Lethargic, but healthy-looking cat - any ideas?

gannett

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We have a 2-year old tabby called Tam, that we've had from a kitten.  Normally he's very active, running about at dawn and dusk, but just lately he has become very lethargic, though he still grooms himself, eats and drinks.  His eyes are clear, his coat is beautifully soft and well groomed, and his nose is always damp and cool.  We try and stimulate him with toys, but while he's vaguely interested for a short while, he sort of gets bored very quickly.

Can cats, young cats, become depressed? Could it be the food we're giving him (our other two cats are just fine)?  Will this just blow over, or should we take him to the vet?

Many thanks.
 

stephanietx

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Hmmmm....this is a tough call.  Normally, any change in behavior, energy level, eating or litter box habits warrants a trip to the vet because something's going on.  However, your guy is eating, grooming, using the box and such as normal.  I wonder if he's bored with his current toys or if he's finally reached adulthood and a lot of his kitten and young adulthood energy has worn off.  I have a 3 yr old male tabby and he has slowed down considerably, but still has bursts of wild energy.  I'd keep an eye on your guy for the next couple of days and if he continues to be lethargic or starts hiding or there's a change in litter box habits or eating habits, get him to the vet.
 

katluver4life

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Hmmmm....this is a tough call.  Normally, any change in behavior, energy level, eating or litter box habits warrants a trip to the vet because something's going on.  However, your guy is eating, grooming, using the box and such as normal.  I wonder if he's bored with his current toys or if he's finally reached adulthood and a lot of his kitten and young adulthood energy has worn off.  I have a 3 yr old male tabby and he has slowed down considerably, but still has bursts of wild energy.  I'd keep an eye on your guy for the next couple of days and if he continues to be lethargic or starts hiding or there's a change in litter box habits or eating habits, get him to the vet.
I agree. He could be just bored, as it does happen, with the same old toys.

By lethargic, what do you mean? Just less active or continuously sleeping? If just less active, try finding him something totally new to play with. Do you use any wand toys? Have you tried the one called the Da-bird? Most cats need their toys rotated out, put away, give something new for a bit, then bring out the old again putting the new away. This keeps them from getting bored with the same ol same ol.

If continuously sleeping, I'd have him checked by a vet to be on the safe side.
 
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gannett

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Thank you.  Yes, I think he may well be bored, from what you are both saying.  By lethargic I mean he's less active.  He perked up for a short while when I refreshed his water bowl last night, but this morning he's just lying in the corner watching again.   I think we'll try him with some new toys and put the old ones away and see what happens, and have him checked out in a day or two if he's still like it. I'll try and keep you posted!
 

goholistic

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He could be bored, but I wouldn't totally rule out a health issue just yet. I know you said he is still eating and drinking, but keep an eye out for less eating and drinking or any other subtle changes in habits or behaviors. Things can creep up so quickly. I hope all goes well and that it isn't something serious.

My cats love when I lay tissue paper on the floor and put toys under it or move a pencil or ruler underneath of it. They can't resist and will pounce on the crunchy paper and try to get the things underneath of it...even in their senior years! You could try this a test for his desire to play.
 
 
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gannett

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Well, we took the little fella to the vet this afternoon, he (the cat) wasn't very happy, but it had to be done.  The vet took his temperature and found he had a fever.  She felt around for any injuries in case he got into a fight, but apart from one place where he flinched a bit, she couldn't find anything.  She injected some saline under his skin to get his hydration up to redue the fever and sent us home with some antibiotics for him.  So he could well have been in a scrap outside and got a bit of an infection.

We're still going to take your suggestions about the toys, though - our neighbour's cat gets in through the cat flap and loves all the toys our cats seem to be bored with, so perhaps it's time for some new ones.

Many thanks for hearing me out on my little panic! 
 

katluver4life

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So glad you had him checked
I hadn't realized he was an indoor/outdoor kitty. Also if your neighbors cat is coming in your house, it could have passed along something. 

Keep us posted on his progress. Sending him
for a speedy recovery.
 
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gannett

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Hello.  Just an update on our little Tam.  He has perked up considerably since our visit to the vet.  Yesterday we went out and bought a few new toys and put the old ones away - what a difference.  All three of the cats, even Puss, the older one, were delighted with the toys, especially a long feathery one on a string and pipe cleaners bent into insect like shapes.

I think sometimes we worry too much about our pets, and while it's obviously important to look out for them and their well-being, sometimes it's betst to just let them be themselves - they're tougher than we think!

Thank you for your support!  This forum has always been a great source of support and information for us and our cats.
 
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