Lethargy is a symptom that any cat can have at any time in its life. Although it can be solved, or at least try not to go to more, it is very important that we pay close attention to it. This way we can detect the possible changes that may occur in your routine, and take the necessary measures to help you.
In this article we will see what is lethargy in cats, what are the symptoms and, most importantly, what you can do to make them recover as soon as possible.
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What is lethargy?
Lethargy is a state of fatigue, inactivity and deep and prolonged drowsiness which can be caused by a disease such as pyometra, hypoglycemia or kidney failure, or by having suffered the loss of a loved one (person or furry).
What are the symptoms of a lethargic cat?
The cat is a master when it comes to faking pain. That is why knowing at a glance what is happening to you is not easy. However, there are several symptoms or details that will tell us that you are lethargic:
- Sleeps a lot: a healthy adult cat sleeps about 18 hours on average in a day. If our friend has begun to sleep more, it will be time to ask why.
- Loss of appetite: If he eats less and less and shows less interest in food, he must be watched as his life could be in danger if the situation lasts too long.
- Aggressiveness: When touched or called to play, he is aggressive. It growls, snorts, and can even scratch if we force it.
- Does not wash: or does it very little. Hair loses shine, knots form and looks increasingly dirty. The feline can die because it is not clean, so it will be up to us to take care of cleaning it daily.
- Delayed response when called or with other factors that normally attract your attention: the cat is very curious by nature, but when he feels lethargic he loses interest in his surroundings.
- Moves slower: as if I had no strength.
What Causes Lethargy?
Lethargy is not a disease, it can be a symptom. There are several causes that cause it, so we have to be vigilant:
- Allergies
- Low protein diet
- Anemia
- Strokes and heart
- Feline leukemia
- Respiratory infections
- Heart disease
- Poisoning
- Heatstroke
- Parasites
- Blood disorders
- Intestinal infections
- Urinary tract problems
- Pharmaceutical products
- Loss of a loved one
Which is the treatment?
Treatment will vary depending on the cause of the lethargy. If we suspect that our friend is unwell, we have to take him to the vet for a series of tests.such as a complete blood test, urinalysis, ultrasounds, or other tests to find out why you are like this.
Once the diagnosis is made, the professional can we recommend giving you some medications, for example in the case of allergies and diseases. In the event that he has parasites, an antiparasitic can solve the problem, and if he has anemia, it will be treated by giving him iron supplements and changing his diet.
On the other hand, if you have suffered a heatstroke, you will be given IV fluids and kept as cool as possible, near a ventilator or by covering with a towel soaked in cold (not frozen) water.
If, on the other hand, you have suffered the loss of a loved one, it will be up to us to try to do everything possible to encourage you, giving him cans of wet cat food, but above all a lot of company and affection.
How to prevent?
Although it cannot be prevented 100%, there are several things we can do so that, in the event that it appears, you can better overcome it. One of them is giving you a high quality meal, without grains or by-products, the feeds of Orijen, Acana, Taste of the Wild, True Instinct (the High Meat variety), etc.
It will also be very necessary for us to provide you with all the care you need from the first day you get home. I do not mean just to give him water, food and a place to sleep, but also moments of fun. We have to play with him every day, dedicate time to him, respect his space and love him very much.
It is not possible to know if we will go through the stage of mourning or when, but if it finally arrives, we must try to be strong, at least in front of our cat. Because he also notices that this person or furry is gone, and he misses him. We know that it is impossible to hide the pain felt when a relative dies, but we have to think that if the feline sees us very depressed, his own depression will worsen. So cheer up, and don't force yourself to do anything either.
Did you know that cats can feel lethargic too?
Good morning, thank you for this opportunity. Very interesting each topic addressed in terms of these beautiful cats. Please a question: I have 3 bbs cats of 4 weeks it turns out that their eyes are full of lagaña and thick green matter. Are you ready to receive medication? Since with homemade things it does not improve. Thanks
Hi Claudia.
Yes, with a month they can already receive some medications, but they must be prescribed by a veterinarian.
Greetings and encouragement.