confidence in jumping.
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.
Why does my cat not jump on anything?
Your cat will need to live sedately – jumping will sadly be out of the question. In extreme cases, a vet may consider a hip replacement. If your cat cannot jump, it could be because it cannot see. Many older cats experience deterioration in their eyesight.
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).
Why does my cat have weakness in her back legs?
Diabetic cats will experience weakness in their hind legs as the disease develops due to diabetic neuropathy. When a cat becomes hyperglycaemic, she experiences glucose toxicity. This, in turn, damages myelin. Myelin is a fatty substance that protects the nerves around your cat’s legs.
Why does my cat have a hard time walking?
My cat can’t walk straight. There are numerous causes which can explain your cat having trouble walking or standing. In older cats, you may notice that they stop climbing heights.This is often a a sign of pain, often caused by a degenerative process such as osteoarthritis in cats.
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 old cat have weakness in his hind legs?
If your old cat has experienced sudden-onset weakness in its hind legs, there can be a serious medical cause for this.
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 to know if your cat is having problems?
16 Symptoms You Should Never Ignore in Your Cat 1 Not Eating or Loss of Appetite. 2 Trouble Urinating. 3 Losing Weight. 4 Breathing Problems. 5 Jaundice. 6 Urinating and Drinking Excessively. 7 Lethargy or Weakness. 8 Pale Gums. 9 Fever. 10 Seizure.
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.
Is it true that my cat is weak?
My cat is very weak. He hasn’t moved much in the last 48 hours. He will drink a little chicken soup. He is not vomiting We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our cookie policy unless you have disabled them.
Why is my cat losing so much weight?
The cycle continues and the liver gets into more trouble. Often, in older, overweight cats an underlying problem like cholangiohepatitis (an inflammation of the liver and bile ducts) could have been the initial reason for the loss of appetite.
What causes a cat to lose its balance?
Causes of Loss of Balance in Cats. There is not always a known cause to vestibular disease, but the following problems can play a part in this condition: Middle-ear or inner ear infections. Disease or injury of the spinal cord. Damage or disease of the central nervous system. Neurological disorders. Cancer.
Diabetic cats will experience weakness in their hind legs as the disease develops due to diabetic neuropathy. When a cat becomes hyperglycaemic, she experiences glucose toxicity. This, in turn, damages myelin. Myelin is a fatty substance that protects the nerves around your cat’s legs.
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.
Why does my cat have trouble standing up?
Once you notice your cat is having trouble standing up, it is important to watch for the other signs of vestibular disease. A cat who is suffering from loss of balance may also display the following symptoms: The symptoms of vestibular disease may be related to another condition, such as an inner ear infection or head trauma.
Why does my cat sleep for 16 hours a day?
Cats save energy for hunting which means they often sleep for 12-16 hours a day (or more). However, if your cat is sleeping more than usual it could be a sign that something is wrong. Lethargy can be caused by many different conditions ranging from a simple cat bite abscess to more serious problems such as kidney disease, diabetes or poisoning.
When to take your cat to the vet for lethargy?
Lethargy is a symptom that can be caused by many different problems, some minor and some more serious. Contact your vet if they have been lethargic for more than 24 hours or book an urgent appointment if they are severely lethargic. Cats save energy for hunting which means they often sleep for 12-16 hours a day (or more).
Why is my cat so scared of everything all of a sudden?
Most are rational, but some are less so. Common things that cats are afraid of include: Any of these can trigger a frightened response in a cat. This is not good for the pet or owner. A nervous cat is frequently an aggressive cat. Anxiety takes its toll on cats.
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.
What causes a cat to not be able to walk?
If a cat has bone cancer in its back leg, this will gradually affect its ability to walk. Lameness in one leg is the most obvious symptom. This results in an awkward gait, and reluctance to put weight on the leg. Bone cancer in a cat’s spine or skull can also affect its movement.
When do you Know Your Cat is in trouble?
Check them regularly, and you’ll get a sense of what they look like normally. If you suspect your cat is sick and the gums are pale, grey, blue or bright red, then your cat most likely is in trouble (although you should be aware that your cat might still be in trouble even if the gums are their normal pink color).
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…
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 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?
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.
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 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 should I do if my cat has an urinary tract infection?
With proper treatment, a urinary tract infection will usually resolve itself within a week. However, it can recur, so it’s good to watch out for the symptoms and take some steps to help prevent another bout: Add more canned food to your cat’s diet to help increase water intake.
What to do if your cat is lethargic?
If you suspect your cat is lethargic because of a gastrointestinal problem it is best that you have your cat examined by your veterinarian right away. Urinary/Kidney Disease – Urinary tract and kidney disease are relatively common in the cat. Lethargy is a common sign associated with these disorders.
Can a feline UTI be a recurrent infection?
Veterinarians will often prescribe antibiotics for feline UTIs and it is important to remember that you must complete the full dose prescribed, even after the symptoms have subsided. Failing to do so can cause recurrent urinary tract infections with bacteria that is more resistant to treatment.
Can a cat have an urinary tract infection?
Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, can develop in any pet. Some cats are naturally more likely to develop UTIs, like male cats, overweight cats, or cats with diabetes. However, the infections can affect any cat throughout its lifetime. A UTI affects the cat’s urinary (peeing) system.
If you suspect your cat is lethargic because of a gastrointestinal problem it is best that you have your cat examined by your veterinarian right away. Urinary/Kidney Disease – Urinary tract and kidney disease are relatively common in the cat. Lethargy is a common sign associated with these disorders.
How can you tell if your cat has a UTI?
There are several important signs that something could be wrong with a cat’s urinary tract, including the possibility of a UTI. These signs include: Frequently passing small amounts of urine. Straining to urinate. Blood in the urine. Crying out or whining while urinating. Urinating inappropriately (e.g., throughout the house)
Why is my old cat not eating anything?
Your old cat may not be able to eat because his teeth are aging and it will end up with his kibbles being too hard to chew.
What should I do if my 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.
What should I do if my cat is not eating or drinking?
My cat is lethargic and not eating or drinking. What should I do? These sounds worrying.If cat is not eating for more then 72 hours hepatic lipidosis (liver damage) can develop and also after two days of not drinking your cat must be dehydrated by now.You should take your cat to the vet for examination and proper treatment. Was this answer helpful?
Why has my Old Cat stopped eating?
Though any cat can develop kidney problems, kidney disease is more common in older cats and it frequently causes a cat to stop eating. One of the primary symptoms of kidney disease in cats is nausea, though this condition may also cause your cat to become lethargic and he may lose weight.
What to do when your cat won’t eat?
While there are many potential reasons for a cat to refuse food, here are some simple tricks you can try to tempt their appetite: Give them some canned/wet food (the stinkier the better — try seafood varieties) Give them some meat baby food. Add some water from a can of tuna or anchovies to their food.
How long can a cat go without food?
Cats can survive without food for as long as three weeks, provided they have access to water. However, if they’re not drinking water either, they probably won’t survive longer than three days.
How long can a sick cat go without eating and drinking?
A cat can live up to two weeks without eating as long as she is still drinking water. But if the cat is also not drinking water, she won’t live for more than a few days. And also remember not eating for a day or two can have a negative and permanent damage that may plague them for the rest of their lives.
How old is a 15 year old cat?
But other times that’s not how it happens. Consider a cat I treated several weeks ago. She was 15 years old. The owner reported that she had seemed perfectly fine — except for drinking more water than usual — up until two days before she was brought in.
Its other symptoms include: 1 Lack of appetite 2 Weight loss 3 Diarrhea 4 Fever 5 Salivation 6 Loss of vision 7 Jaundice
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.
But other times that’s not how it happens. Consider a cat I treated several weeks ago. She was 15 years old. The owner reported that she had seemed perfectly fine — except for drinking more water than usual — up until two days before she was brought in.
When to worry about cat meowing indicates a medical problem?
“This is the sound made by cats in end-stage kidney disease, or with a blood clot, or in an altered mental state. It can also signal a traumatic injury, such as being hit by a car or a broken leg due to a fall. It indicates real suffering.” When to Worry About Meowing
What can be done about lethargy in cats?
Treatment of Lethargy in Cats. Treatment of lethargy will depend on the identified cause. General treatment of the symptom lethargy often includes an improved diet and supplements, such as iron supplements for anemia.
Why does my cat not jump up on things?
If you notice your cat is reluctant to jump up on things that were easy for her to reach before, or she seems to be jumping differently, there could be a medical reason. A noticeable change in the cat’s gait could also be a sign of a sick cat. Cats are generally clean animals, grooming themselves much of the time they are awake.
Why is my cat dragging on the floor?
He’s always been such an upbeat guy, tail always up with confidence. It’s heart breaking to see is dragging on the floor. His whole mannerism and the way he carries himself is different and weak. Unfortunately the vet was booked today so we’re taking him immediately tomorrow.
Treatment of Lethargy in Cats. Treatment of lethargy will depend on the identified cause. General treatment of the symptom lethargy often includes an improved diet and supplements, such as iron supplements for anemia.