Lethargy in Cats
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 11/19/2016Updated: 11/03/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
Lethargy in Cats - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost
What is Lethargy?
Because cats naturally sleep a large percentage of their day, especially older cats, you may not be immediately aware of lethargy indicating that something may be medically wrong with your cat. Lethargy is an indication of your cat not feeling well and could relate to a relatively minor medical condition or could be a sign of a more serious illness. Careful investigation by your veterinarian will be required to narrow down the cause.
Symptoms of lethargy in cats are abnormal sleepiness, low energy, and lack of response to surroundings. Lethargy is not a condition or disease in itself, but can be a sign that something is wrong with your cat. 
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Average Cost
$800
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Symptoms of Lethargy in Cats
Lethargy is a symptom in itself and is characterized primarily by the following:
  • General inactivity
  • Lack of interest or response to surroundings
  • Lack of energy
  • Sleepiness or drowsiness
Other symptoms that commonly coincide with and are associated with causes of lethargy are:
  • Weight gain
  • Weight loss
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Thirst/increase in urination
  • Jaundice
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Pain or discomfort
  • Dull hair coat/loss of hair
  • Behavioral changes, e.g. aggression
In addition, there may be specific symptoms present that are indicative of a specific medical disease or condition.
Causes of Lethargy in Cats
Cats sleep a lot by nature, however, excessive sleep or inactivity could be a sign of illness. Rest is your cat's natural response to not feeling well and could be a normal part of recovery from a minor condition or it could be an indicator of a more severe condition.
Common causes of lethargy:
  • Being overfed, leading to obesity
  • Being under exercised, leading to boredom and apathy
  • Parasitic infection
  • Stress
  • Depression/too little stimulation
  • Medication side effects
  • Arthritis in older cats
  • Hairballs (can become serious if causing blockage)
  • Obesity
  • Infection with a minor common virus such as cat flu
Other more serious conditions that are common in cats and cause lethargy are:
  • Diabetes
  • Viral infections such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
  • Bacterial infection 
  • Abscesses from bites by other cats
  • Musculoskeletal injury
  • Heartworm
  • Anemia
  • Urinary tract infections
Less common but serious conditions that could cause lethargy in your cat are:
  • Protozoal infections
  • Cardiovascular disorders such as heart disease
  • Respiratory problems resulting in low oxygen levels such as asthma
  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Heatstroke
  • Cancer
  • Organ failure (kidney or liver disease)
  • Poisoning
  • Neurological Disorders
Diagnosis of Lethargy in Cats
Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam upon presentation of a lethargic cat. Diagnosis can be complicated as there are many possible causes of lethargy in cats which range from mild to severe, as lethargy is a symptom of many illnesses and disorders. Your veterinarian will require a complete medical history of your cat including detailed description of symptoms in order to narrow down a possible cause. In addition, you should let your veterinarian know about any changes to your cat’s environment or exposures they may have had recently. Your vet will look for injuries and abscesses, skin problems, swelling, and signs of pain or discomfort during the physical exam that may help determine the cause of the lethargy.
The following tests are commonly ordered to narrow down the cause of lethargy:
  • Urinalysis and blood tests to check blood count, sugar levels and organ function. These tests can also look for factors that would indicate illness, bacterial infections, and viral infections
  • Fecal sample to check for parasites
  • Ultrasound to reveal visible abnormalities of organs or tumors
  • Chest x-ray to reveal tumors or fluid buildup and to assess the cardiac silhouette
  • FIV and FELV tests
  • Heartworm tests
Treatment of Lethargy in Cats
Treatment of lethargy will depend on the identified cause. General treatment of the symptom lethargy often includes an improved diet and supplements. It may also include intravenous fluids or oxygen therapy if required. Rest is also prescribed for lethargic cats that require it. Painkillers may also be prescribed if pain is a factor in your pet’s condition.
Common treatments prescribed for cats with lethargy according to their respective causes are:
  • Antibiotics for bacterial infection
  • Dewormer for parasites or heartworm
  • Surgery for removal of tumors or to repair injury
  • Antiviral medication for viruses
  • Environmental changes and antidepressants for depression or stress
  • Diet and insulin for treatment of diabetes
Further treatment specific to the cat’s medical condition will be prescribed as appropriate.
Lethargy can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your cat has lethargy or is at risk, start searching for pet insurance today. Brought to you by Pet Insurer, Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Trupanion. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!
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Recovery of Lethargy in Cats
Your pet will require follow-up care specific to the medical condition that was the cause of the lethargy.
Administration of any special diet and supplements prescribed by your veterinarian should be continued. If depression or stress were factors, a change to your cat’s environment may be needed to address this. 
A lethargic cat may be in need of recuperation and should be given a low stress, comfortable environment and be allowed to rest.
Lethargy Average Cost
From 226 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,000
Average Cost
$800
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Lethargy Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
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cat
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8 Years
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9 found this helpful

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9 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
High Wbc, Low H&H, Subcutaneous Masses, Lethargy
Our cat has a solid mass in his jaw, cyto sent but unresulted, he's not reacting to injected antibiotics. He has weight loss, not eating/drinking, moving, or using litter box. The vet says it's possible he has FIV. He seems like he's on borrowed time. I'm just unsure if there is anything we could do to get him to recover him or if we should put him to ease.
Feb. 21, 2021
Answered by Dr. Maureen M. DVM
9 Recommendations
Hi, Sorry about that. It could be a viral disease if he is not reacting to antibiotics. However, I would encourage you to have a blood test run to confirm if it's indeed FIV. The presence of FIV antibodies is confirmatory. The problem with viral infections is that there is no known cure. The body's immune system has to fight it off. What the vet offers is medication to relieve symptoms. Good luck
Feb. 21, 2021
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cat
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dog-age-icon
Three Months
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57 found this helpful

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57 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
hi. i have a 3 month old kitten that just all of a sudden stopped eating today, he's ate a few pieces of chicken out of my hand but that is it and he's pretty much laid down all day. i seen him poop once but i haven't seen him drink any water except a few sips of kitten milk i gave him. he is usually running around climbing things and chasing my other cat. I was curious to if he could possibly have FeLV/FIV and all of a sudden be showing symptoms? He hasn't been tested yet.
Dec. 20, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
57 Recommendations
Fiv/felv are two viral diseases that can result in a wide range of symptoms. They wouldn't be the first things I would consider in a young lethargic cat. I would want to rule out parasites, a toxicity, dietary indiscretion (eating something they shouldn't have) etc. A vet visit is best. They will examine the kitten and may run a blood test to determine what is going on.
Dec. 20, 2020
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cat
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One Year
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21 found this helpful

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21 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Coat is suddenly coarse, seems dehydrated, eating and drinking little, sleeping a lot, not playing, white gums
Dec. 19, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
21 Recommendations
White gums are very abnormal and may indicate anaemia. We definitely need a vet visit and to run some tests such as a blood test right away. Treatment will then depend on results.
Dec. 19, 2020
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Sphynx
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Six Months
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2 found this helpful

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2 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea, Sleeping A Lot
My boy Oatmeal is playing, eating and drinking just fine but he has diarrhea and has been sleeping most of today.
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It is common for young kittens to have parasites that can give them diarrhea, and the first thing to do would be to have your veterinarian look at a fecal sample, as they can look at it under a microscope and see if there are any parasites that need to be treated. I hope that all goes well for him!
Oct. 8, 2020
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Domestic Short Hair
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dog-age-icon
Ten Years
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2 found this helpful

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2 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy, Loss Of Appetite
My cat was completely normal yesterday, today he hasnt eaten yet not even had any interest in food, which he normally is insatiable for. All hes done is sleep in the same spot and barely moves. I dont know what could be wrong, should I bring him to the vet?
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. There are many things that can happen as cats age, and I do think that It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them and see what might be going on, and get treatment if needed.
Oct. 12, 2020
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tabby
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Smokey
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5 Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

A cat adopted us. I have seen him around the neighborhood and little by little he trusted us and started coming inside to sleep at night. He had a good appetite until yesterday. He has slept for two days and is very lethargic. He lets you pet him and usually stays close to us but for 2 days he has distanced himself. He also hasn’t been drinking. I would love to take him to a vet but he doesn’t let us pick him up and I’m not sure if he would bite the vet. I’m very worried about him.
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Domestic shorthair
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Hazey
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4 Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
Lethargi
So my female tuxedo cat who is 4 out of no where started to act lethargic and stopped eating/drinking. She was throwing up bile so we took her to her usual vet. They called us a few hours later and told us that her red blood cell count was extremely low and that she needed emergency vet care. Turns out she was severely anemic. The emergency vet took her in and did a blood transfusion and kept her 24 hours. That’s all we could afford. We spent $1700 in that single day and we didn’t even get a proper diagnosis as that would have cost an extra $3500 including ultra sounds and a 3 day observation. When we took her home the next day she still seemed lethargic of course but over the next course of those days she perked back up. The emergency vet gave us a steroid and doxycyline for her to take for two weeks. At her one week checkup her numbers from her blood work were holding steady but still not great. Here we are on week 2 and things took a turn for the worst. She’s back to not eating, she is basically skin and bones and she can’t get out of bed. My poor sweet baby looks miserable and it’s killing me that I can’t help her. We spent most of our money with the whole virus thing going on and my fiancé just got laid off. I know if I take her back to the vet they are just going to want thousands of dollars and we have nothing left to give. I honestly have no words for the pain that I feel. I raised her since she was 2 weeks old and she went through my entire pregnancy with me and loved and protected my son. They have such a special bond and it’s just breaking my heart. They are both 4 and connected at the hip. If vets had a credit system I would have no problem paying them monthly but most do not. Anyways the closest thing to a diagnosis we have is that she more than likely is suffering from FHM. I don’t know much about it other than the medicine she is already on is supposed to help. I hope she gets out of bed soon and shows some life. If anyone has any info or experience with there cat as well please share with me some insight. Thanks for listening
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Black and white tuxedo.
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Gilligan
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12 Years
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0 found this helpful

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0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy, Dehydration, Not Eating
I thought my twelve year old cat had kidney failure and was dying. Terribly lethargic and eating very little and skipping some meals. Very dehydrated. Was drinking a lot of water, urinating ok. This all happened in about three days. Bowel movements had been dry and he’d been somewhat constipated over past month or two. For same time had been pooping in inappropriate places, such as on my bed, dining room table, near his food bowl and water bowl. I thought he was just being naughty but I think he was trying to tell me something. Brought him to the vet on Saturday as I didn’t think he’d last until Monday without at least being hydrated. Vet ran blood panel, kidneys fine, a few minor things that he felt was related to his poor little body being over run with fleas. I had no idea! He gave him a topical treatment that lasts x three months to kill fleas and flea eggs. I’d had him on two kinds of raw food, one frozen and one dehydrated plus home made bone broth. He did a subcutaneous hydration (with saline I think) and gave him a different food (Blue Diamond Gastrointestinal Support). It’s wet, canned and he loves it. Vet felt this was important and send us home with a case. He ate well Saturday dinner, skipped Sunday breakfast but has been eating well since Sunday dinner and it’s Monday evening after dinner. I’ve also been covering him with a light wool sweater as he sleeps on my bed and done some loving hands on healing. Realized the other cat who shares his food tray tends to eat quickly then steal the rest of Gilligans meal. So I had to become much more aware and present to the situation and make sure Gilligan wasn’t being bullied. So far so good! He’s pretty much back to normal and I thought he’d be dead by now. Lots of TLC, kisses, gentle strokes etc.
Lethargy Average Cost
From 226 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,000
Average Cost
$800
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