Lethargy in cats
What to do
Causes
When to worry
Prevention
Diagnosis
Home treatment
Vet treatment
Risk
Other causes
Lethargy in cats
Lethargy means low energy and is a very common problem in cats. There are many different causes of lethargy in cats. Conditions that cause lethargy can range from something mild that passes quickly to more serious conditions.
Lethargy can be a symptom of almost all conditions that affect cats, so a physical exam or diagnostic tests are often needed to determine the cause. We can also describe lethargy as listlessness, tiredness, or weakness. Lethargy is a symptom that can affect cats of any age.
What to do if your cat is lethargic
There are many different causes of lethargy, and some can be very serious. If your cat suddenly becomes lethargic, try to assess the following
Check your cat for any new lumps, swellings, wounds or changes in the way they are walking
If possible, check your cat’s gums; white or yellow gums can indicate extremely serious disease
Monitor your cat carefully to assess if they are drinking or peeing more than normal
Check your cat for any weight loss
Monitor carefully for any changes to your cat's appetite, stool or vomiting
Tooth abscesses often appear as a swelling on the face
Speak to a vet as soon as possible if your cat is lethargic. Our Joii Vets are available 24 hours a day for advice.
Most common causes of lethargy in cats
There are a vast number of causes of lethargy in cats; the following list are some of the most common
Infections, such as Cat flu, urinary infections or a Cat bite abscess
Heart disease
Hormonal diseases, such as diabetes and Hyperthyroidism
Neoplasia (cancer)
When you should be worried about lethargy in cats
Seek help from a vet if
Your cat is drinking excessively
You have any questions about prescription medications
Your cat is constantly vomiting
Your cat is losing weight
Call us and speak to one of our Joii Vets if
Your cat has been lethargic for less than 24 hours
You are unsure if your cat is in pain
Your cat has developed a new lump and you are unsure what to do
Your cat has mild vomiting or diarrhoea
Tips on how to prevent lethargy in cats
There are so many different causes of lethargy, and not all are preventable. Read the following tips to help protect your cat wherever possible.
Make sure your cat is up to date with their yearly vaccinations
Protect your cat against ticks, mites and other parasites using regular preventatives
Neuter your cat to reduce the risk of fighting and cat bite abscesses
Don’t feed fatty snacks and keep your cat on good quality, balanced cat food
Do not leave medications or human food in areas where your cat can reach them.
If you travel abroad with your cat, make sure to keep up with vaccines and parasite preventatives and avoid contact with stray or wild animals. Constant supervision is advised when abroad.
Avoid sudden changes in your cat’s routine and environment to reduce stress.
Keep your cat in a healthy body condition and use joint supplements to help balance arthritic changes
How to know if your cat is lethargic
Lethargy is a very vague symptom and may not be noticed right away. Cats normally sleep between 12-14 hours a day. You may notice your cat is not quite their normal selves. Other symptoms include
Reluctant to go outside
Slower than normal when walking
Hiding, not seeking attention
Not interested in normal activities
Sleeping more than normal
Not reacting when called or patted
How to treat a lethargic cat at home
It is important to speak to a vet if your cat is lethargic. A vet will be able to help you decide if they need a physical exam and diagnostic tests or if it is ok to monitor at home. Our Joii vets are available 24 hours a day for advice.
Encourage your cat to drink water to reduce the chance of dehydration developing
Allow them to rest in a quiet, shaded and comfortable area of the home
Encourage your cat to eat. Heating up their food slightly can help, or small meals of bland food may be advised.
Monitor carefully for any changes in their appetite, any vomiting, or any changes to their stools.
A physical exam will usually be advised if the lethargy is severe or not improved after 24 hours
Vet treatment for lethargy in cats
A physical exam will help your vet narrow down some of the causes of lethargy. This includes
Taking their temperature
Feeling for any pain in their tummy
Checking their lymph nodes
Listening to their heart and lungs, and measuring their heart rate.
It’s important to let your vet know if your cat has ever been abroad, been in contact with anything abnormal (such as human medications), or had any other recent changes. Further diagnostic tests may include
Blood and urine tests
Biopsy or surgical removal of any abnormal lumps
Imaging: x-rays, ultrasound, CT, or MRI.
Vet treatment for lethargy will depend on the cause and may include
Hospitalisation for monitoring, intravenous fluids and injectable medications
A course of antibiotics
Anti-inflammatory medication to help with pain and fever if present
Pain relief medications
Tummy protectants
Surgery or more specific medications may be required, depending on the cause of the lethargy.
Are some cats more at risk of lethargy than others?
Any age, breed, or sex of dog can develop lethargy.
Outdoor and unneutered male cats are more prone to cat bite abscesses
Cats that are not vaccinated have a much higher risk of illness from different infectious causes of lethargy, such as cat flu and leukaemia.
Cats that are not covered against parasites have a higher risk of Lyme disease, mange, and several others.
Arthritis, kidney disease, and neoplasia (cancer) are more common in older cats.
Heart disease is more common in the following breeds: Maine Coon, Ragdoll, British Shorthair, Persian, Siamese, Burmese, Sphinx, and Devon Rex. Different types of heart disease can affect these breeds and can occur at different ages.
Cats that have been abroad are more at risk of rabies, Babesia, Leishmania and several other diseases.
Other causes of lethargy in cats
Liver disease. There are many different types of liver disease in cats. It can affect cats of all ages. Along with lethargy, symptoms also include vomiting, jaundice, weight loss, and diarrhoea. Blood tests and imaging are needed for a diagnosis.
Dental disease
Certain medications, such as antihistamines, steroids, and anxiety treatments.
Recent vaccinations, especially primary course as kitten
Poisons, such as rat bait, xylitol (sweetener), chocolate, and grapes.
Obesity
Anaemia. This is a condition where there is a lack of red blood cells. There are many different types and causes of anaemia. Some are easy to treat, and others are much more serious. Other symptoms include weight loss, reduced appetite, and pale gums. Blood tests and imaging are usually required to diagnose the different causes.
Skin diseases: Mange, Food allergies, atopy (environmental allergies), Flea allergy.
Infections: Feline immunodeficiency virus, Feline leukaemia virus, Lyme disease, Leishmania.
