Lethargic Cat Symptoms

Lethargic symptoms in cats can be a cause for concern, depending on the extent of the symptoms and the amount of time that has passed. If your cat seems to show the signs of lethargy, you should take him to the vet as quickly as possible for examination.

  1. Identification

    • Lethargy in cats is identified as drowsiness, inactivity and indifference with a delayed response to sounds, something seen or something touching the cat. Lethargy is not a disease in itself but a series of symptoms related to an underlying cause.

    Causes

    • Causes of lethargic symptoms in cats can mean any of various immune or intestinal diseases, urinary or blood disorders or abnormalities in electrolytes. Drugs or medications and chronic inflammation or infection can cause lethargy symptoms.

    Signs

    • The most apparent signs are a reluctance to play or exercise, hiding, avoiding housemates or decreased grooming. Other signs include decreased appetite, weakness, changes in the level of consciousness, fever and difficulty breathing.

    Treatment

    • For a veterinarian to treat the symptoms of lethargy in your cat, she will need to know the underlying cause. X-rays, ultrasound and blood count testing will help eliminate many of the causes.

    Concerns

    • Lethargic symptoms in cats can also be concern for feline leukemia, heat stroke or yellow fat disease--all major illnesses. Anemia, heart attacks or strokes can also cause lethargic symptoms in cats.