Cats are known for sleeping quite a bit. In fact, many of our feline friends spend around 15 hours of their day snoozing. However, when your cat seems more lethargic than normal and is displaying various other symptoms, it could very well be an indication that it is suffering from some sort of illness.
Main Causes of Lethargy in Cats
Lethargy is a common symptom of a vast array of health issues in cats. Furthermore, although many of these issues are minor concerns, some of them can be life-threatening. Additionally, while the list of these health issues is rather extensive, some of the more common ones are listed here:
- Acute or Chronic Kidney Failure
- Feline Leukemia and Other Types of Cancer in Cats
- Various Medications
- Feline Herpes Virus and Infectious Anemia
- Improper Diet and/or Obesity
- Parasite Infestation (Internal or External) and Heartworms
- Heat Stroke
- Arthritis and Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- Poisoning ( food, plants ) and Exposure to Toxins
- Autoimmune Diseases
Common Coinciding Symptoms of Cat Lethargy
Since many health issues that can cause lethargy in cats are quite serious conditions, it is best if you are aware of some of the symptoms that are often seen alongside cat lethargy. While there are many such symptoms, you will find some of the most common coinciding symptoms listed below:
- Appetite Loss and/or Weight Loss
- Jaundice or Paleness
- Generalized Weakness
- High or Low Body Temperature
- Excessive Thirst or Dehydration
- Vomiting and/or Diarrhea With or Without Blood
- Frequent Urination or Difficulty Urinating With or Without Blood ( blood in the urine )
- Abdominal Pain and/or Swelling
- Difficulty Breathing and/or Coughing
- Seizures and/or Fainting
- Exercise Intolerance
- Loss of Coordination
- Discharge from the Eyes or Nose
- Hair Loss and/or Dull Coat
- Extreme Changes in Behavior
Diagnosis of Lethargy in Cats
Before your veterinarian will begin any treatments on your cat, you will need to provide him or her with a complete medical history of your pet. This should include any other symptoms you have noticed. After collecting your pet’s medical history, the veterinarian will then perform various tests and procedures such as those that follow:
- Thorough Physical Examination and Behavioral Assessment
- Blood Count and Biochemical Profile
- Ultrasound and/or X-rays
- Fecal Exam and/or Urinalysis
- Heartworm Test and/or Test for Pancreatitis
- FIV and FeLV Tests
- ACTH Stimulation Test
Treatments of Lethargy in Cats
After examining your cat and performing the necessary tests, a diagnosis can be determined. Depending on this diagnosis, treatment can involve a variety of procedures and medications such as those that are listed below:
- Antibiotics, Anti-inflammatory Drugs and/or Steroids
- Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy
- IV Fluid Therapy and/or Electrolyte Replacement Therapy
- Dewormers and/or Flea and Tick Control Treatments
- Special Diets and/or Insulin
- Surgery
- Iron Supplements
- Allergy Shots
Lethargy is a common symptom that can be indicative of a large variety of health issues in cats. While some of these conditions are quite minor, others can be very serious. As such, it is essential that you are aware of the common causes and coinciding symptoms of cat lethargy as described above. Just like cats, dogs can become lethargic. Get to know all about lethargy in dogs.