Some Of The Signs That Your Cat Isn’t Grooming Themselves As Well As They Usually Do Are As Follows:
- A greasy, unkempt coat
- The coat may appear less shiny
- An increase in dandruff
In many instances, there is not just one change that stands out. Rather, there are several subtle changes. Keep a close eye on your cat, and consult with their veterinarian if you begin noticing changes in their appearance.
What Causes A Cat To Be Lethargic
In short, almost any health condition can lead to lethargy in cats, including:
Some of these problems, like cancer, are more common as pets get older, but lethargy can strike cats at any age. Kittens and seniors tend to have fewer reserves and be a bit more fragile than adults in their prime, so lethargy may develop more quickly or be more severe in the very young or very old.
If your kitten or senior cat becomes lethargic, contact your veterinarian right away.
Symptoms Of Sudden Lethargy In Cats
A cat experiencing sudden lethargy might stop grooming themselves, so the coat may appear unkempt.
A lethargic cat stops behaving normally. They do not want to walk around, play, or jump up on furniture. They just want to stay, lying down, in one place. They do not react normally when you speak to them or try to interact with them. As well as this altered behavior, affected cats normally also have a significantly reduced appetite, refusing to eat normally.
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.
Importantly, lethargy is different to being tired or sleepy. Lethargic cats they will not wake up and return to normal if you call their name and engage with them. They stay profoundly sleepy, unresponsive, and inactive. In the longer term, they may suffer other signs including weakness and weight loss, depending on the underlying cause.
Other symptoms or signs that may be noticed at the same time include panting, coughing, sneezing, weight changes, increased thirst, vomiting, or diarrhea.
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Your Cat Is Acting Weird Because Shes Stressed
She hates change more than the most neurotic person you know, and since you moved, shes been in full-blown fight-or-flight mode. Your new apartment is smaller, and all of your furniture is different. You also just started a full-time job, so shes alone most of the day. Stress might be one of the reasons behind a cat acting weird.
How to help: Disrupt your cats routine as little as possible by keeping her in a separate room with her toys, litter box, food and bed while you pack and move. Then keep her in a safe room at your new place while you unpack and rearrange. Being surrounded by familiar items and smells will help her feel more at home. Additionally, before starting a new job, ease your cat into the routine by leaving her alone for increasing intervals each day and showering her with treats and attention when you return.
Symptoms Of A Sick Cat
Cats, like many animals, are remarkably good at hiding their discomfort when they are ill. In fact, signs of illness may not be obvious until your cat is feeling very unwell. That’s why it’s important to visit your Bartlett vet as soon as possible if you notice any of the following signs or symptoms:
- Constricted or dilated pupils
- No inclination to play or appearing lethargic
- Much less or much more vocal than usual
- Sudden changes in appetite, drinking, or eating habits
- Noticeable weight loss or gain
- Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
- Neglecting grooming or over-grooming
- Improper use of litter box
- Limping or injuries
- Discharge from eyes or nose
- Hair loss or skin irritation
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Some Common Causes Of Illness In Cats
The symptoms listed above are all signs that your cat may be sick. Here are a few common illnesses that cats can develop:
- The sudden appearance of litter box issues could indicate anything from a urinary tract infection to bladder stones or kidney disease.
- A sudden increased appetite could be an indication of diabetes, hyperthyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease or even intestinal cancer.
- If your cat is drinking far more water than usual, it could be a sign that your cat is suffering from kidney disease, thyroid problems, or diabetes.
- Upper respiratory infections can cause breathing problems and reduce your cat’s enthusiasm for activities and play.
- Injuries and arthritis can result in a drop-off in your cats acrobatic activities.
- Bad breath in cats is a strong sign that your cat may be suffering from periodontal disease or experiencing tooth pain. If left untreated, dental disease in cats can lead to more serious issues such as heart, liver and kidney conditions.
What Things Should I Look For
Cats that are ill will usually show changes in overall appearance, energy level, sociability, coat appearance and/or amount of shedding, appetite, litterbox usage, breathing, or discharges from the eyes or nose. In general, any sudden change should alert you that your cat needs veterinary attention.
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When Your Cats Not Eating
Any cat that has not eaten anything in over 24 hours should be seen by a vet. Not eating is a life-threatening situation for a cat. There are many reasons why a cat might refuse food dental pain, pancreatitis, urinary obstruction, intestinal blockage, upper respiratory infection, and many more.
Try these methods to stimulate your cats appetite. If your cat starts eating, he or she probably had a non-threatening upset stomach or was just feeling unwell. Any time your cat refuses to eat for more than a day, he needs to go to the vet. First, to determine whats causing your cat to stop eating, but also because cats can develop hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver disease, by not eating. Untreated, hepatic lipidosis can result in liver failure and death, so it must be aggressively treated by your veterinarian.
Have A Pet First Aid Kit:
Many people already have a first aid kit at home for themselves, but you should create one for your cat, too! Its always a good idea to have these items on hand and ready, should you have to deal with an emergency at home:
Digital Thermometer to measure your cats temperatureBenadryl for allergic reactionsCat-Safe Shampoo in case kitty has any dangerous or toxic substance on her fur that needs to be washed offCat Carrier to safely transport your cat to the vet if needed
Remember, you know your cat best! So, any time you believe your feline friend is unwell, never be afraid to talk to your vet. Cats are notorious for hiding illnesses. By paying close attention to your kittys symptoms and any changes in behavior, you can be the best advocate for your cats health.
Has your cat ever experienced any of these symptoms? How was it treated? Tell us below, so other pet parents can learn from your experience!
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Why Does My Cat Suddenly Act Frightened And Hide
Well, your cat is probably afraid. The question isof what?
First, let’s talk about medical issues.
A cat may actually try to hide away from pain. In fact, many owners of outdoor cats have noticed how their cats wander off and hide under a bush when the time comes for them to die. Watch for other signs that your cat may be in pain and talk to your veterinarian if you suspect Kitty may be ill.
Once you rule out health issues, it’s time to look for whatever it was that scared your cat. Sometimes the answer is easy. A new pet, a visitor, fireworks outside, or even seeing a strange feral cat through the window can send a timid cat into hiding.
What to do if your cat is suddenly hiding?
The key here is to figure out what’s bothering your cat and address the cause of the fear. Never force a cat out of his or her hiding place. Find out what’s bothering her and fix the issue. Follow the steps in this guide:How To Get A Cat To Come Out Of Hiding?
What To Do If Your Cat Just Seems Off
Let me fill you in on a little veterinary secret — we use the term ADR for Aint Doin Right quite commonly in our field. We do this because a lot of dogs and cats will be brought in by their pet guardian for general vague signs of malaise — or what we fondly call ADR.
So what does this mean, and how can you tell if something is truly wrong with your cat? When in doubt, trust your gut instinct.
What are some of the signs of ADR?Here is a general list of ADR signs that warrant a trip to your veterinarian practice. :
- Excessive tearing, rubbing or abnormal discharge from the eyes
- Malodorous smell
- Feeling warm or cold to the touch
- Not using the litter box for more than 24 hours
- Making multiple trips to the litter box
- Straining to urinate
- Excessive grooming of the perineal region
- Crying out in pain or acting painful
- Change in hair coat
- Not being able to move, dragging the back legs, or acting suddenly paralyzed
Any of these signs may represent serious medical conditions.
What tests might your veterinarian recommend if your cat ADR?
- Serologic testing for infectious disease
- X-rays may be suggested. If x-rays are abnormal, then an abdominal ultrasound or echocardiogram may be necessary at a specialty clinic.
If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian — they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.
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What Changes In Sociability Or Energy Level Would Indicate That My Cat Might Be Sick
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. The only thing you may notice is that your cat sleeps more, does not play as much, or is restless. With some diseases, especially hyperthyroidism, your cats energy level may actually seem to increase to the point of hyperactivity. Cats with hyperthyroidism often are restless at night and may suddenly begin howling or waking family members up.
“As a general rule, cats that are sick will have lower energy levels.”
Cats with arthritis or other joint problems may have difficulty moving around and may no longer jump up on furniture or counters, or may change the way they jump onto higher surfaces. If your cat suddenly is unable to use its back legs, she should be seen by your veterinarian immediately.
What Are Normal Behavior Changes In Aging Cats
Just like humans, cats slow down with age. Many will experience some decrease in sensory abilities. They don’t hear and see like they used to and might display their version of “senior moments”.
Fortunately, most cats do not become senile and can enjoy their golden years. In terms of behavior, they may “slow down” a little but should remain active and in good health.
Some aging cats may experience a known as FCD or Feline Cognitive Dysfunction.
Cats suffering from FCD present deficiencies in hearing, vision, general awareness of their environment, memory, and ability to learn. FCD can disturb normal sleeping patterns, reduce activity, and disorient cats at times. In some cases, older cats with FCD forget where their litter box is located and urinate or defecate outside the litter box. Unusual aggressive behavior can also emerge in typically mellow cats as their confusion and memory loss increase.
Signs a cat is having episodes of disorientation include:
- Getting lost in a familiar environment
- Fixating/staring at an object
Let’s explore various scenarios to learn more.
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Why Is My Cat Suddenly Lethargic And Weak
If you have noticed your cat is acting lethargic all of a sudden and potentially shows some of the accompanying symptoms above, something likely is wrong with them. However, you must know precisely what is wrong with your cat so that you can help them get better.
Lethargy is a symptom of a huge range of medical conditions some are minor and need little to no help from you, whereas others are serious and potentially life-threatening.
As such, I have split this section into three: common minor problems common serious conditions and rarer serious conditions.
What To Do If Your Cat Is Lethargic
If your cat is lethargic, take them to a veterinarian who can identify the underlying cause of their lethargy.
If you notice that your cat is laying around more than normal, not playing when they normally do, seems depressed or tired, or is otherwise showing signs of illness, you should contact your veterinarian right away for an appointment to have your cat examined.
After a thorough history discussing your cats health and habits and a full physical exam, the vet might recommend diagnostic tests such as bloodwork or X-rays to determine the cause of lethargy.
If the lethargy comes on suddenly, continues to get worse, or doesnt resolve on its own, then you should visit a veterinarian immediately.
It is very important to know what is normal for your cat so you can compare that to any changes you observe in their behavior.
Knowing your cats normal behavior will also help you can answer questions when your veterinarian asks you for history during your cats checkup.
Once you notice that your cat is lethargic, ensure that there is a quiet dark place for it to rest away from the hustle and bustle of the household.
Offer fresh food and water to encourage appetite. Try canned food if the cat doesnt want the dry kibble.
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Consult With Your Vet
Due to all the varying conditions that can cause lethargy, some of which are quite serious, you should take your cat to a veterinarian right away. Your veterinarian will do tests which may include the analysis of blood and urine, X-rays and more. Once the condition is diagnosed, they can proceed with a treatment plan to get your beloved feline friend back on track.
How Much Sleep Is Healthy For A Cat
Your cat can sleep from anywhere to 15 to 20 hours a day. Theres a reason why the phrase cat nap exists, after all!It sounds like a pretty sweet way to live. But its actually because domesticated cats evolved as predators in the wild. Ever noticed that lions on nature shows on TV are often shown lying around?
Thats because theyre saving their energy for chasing down those gazelles. Or probably small birds, mice and voles in your cats case. When you pair that with a cats crepuscular sleeping pattern , you can see why it might seem like your cat spends a lot of time in bed or on your favourite part of the sofa. Yet theres nothing unhealthy about that for them.Knowing your cat and their routine will be key here. The real important bit of knowledge youll need to figure out whether you have a lethargic cat on your hands is whether theyre sleeping more than usual.
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How Do Vets Treat Lethargic Cats
Treatment for lethargy in cats is directed at finding and resolving the underlying cause. To make a diagnosis, your veterinarian will start by taking a thorough health history and performing a complete physical examination. Basic lab work will often be needed as well. This may include:
-
Complete blood cell count
What Is Sudden Lethargy
A cat experiencing sudden lethargy will lie around much of the day and show little interest in playing.
Sudden lethargy is a situation where a cat suddenly loses energy and interest in life. The definition of lethargy is a lack of energy and enthusiasm, or to use a medical definition, lethargy is a pathological state of sleepiness or deep unresponsiveness and inactivity. When a cat develops this condition, its a clear sign that something is seriously amiss.
Cats that are lethargic seem depressed and very tired, sleeping far more than normal, and not doing much else. They may also appear weak. Lethargic cats may not want to get up to use the litter box and can act sick in other ways, as well.
Lethargy in cats can have varying degrees, including:
- Mild lethargy: The cat isnt as interested in playing or being as active normal.
- Moderate lethargy: The cat seems very tired and disinterested, and wont play or engage with you at all.
- Severe lethargy: The cat doesnt even want to move and may refuse to lift up their head.
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Why Has My Cat Stopped Using The Litter Box
There are many possible reasons for a cat to stop using the litter box. Generally speaking, they belong to one of three groups –
And yes, it can be a combination of reasons.
More often than not, there is a medical problem that’s keeping the cat away from the box. Without solving that issue, you won’t be able to re-train Kitty to use the box again.
Read more on how to figure out what’s keeping your cat away from the litter box and how to solve the problem:How To Solve Litterbox Problems In Cats: The Ultimate Guide