Why Do Your Cats Look Sleepy?--Know About Lethargy in Cats

Have you ever seen your cats being lethargic? And have you taken any actions on seeing it? Many people don’t think lethargy is a big deal, maybe their pets just didn’t get enough sleep. That may be the case. But lethargy is also an indicator of many health problems, especially if the lethargy of your cats lasts for days. So how can you tell your cat is being lethargic rather than lazy? and what should you do to keep them healthy? This article will address these questions.

What caused lethargy in my cats?

Cats can be quite lazy. Most of them can naturally sleep about 12 to 16 hours each day. If you notice that they are sleeping more than that, are no longer interested in what they are used to being fond of, and still seem exhausted even with that much sleep, the chance is high that they are lethargic.

Lethargy in cats can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Illness: Some illnesses, such as infections, anemia, and chronic diseases, can cause a cat to become lethargic.

Pain: Cats may become less active and more lethargic if they are in pain due to injury or a medical condition.

Medications: Certain medications, such as sedatives and pain relievers, can cause cats to become lethargic.

Dehydration: A lack of water intake can lead to dehydration, which can cause lethargy in cats.

Stress: Cats may become lethargic if they are stressed due to changes in their environment or routine.

Aging: As cats age, they may naturally become more lethargic.

Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients in a cat's diet can cause them to become lethargic.

It's important to have your cat evaluated by a veterinarian if they are showing signs of lethargy, as it can be a sign of a serious underlying condition. The vet can perform a physical examination, laboratory tests, and any necessary imaging to diagnose the cause of your cat's lethargy and provide appropriate treatment.

Side effects

Cats are experts in hiding their feelings and problems. So lethargy in cats is sometimes hard to realize. But lethargy in cats can lead to several adverse effects and unusual behaviors, which are easier to notice, including:

Decreased appetite: Cats may lose interest in food and become less active, which can lead to weight loss and decreased muscle mass.

Dehydration: Lethargic cats may not drink enough water, leading to dehydration, which can be harmful to their health. Certain severe diseases can stop our cat from drinking, including liver disease and cancer. Sometimes, diseases like dental problems which cause pain in the mouth also reduce their water intake.

Worsening of underlying medical conditions: If the cause of a cat's lethargy is left untreated, it may progress and lead to further health complications like kidney disease, diabetes, and heart disease.

Decreased immune function: A lethargic cat may have a weakened immune system, making them more susceptible to infections and other illnesses.

Decreased quality of life: A lack of energy and decreased activity level can negatively impact a cat's overall quality of life.

Depression: Cats that are lethargic for extended periods may become depressed, which can further exacerbate their lethargy.

Hiding: as you have noticed, cats are good at hiding. They hide for various kind of reasons. In most cases, they hide if they are frightened. But they also tend to hide if they are suffering from pain or injury.

Heavy breathing: lethargic cats are normally in pain, thus their breathing might also be different. Trauma, anemia, or neurological disorders can lead to heavy breathing or panting.

Early detection and treatment can help prevent these and other potential side effects. So be mindful and take action once any of these signs are spotted.

Treatment

If your cat is showing signs of lethargy, there are several steps you can take to help them feel better:

Visit a veterinarian: The first step in helping a lethargic cat is to have them examined by a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause.

Provide proper nutrition: Make sure your cat is getting a balanced and nutritious diet to help support their overall health.

Keep them hydrated: Encourage your cat to drink more water by placing multiple bowls of fresh water around your home and offering wet food.

Provide a comfortable environment: Make sure your cat has a quiet and comfortable place to rest and sleep, and limit disruptions to their sleep routine.

Encourage physical activity: Provide toys and interactive games to help your cat stay active and stimulate their mind.

Reduce stress: Try to minimize changes to your cat's environment and routine, and provide them with plenty of affection and attention.

Administer any prescribed medications: If your cat has been prescribed medication by a veterinarian, make sure to follow the instructions and administer the medication as directed.