Why is my cat lethargic but still eating and using the litter box?

I'm sorry to hear that Lily has been feeling so poorly today. As Dr. Melanie mentioned, lethargy and a loss of appetite can be due to many underlying health conditions. Since she seems to prefer laying down, it's also possible that she's experiencing some degree of pain or discomfort. Some of these possible conditions include pancreatitis, infectious diseases (FIV, feline leukemia, FIP, etc.), constipation, kidney disease, liver disease, toxin exposure (did she eat a plant, medication or something else she shouldn't have?), or many other conditions. The fact that she hasn't been using the litter box normally might be a sign that she is dehydrated, even though she's drinking water when it's placed in front of her. At this point, it would be best to take Lily to her vet fairly urgently for evaluation. Your vet will need to examine her and will likely recommend some diagnostic testing, which may include blood work, an ultrasound or x-rays, to get to the bottom of this issue. I hope that she feels better soon!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear that Tilly is not doing well. Lethargy and loss of appetite can be signs of significant disease in cats. These signs are common across multiple diseases including diabetes mellitus which is very common in cats, especially when they enter ketoacidotic state (DKA). Because of this I would strongly advise that Tilly be seen by a veterinarian tonight if possible. Your veterinarian may want to start with blood and urine testing. Other tests may be recommended based on what they find on physical examination and discussion with you. I hope this help and that Tilly gets better soon.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Loss of appetite and lethargy can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. Defecating outside of the litter box is usually a medical issue and can be linked to everything else going on. I recommend that you have Merlin evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and others depending on the findings on exam. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a great day! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry to hear Jax hasn't been feeling well. Does he go outside? If he does, even if you can't find one right now I would be concerned that he suffered a bite of some kind, as cats can develop abscesses fairly easily when they suffer a trauma. I would be concerned by his behavior, as it does sound like there may be an underlying issue going on, such as an infection, GI upset, or an underlying medical issue (such as kidney disease or diabetes). If he doesn't perk up, start eating and getting some energy back, I would recommend he be evaluated by his regular veterinarian to determine the underlying cause for his change in behavior, have any necessary testing done (xrays, bloodwork) and start any treatment he may need to resolve it. Good luck!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Angie. She is a beautiful cat!! I love her markings and her face, just gorgeous. I'm concerned that she has another dental problem causing her loss of appetite or she may have an illness. Typically in cats, a loss of appetite and lethargy are the first signs of illness. I think it's best that she sees a vet for a health check. I'd take her into one first thing in the morning. I hope this helps!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Sleeping and decreased energy can be signs of a cat feeling unwell. This can be caused by weakness, fever, kidney disease, and other causes. It is a very vague sign that could be many many things. I recommend that you have Kitty seen by your vet, and they might want to do some bloodwork. Thank you and I hope Kitty feels better soon!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Lethargy can be caused by a lot of things including an infection, inflammation, among other possibilities. This could also be normal in a kitten as they are not always very active at that age. If you think she is sick it would be best to have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Have a good night!