Lazy kitty or sick kitty?

natlay

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We recently noticed that our 7 month old male Kirby has gotten very lazy. He was neutered about two months ago so we thought that he was just calming down a bit but we realized that all he really does now is lay around and sleep. He eats and uses the litter box as usual but doesn't have much interest in any toys or playing. I'm calling the vet in the morning but am looking for any ideas of if this is normal or any things that I should have the vet look for.
 

my4llma

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Once Luna was spayed she became very lazy. But that happened right away not 2 months later.

Will he play with you when you've got his toys?

I think it's good that you are calling the vet, just incase.
 
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natlay

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Yeah Kirby has been calming down quite a bit since he was neutered and I know that they tend to sleep more as they get older but this seems a bit excessive. (I tend to worry about my kitties needlessly too) He seems only slightly interested in toys but not enough to actually play with any of them. He was such a crazy kitten and his six month old girlfriend Ellie is still a complete nutcase even after being spayed.
 

my4llma

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Then it's a really good idea to check with your vet tomorrow.
 

stephanietx

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Tumbles is about 8 months old now and he's slowing down as well. There are some days when he's all go-go-go and play, play, play, but some days he is just not as active. There are times when I have to initiate play with him or encourage him to play, but sometimes he'll play on his own.

I think it's a good thing you're going to have him checked out, but I think it's normal aging.
 
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natlay

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I'm pretty sure it's normal aging too since he's acting normal in every other way. Ever since we lost Cookie in August we have gotten worried over every little change in the cats' behavior. I'm thinking that maybe Ellie has always been the super crazy kitty and Kirby just puts up with it less now that he is older and neutered. I'm still calling the vet this morning but I have no idea even what to have them look for or at.
 

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My cat once acted very lazy for a week one time, but not 2 months, when you asked to play he'd play. I'm not sure what could be wrong, but just check with vet incase, they know what to do. Good luck on your kitty.
 

otto

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Mazy cat had a slow down spell around 8 or 9 months old I think it was, and like you I got very worried about her. It passed and she went right back to her havvok rekkin ways, I think she was having a growth spurt.

However if you are concerned, if there is lethargy, there isn't any reason not to pop him in for a quick vet check. Peace of mind is priceless.
 
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natlay

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I had never thought of a growth spurt making him sleep more but that makes a lot of sense and he has definitely been growing lately
It's also really cold here right now so maybe he just wants to cuddle up in his bed to stay warm. I think I'll keep a close eye on him for a few days and then take him in if he's still acting funny. He eats well and everything else is fine...he's just sleeping a lot. We get super nervous because right before Cookie died she hid under the bed all day...that's how we knew she was so sick. Although, she was also vomiting and not eating...so I'm guessing Kirby is fine...just a bit lazy.
 

stephanietx

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Originally Posted by otto

Mazy cat had a slow down spell around 8 or 9 months old I think it was, and like you I got very worried about her. It passed and she went right back to her havvok rekkin ways, I think she was having a growth spurt.

However if you are concerned, if there is lethargy, there isn't any reason not to pop him in for a quick vet check. Peace of mind is priceless.
I have noticed that Tumbles seems to have growth spurts when he's lethargic for a couple of days as well. I know that younger kittens grow in their sleep, so it stands to reason that if they're going to have a growth spurt, they'd need some extra snooze time.
 
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natlay

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My husband just called me at work and completely freaked me out so I'm going to leave work asap and take Kirby to the vet this morning. My husband might be over-dramatizing it but he has me super worried so it's better just to check things out. I guess he make a sad meow when picked up and just has no energy at all.
 

darlili

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that's it's nothing at all - but I'd be freaked out too - please let us know what's happening, and many prayers that your baby is just fine.
 

otto

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You're doing the right thing. Kirby is lucky to have such caring concerned humans. Please keep us posted.

Kirby
 
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natlay

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We're back from the vet and I'm very relieved...for now at least. My lovely husband sent me a text this morning that Kirby made a funny noise when he picked him up and then had trouble balancing when he put him down. So of course I freak out and husband is getting on a plane to go out of town for work. I cancelled my classes and personal training clients for the day and raced home. The whole time I just felt sick and afraid of what I would find when I came home.

I felt much better when I got home and Kirby came downstairs and had some food. We went to the vet and she gave him a thorough examination...especially his belly because of what happened with Cookie. Everything looked good but he tensed up a little when she felt his spine. She thinks he strained something while playing. So he has some pain meds to take and hopefully he'll feel better soon. I'm staying home to keep an eye on him today and now he's snuggled up in my lap. Thanks for all your concern
 

otto

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So glad it is not more serious. You know that happened with Queen Eva a couple of months ago. I came home from work to find her eating fine and all but lying down a lot and not wanting to play. Like you it was straight to the vet and the vet found a tenderness along her spine, just like Kirby, and we determined she had fallen and hurt her back somehow.

She also came home with pain meds but I didn't need to use them, I kept her quiet for a few days and then she went back to her normal self.

Please keep us posted on Kirby.
 
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natlay

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The vet gave Kirby a dose of pain medication while we were there a couple hours ago and already he seems so much better. He played a little with a toy and he just looks happier even though the medicine is making him a little sleepy. I plan on staying home as much as possible and keeping him resting for the next couple of days.
 

darlili

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you and your husband are good parents!! It's always hard to not be sure with these little guys - you hate to overreact, but how could we forgive ourselves if it turned out something was time-sensitive and we missed the window.

Let's hope he feels better by the minute and that you (and your husband) get a good night's sleep yourselves.
 

my4llma

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I'm so glad to read the medicine is working and that Kirby will be ok
 
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