After a busy night chasing the local wildlife or a toy mouse, many cats enjoy curling up for a long, satisfying sleep. This is perfectly natural cat behaviour and nothing to worry about. A lethargic cat, on the other hand, may spend most of the day dozing and still seem tired. They may also be slow, listless, and uninterested in their usual activities.
“Lethargy itself isn’t a disease, but a symptom of many diseases, some of which are more serious than others,” says Dr Amy Lloyd, IndeVets area medical director for Pennsylvania, USA. She adds that this state of listlessness and indifference usually involves a drop in the cat’s usual energy and motivation.
Lethargy usually happens as a symptom of an underlying health concern. That’s why it’s essential to make an appointment with your vet if you notice a change in your cat’s energy and habits. A vet can help you uncover the reason behind your cat’s lethargy and find the right treatment to help them regain their zest for life.
Signs Of Lethargy In Cats
Cats have widely varying personalities and energy levels. Sleeping a lot and having little interest in playtime doesn’t always mean your cat is lethargic if that’s the way they always behave.
Some cats are just low-key and have lower activity levels, Dr Lloyd says. She emphasises that lethargy means a cat can’t perform their usual activities. “Being lethargic means a cat isn’t doing what they’d normally do on a day when they feel well. If a cat acts the way they always do, they aren’t lethargic,” she says.
Depending on the underlying cause of your cat’s lethargy, this symptom may come on very quickly or show up gradually over a longer period of time. You may have to pay close attention to determine whether your cat is truly lethargic or just a little more tired than usual.
Signs that may point to lethargy include:
- frequent inactivity
- loss of interest in regular activities, like playtime or meals
- sleeping more than usual
- rapid weight loss or weight gain
- diarrhoea
- fever
- vomiting
- dull coat
- peeing more often
Why Is My Cat Lethargic?
Possible causes of lethargy include:
- pain
- infections
- anaemia
- low blood sugar
- heart disease
- respiratory conditions
- hormonal imbalances
- cancer
- medications
- vaccines
- parasites
- dehydration
- gastrointestinal issues
- poor nutrition
- brain injuries or illness
Some of these concerns, like dehydration or poor nutrition, can usually be quickly resolved with treatment from your vet. Others, like brain injuries, heart disease, and respiratory conditions, are more severe and may need additional care.
Your cat’s age may also play a role. Younger cats and kittens have healthy bodies and short memories, much like human children, says Dr Michael Fleck, Co-Host of The Pet Buzz.
Younger cats will often have hours of extreme activity followed by deep sleep. When they wake up, they’re ready to do it all over again. But adult or senior cats, like adult humans, may be more likely to develop health conditions. They may also have memories of their experiences and a strong mental awareness that may lead to conditions resulting in lethargy, according to Dr Fleck.
What’s The Difference Between A Lethargic Cat And A Tired Cat?
“Feeling tired is part of being lethargic, but if a pet or a human is simply tired, there is usually an identifiable reason,” Dr Lloyd says. She adds that a few causes of tiredness in cats include:
- above-average levels of exercise
- new medications with side effects
- recent stress
- recovery from surgery, hospitalisation, or illness
Lethargy doesn’t always have an obvious cause. It also includes a loss of mental engagement in things your cat would usually find interesting or entertaining, Dr Lloyd says. For instance, you might notice that they:
- stop greeting you when you come home
- seem uninterested in their favourite food or treats
- don’t have interest in their favourite toy or regular play session
- stop hiding when they hear things they dislike, like the vacuum cleaner or doorbell
She adds that it’s also important to consider how long your cat’s tiredness lasts. Tiredness is a transient state that usually improves with rest, she says, while lethargy doesn’t resolve without treatment of the underlying condition.
When Should I Take My Cat To The Vet?
It’s always wise to make an appointment with a vet when your cat shows persistent changes in their routine and behaviour.
You may notice other signs your cat doesn’t feel well before they become lethargic. “Lethargy usually isn’t the first symptom that develops, except in cases of a few very specific diseases, like certain types of anaemia,” Dr Lloyd says.
She recommends taking your cat to the vet as soon as you notice these symptoms.
For example, she explains that it’s common for kittens to have upper respiratory infections. If they’re running around, eating happily, exploring, playing, and climbing the curtains, their sneezing and runny nose aren’t as serious as if they spend the day lying around and sleeping.
But some respiratory infections can involve serious complications. A lethargic cat who also sneezes and has a runny nose could also have a fever, pneumonia, a more virulent infection, or a serious condition like feline leukaemia or feline immunodeficiency virus, Dr Lloyd says.
What’s more, cats also tend to hide pain or weakness as much as possible, often until they’re very sick. That’s why it’s always best to schedule an appointment with your vet as soon as you notice any signs of illness. Waiting to get treatment could worsen their condition and complicate treatment.
How Do Vets Treat Lethargic Cats?
The best treatment for your cat’s lethargy will depend on the underlying cause of their symptoms.
“Once we’ve found a firm diagnosis for the primary problem—or, in some cases, a less firm but likely diagnosis—we’ll make a treatment plan tailored to the individual case,” Dr Lloyd says.
When you take your cat to the vet, they’ll get some history about your cat’s general behaviour, along with any changes in diet or living conditions, says Dr Fleck. They’ll also do a physical exam and then collect blood and stool for analysis, according to Dr Fleck.
Blood tests can help determine whether your cat’s lethargy relates to a problem with their liver, kidney, pancreas, thyroid gland, or other organs.
Some lethargic cats don’t have any physical health conditions. If your vet suspects they may have anxiety or another concern related to mental wellbeing, they may recommend trying anti-anxiety medications and making extra time for regular bonding with your cat, Dr Fleck says.
What’s the cost?
The cost of treating conditions that cause lethargy in cats can range from roughly £40 for medications to more than £800 for surgery or ongoing care. Pet insurance may help cover some of the costs of prescribed treatments like medications, a long-term special diet, or surgery.
You can’t do much to treat lethargy at home, since a trained vet needs to narrow down the root cause of the symptom. With the right treatment and care, many lethargic cats will return to their usual energetic and lovable selves before long.
