What does it mean when a kitten becomes lethargic?

They are tiny and extremely susceptible to a multitude of illnesses and diseases, and they can become very sick very quickly if they are not eating enough and/or frequently enough. When a kitten becomes frail, lethargic, or sick, this is called “Fading Kitten Syndrome” and it’s extremely life threatening.

When to wean a kitten from fading kitten syndrome?

Newborn kittens should be fed formula or milk every two hours. Weaning onto mush can begin at approximately four weeks of age. A kitten lost to fading kitten syndrome can sometimes be a harbinger of problems for the littermates.

Is it OK to take a kitten to the vet?

Generally, it is not recommended to rush the kitten to the vet, as tempting as this may seem, for many reasons. The kitten will continue to drop in body temperature and blood sugar, as you drive them to your vet.

Is it bad to have a sick kitten at home?

Having a sick kitten on your hands is never fun. Often times it’s something that can be dealt with at home, but sometimes an issue can be serious, and when you’re dealing with something as helpless as a kitten, it pays to know what you’re looking for, and what each symptom might mean.

Why is my mother cat not nursing her kittens?

If the mother cat is experiencing a health problem, she may be unable or unwilling to nurse her kittens. In some cases, she will not produce enough milk for her kittens. Or, an issue such as mastitis may be affecting her ability to nurse comfortably. 1 Dehydration and malnourishment will also affect milk supply.

Why does my kitten nurse on objects and how can I stop it?

A fairly common complaint from many cat parents of adopted kittens is that their feline displays nursing behavior on pretty much anything—blanket corners, clothing, even an arm or finger. It’s uncomfortable at times and can actually ruin clothing. But most importantly: why do they do it and how do you stop it?

How can I get my Cat to nurse her kittens?

Once you have seen your veterinarian and addressed any issues, you may want to try to get the mother cat to nurse again (only if recommended by your vet). If the mother cat still cannot or will not feed her kittens, then ongoing bottle-feeding will be necessary.

What to do if your kitten won’t eat anything?

It could just be an upset tummy, in which case try giving them some boiled chicken or something else mild (unseasoned rice is ok too) to help get them eating again. Again, if nothing is working, take your kitten to the vet. 7. Vomiting

When to take your cat to the vet for lethargy?

Lethargy is a symptom that can be caused by many different problems, some minor and some more serious. Contact your vet if they have been lethargic for more than 24 hours or book an urgent appointment if they are severely lethargic. Cats save energy for hunting which means they often sleep for 12-16 hours a day (or more).

Is it normal for a kitten to lose its appetite?

Loss of appetite Kittens can be picky eaters, but they should still be eaters. If you notice your kitten is not eating anything you put out for them, this could be a sign of something wrong.

Why is my new kitten not eating?

The new kitten not eating can also be down to painful teeth or gums. Kittens can have teething pain just like babies. Sore gums are uncomfortable enough to keep your pet away from the food bowl. Contact the vet for a check-up to rule out this possibility. Kittens often refuse to eat when they’re not feeling well.

Why is my cat not eating or drinking?

Losing appetite on cats can vary from kidney failure, infection, pancreatitis and even cancer. The new environment that is causing your cat to stop eating or drinking because of stress. Changes to their regular routine and home space can cause them to lose their appetite.

What should you do if your cat is lethargic?

General treatment of the symptom lethargy often includes an improved diet and supplements , such as iron supplements for anemia. It may also include intravenous fluids or oxygen therapy if required. Rest is also prescribed for lethargic cats that require it.

Why is my elderly cat not eating?

Another common cause for cats, particularly older cats, not to eat is kidney disease. Like GI problems, kidney disease causes nausea which will cause your cat not to eat.

Why is my kitten not eating his food?

If your kitten has a stuffy nose, it will be harder for them to smell their food, and they may not eat as a result. If this happens, you may need to rely more heavily on wet foods, especially those that have strong aromas. If your kitten won’t eat their usual wet food, try switching the flavor or texture to see if that helps.

How old do kittens have to be to get sick?

Kittens under 8 weeks old are extremely fragile. Their body temperatures need to stay warmer than you may think and drop very quickly. They are tiny and extremely susceptible to a multitude of illnesses and diseases, and they can become very sick very quickly if they are not eating enough and/or frequently enough.

What to do if your adult cat is not eating?

If your adult cat is snubbing his or her usual diet, swap it out for kitten food. This is loaded with more protein and more fat to help kittens build their growing bodies, Demos says, and it tastes more flavorful (and smells more enticing) than does adult cat food. You don’t have to mix it in to your cat’s regular kibble, she says.

Why does my cat have weakness in his back legs?

This is because diabetes leads to kidney and even liver issues. This then causes secondary issues which lead to toxin build up in the blood and then results in the cat being lethargic and having weakness in their back legs. A low blood sugar can lead to weakness–this could be due to lack of nutrition or secondary to disease.

What are the symptoms of fading kitten syndrome?

Fading kitten syndrome is a set of symptoms that are associated with a failure to thrive in neonatal kittens. Fading kitten syndrome is not a single disease. It can have many underlying causes, many of which lead to rapidly declining health, or even death, without immediate intervention.

What causes the loss of coordination in cats?

Ataxia, Vestibular Disease in Cats. All three types produce changes in limb coordination, but vestibular and cerebellar ataxia also produce changes in head and neck movement. Ataxia, in general, is a condition relating to a sensory dysfunction that produces loss of coordination of the limbs, head, and/or trunk.

What causes a cat to be weak and lethargic?

Cats with end-stage cancer are characteristically weak, depressed, and often won’t eat or drink on their own. Urinary Issues. There are several types of urinary tract diseases that afflict cats. Urinary tract infections, cystitis, urethral blockages, and urinary bladder stones are all lower urinary tract diseases that can cause lethargy in cats.

What can be done about lethargy in cats?

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, such as iron supplements for anemia.

What’s the difference between a tired Kitten and a lethargic kitten?

While they also require a lot of sleep, there is a noticeable difference between a kitten who is tired and a kitten that is lethargic: a lethargic kitten sleeps the whole day away, and when they aren’t sleeping, they are disinterested in playing or anything that isn’t looking for another place to fall asleep.

What are the symptoms of loss of balance in cats?

A cat who is suffering from loss of balance may also display the following symptoms: 1 Trouble standing 2 Falling down 3 Stumbling when walking 4 Head tilting to one side 5 Moving in circles 6 Rolling on floor 7 Weakness of limbs 8 Continual eye movements 9 Painful vocalizations 10 Difficulty hearing

What happens to a cat if it doesn’t eat?

A cat must use stored fat for fuel when it doesn’t eat, and this fat must be processed by the cat’s liver, which is a step that requires adequate protein; cats that are not eating soon exhaust supplies of protein, and their livers can be overwhelmed by the process of using the fat, which makes not eating very dangerous for cats.