what to feed a lethargic cat

What Can I Feed My Lethargic Cat?

1. Boiled chicken Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that they require animal protein to survive. A diet lacking in...
2. Cottage cheese Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein for cats and can be easily prepared at home. Here are...
3. Bland foods

Full Answer

What can I Feed my sick cat?

Because sick cats don’t do too well with dry foods, you can serve them wet/canned food. It will be great if you stick to stinky foods like seafood. Sick cats also love chicken broth.

What to do when your cat is lethargic?

If your cat is getting older and acting lethargic, there are some natural remedies that may be able to keep their energy up. One 2020 study found that worms, when given CBD for their entire life, were significantly more active in their later life stages than their CBD free peers.

Is it normal for a sick cat to be lethargic?

A sick cat will continue to be lethargic, not eat, and act sick without improvement while a tired cat should resume its normal activity once it has slept. How long does cat lethargy last?

How do I get my Cat to eat his food?

Try hand feeding him or put a small amount of pate-style food on your finger and touch it to his lips. Pet your cat and praise him. If your cat is willing, try dribbling a thin slurry of cat food into his mouth using a syringe. Do not force the issue, however. Force-feeding is stressful for cats and potentially dangerous for you.

What do you feed a weak cat?

Many cats enjoy chicken, cat biscuits, tuna, or invalid diets from the vet. Liquidise food if there is any difficulty swallowing. Offer bits of food by hand, or dab a tiny bit onto the lips or front paws.

What can I give my cat for lethargy?

General treatment of the symptom lethargy often includes an improved diet and supplements. It may also include intravenous fluids or oxygen therapy if required. Rest is also prescribed for lethargic cats that require it. Painkillers may also be prescribed if pain is a factor in your pet's condition.

What do I do if my cat is lethargic and not eating?

Call your veterinarian immediately if your cat is extremely lethargic or if their lethargy occurs in combination with other serious symptoms like difficulty breathing or severe vomiting or diarrhea.

How can I help my sick cat without going to the vet?

What can I do if my cat is being sick?Remove food for two hours, but continue to provide water.After this time, try offering a teaspoon of their usual food or bland low-fat cooked food such as chicken or white fish.If they keep this down, offer small amounts every few hours for the. ... Then go back to your usual routine.

Why would a cat suddenly become lethargic?

If your cat seems to have low energy and isn't as interested in their daily routines, they might be lethargic. Lethargy is a common symptom of many health problems, including kidney disease, diabetes, and food poisoning. It's difficult to tell the cause without paying attention to the other signs.

What are the first signs of a cat dying?

5 Signs Your Cat Is DyingLack of Interest In Eating and Drinking. Like other animals, it's common for cats to lose their appetite toward the end of their lives. ... Extreme Weakness. ... Lower Body Temperature. ... Changes in Appearance and Smell. ... Seeking Solitude.

What happens if a cat doesn't eat for 3 days?

Cats can survive for about two weeks without eating but only three days without drinking. The longer your cat goes without proper nutrition, however, the weaker they become, so it's important to contact your vet if you suspect they haven't eaten in a day or more.

How can I stimulate my cat's appetite?

Try some canned/wet food.Add a little bit of warmed, low-sodium chicken broth to their food. ... Add some meat baby food as a topper. ... Add some water from a can of tuna or anchovies. ... Add some fish oil to their food. ... Sprinkle some nutritional yeast powder onto their food. ... Sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on their food.More items...•

Can a cat go 24 hours without food?

If your cat, for no apparent reason, fails to eat for 24-36 hours, even in the face of normal water consumption, an examination by a veterinarian is recommended. Significant, and even life- threatening problems can occur if a cat is completely anorectic for a few days, or partially anorectic for a few weeks.

What is a natural remedy for a sick cat?

At-Home Remedies for Cat Colds If your cat has a cold… Clean its nose with a damp cloth or cotton ball soaked in warm water several times a day to keep it clear and comfortable. Put a humidifier in the cat's sick room or near where the cat sleeps to increase humidity and alleviate dry mouth and nasal tissues.

What do you feed a sick cat with no appetite?

Try buying a few types of canned food (pate-style, flaked, etc.) in different flavors. Place some on a small plate and warm it slightly. If your cat shows no interest, try adding a little fish oil, chicken broth, tuna juice, or cooked egg.

What does lethargy look like in cats?

Signs of lethargy in cats include playing less, hiding or shying away from human contact, eating less and not grooming itself properly. Lethargy is not a very specific symptom and can be present in many different conditions.

How do you cheer up a depressed cat?

Cats are not fans of uncertainty, so having steady times for meals, cuddles, and playtime can help them feel more comfortable and relaxed. Play with them. A depressed cat may not be inclined to play, but it's worth trying to engage them with a favorite toy or activity. Shower them with love.

How do you comfort a sick cat?

Comforting Your CatKeep her warm, with easy access to a cozy bed and/or a warm spot in the sun.Help her out with maintenance grooming by brushing her hair and cleaning up any messes.Offer foods with a strong odor to encourage her to eat. ... Make sure she has easy access to food, water, litter box, and sleeping spots.More items...•

What does lethargic mean in cats?

Lethargy in cats is a lack of energy and loss of interest for the activities they normally enjoy.

Is my cat sick or just tired?

A sick cat will continue to be lethargic, not eat, and act sick without improvement while a tired cat should resume its normal activity once it has...

How long does cat lethargy last?

The length of illness in cats can vary from days to months depending on what the cat is suffering from.

What to do if my cat is turning down food?

Besides its brilliant flavor and great taste, nutritional yeast powder is also very rich in Vitamin B. If all these foods don’t entice your feline and it continues to turn down meals, then the next thing to do is visit your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and care. At the vets, your cat may be forced to eat using a feeding tube.

How to help a cat drink water?

If your cat is struggling to drink water, you can feed her water directly using a clean syringe. And if you don’t know how to do this effectively, you can reach out to your veterinarian for some help. If things aren’t getting better, your cat may be hospitalized to get the support and necessary care it requires.

How to make your cat's food look good?

To make your cat’s food look extra delicious and inviting, you can try an excellent stinky wet food; this normally entices a sick cat. You can also try parmesan cheese or add some tuna juice to your cat’s food.

Why does my cat stop eating?

Either your cat is being extra picky with food or suffering from an underlying health condition , there are many reasons why your furry friend can suddenly stop eating.

How long can a cat survive without food?

Without water and food, the most a sick cat can survive is three to four days. Plus, going two days without water and food will leave a cat malnourished. So, if your cat is sick and suddenly stops eating, it will be wise to seek urgent veterinary care.

Can you give a sick cat canned food?

It will be great if you stick to stinky foods like seafood. Sick cats also love chicken broth. So, feel free to add some to their food. And there is no problem whether it is kibble or canned.

Can you warm cat food in microwave?

Thanks to the cheesy and salty flavor that comes with grated parmesan cheese, your cat’s appetite will get some much-needed boost. If you’ve always served your cat cold food, make sure you warm her food in a microwave or warm water before serving her when she is sick. And please make sure it isn’t too hot.

What does it mean when a cat is lethargic?

Lethargy is an absence or lack of energy or enthusiasm. Cats that are lethargic seem depressed, are tired or sedate, sleep more than normal, and don’t play as much as usual. They may also appear weak, be less active than they would typically be.

Why do cats get lethargy?

When young active cats reach their senior or geriatric years, they tend to become slower and less active in general due to arthritis, muscle loss, and other normal aging changes.

Why is my cat not wanting to use the litter box?

Lethargic cat s may not want to get up to use the litter box and can be sick in other ways as well. Some lethargic cats also have a fever, an upset stomach with vomiting or diarrhea, or aren’t interested in food, water, or their favorite treats. If the lethargy has been going on for a while, they might show signs of weight loss or have muscle ...

Why does my cat have little energy?

A cat with little or no energy compared to their usual behavior is a lethargic cat. There are many different causes of lethargy in cats and while sometimes lethargy can signal a behavioral issue, most of the time this is your cat’s way of telling you they are sick.

Why does my cat urinate so much?

Urinary tract infections, cystitis, urethral blockages, and urinary bladder stones are all lower urinary tract diseases that can cause lethargy in cats. Pay attention to changes in your cat’s urination as a sign something is wrong.

What happens when a cat is tired?

Once they have slept off an exciting afternoon, they are ready to bounce back to their normal day of being a curious active feline.

Why is my cat anxious?

Stress And Anxiety. A cat can become stressed or anxious for many different reasons. The cat might be nervous about a change in the house or environment, they might be ill or injured, there might be a lot going on around the house , or any number of other things could cause stress or anxiety for a cat. To help a stressed or anxious cat, think of ...

How to get a sick cat to eat?

If you want to learn how to get a sick cat to eat, start by determining the underlying cause that makes the cat sick in the first place. Sometimes the answer is straightforward – cats are creatures of habits and hate changes. Simple changes in your home, having guests over, or getting a new feeding bowl can make a cat feel unwell and refuse to eat.

What to feed a sick cat?

If puzzled by the question of what to feed a sick cat, here are some useful suggestions.

Taste enhancers

To stimulate your sick cat’s appetite, you can use taste enhancers such as commercially available toppers or simple tuna water. All you need to do is put these enhancers on top of the regular diet or the diet prescribed by the vet.

What to feed a cat that keeps throwing up?

Suppose your cat keeps throwing up whenever you manage to feed her. In that case, you need to take the problem to the next level and seek veterinary help – not just about the underlying issue but about the non-eating situation.

How to get a sick cat to drink?

Water is the essence of life. Therefore, knowing how to get a sick cat to drink is equally important as knowing how to get a sick cat to eat.

Why is my cat lethargic?

Fever - Cats with a fever will often also be lethargic due to their discomfort. A feline fever is usually caused by a viral infection, which should go away on its own. However, it's a good idea to closely monitor your cat and look out for other unusual side effects.

How long can a cat be lethargic?

If your cat has been lethargic for more than 24 hours , it's a good idea to book an appointment to rule out any severe conditions. Additionally, if your cat has experienced other symptoms in those 24 hours, be sure to notify your vet about those as well. Treatment and diagnosis will vary depending on what your cat has.

Why do cats throw up?

Vomiting - Vomiting is one of the most common symptoms of any disease. In some cases, cats vomit because they ate something they weren't supposed to. If your cat only vomits once, there's no need to worry. But if they vomit several times within 24 hours, you might want to have a vet take a look at them.

Why do cats drool?

Drooling - While it's common for some dogs to drool, it's an immediate concern when cats do it. Cats usually drool when they're in pain. It's often related to a dental problem, such as stomatitis or gum disease. Weak - On top of low energy, your cat could also experience severe weakness.

Why is my cat not eating?

Infections, kidney failure, pancreatitis, and even cancer could make your cat not eat their food as eagerly. Not drinking - In addition to a lack of appetite, lethargic cats could also have a lack of thirst. Serious diseases like liver disease and cancer could stop your cat from wanting to drink.

Why won't my cat eat?

Kidney disease, diabetes, and heart disease are all common health problems associated with weakness in felines. Won't eat - Cats generally aren't as food-motivated as dogs, but a loss of appetite can indicate something is wrong. That's why drugs like Mirtazapine for cats exist.

How to keep a cat happy?

Exercising your cat more and serving them a healthier diet are also natural ways to keep them happy and healthy. Of course, if something more serious seems wrong with your cat, you might want to visit the vet. After all, it's always better to be safe than sorry with your feline's health.

What to feed a cat to get them to notice their food?

Nutritional yeast powder is another great enhancer to get your pet to notice their food. With its nutty, cheesy flavor, it can prove irresistible to your cat and, as an added advantage, it’s packed with B vitamins that benefit your four-legged companion’s health. 6. Choose the Right Spot to Feed Your Pet.

What to put in cat food for cats?

There are some ingredients that are known to be irresistible to felines, and when you add them to their food, they could really help to persuade your picky pet to eat. Parmesan cheese is one excellent addition to your kitty’s meal. Simply grate a little and sprinkle it over their dish before serving.

How to stimulate cat's appetite?

Sometimes, your vet will prescribe your pet an appetite stimulating medication such as: 1 Cyproheptadine – this is an antihistamine which stimulates appetite in cats. There are, however, some potential side effects which could be problematic for your pet. 2 Mirtazapine – this human antidepressant can increase your cat’s appetite when given in very small doses. 3 Diazepam – this drug is occasionally used to stimulate a cat’s appetite, but since it may cause liver failure, it’s best to avoid it. 4 Steroids – these can also sometimes work to stimulate appetite in felines, but they often have other unwanted effects, so they’re usually only prescribed when they also treat an underlying illness in your pet.

How long can a cat not eat food?

Everyone knows that cats are often picky eaters. However, if your pet has refused to have any food for 24 hours or longer , this is a major cause for concern. Remember, your cat can’t let you know the way he is feeling, so you need to monitor his health carefully and seek treatment if he seems unwell.

How to wake up a cat when they are asleep?

Although it seems counterintuitive to wake up your cat when they’re asleep, especially if they’re unwell, if you wake up your pet by waving some warm wet cat food under their nose, there’s a good chance that they’ll show some interest in tucking in.

How does moving affect cats?

Environmental stressors affect cats greatly. Moving to a new house is a stressful enough event to affect your pet’s appetite. If another cat is added to your household, or if a member of the household leaves or passes away, this too can have an impact on your feline’s appetite.

Why is it important to encourage cats to eat?

This, too, can cause other health issues. Therefore, encouraging your sick cat to eat is essential for their ongoing well-being and swift return to good health.

What Is Lethargy?

I’m going to start by talking a little about what lethargy is and its symptoms. Many people assume that lethargy simply means sleeping all the time. However, as we all already know, cats love sleeping all the time as it is! But lethargy is different.

Why Is My Cat Suddenly Lethargic and Weak?

If you have noticed your cat is acting lethargic all of a sudden and potentially shows some of the accompanying symptoms above, something likely is wrong with them. However, you must know precisely what is wrong with your cat so that you can help them get better.

What Should I Do if My Cat Is Acting Lethargic and Weak?

Your first point of call should always be to speak to your vet. They will be able to offer a formal diagnosis and treatment if anything is wrong.

Why is my cat lethargic?

Here are a few common factors that may help you decide what to do. Young cats and kittens are normally hugely playful, with abundant energy, so when a kitten becomes lethargic it is a cause of concern.

How to keep a cat happy?

Making sure your cat has access to the sun, chemical free grass and the outdoors, at least for some of the time. These natural factors have enormous impact on keeping your cat happy and healthy. Try to ensure it is safe.

What happens if you don't feed your cat?

If you are not feeding your cat a quality, natural diet, you have not set the stage. 2. Veterinary drugs, including vaccines, take an enormous toll on the health of your cat. Vaccines meddle with the DNA and contain heavy metals and cross species tissue to mention only a few of the problems.

How long can a cat survive without food?

Trying to force your cat to eat is detrimental to their needs at the time, and probably a source of irritability for them. A healthy cat can survive for many weeks without food.

Can a sick cat heal itself?

One thing that many people don’t understand is that a sick cat can easily heal themselves given the opportunity and time. If you have set the stage, as it were, to ensure your cat has every chance to be healthy, then time is often the best medicine. A healthy body has a strong immune system, which is vital for self healing.

Do cats have a lot of head scratching?

It means that on the odd occasion that sickness does take over, there’s a lot of head scratching as to what the problem may actually be.

Is it difficult for cats to have diarrhea?

Particularly when it comes to sickness and diarrhea, things get even more difficult. There’s a fine line between keeping their strength up, yet not worsening the sickness that is blighting their tummy. With cats also not regarded as the most co-operative of animals when it comes to different food which doesn’t usually consume their bowl, ...

Can baby cat food irritate the stomach?

Therefore, it’s food which isn’t going to irritate your cat’s stomach – and that’s exactly what you want.

Can you give a cat prescription food?

If you’ve already visited the vet, there’s a reasonable chance that you have been given prescription food to help your cat through this period. While this is unquestionably going to do your cat’s stomach wonders – this is only going to happen if they actually eat it. Most of the time, this prescription food is hardly desirable and they won’t have any intention of going anywhere near it.

Can cats eat rice?

While cats and dogs differ with most things, when it comes to a traditional dish for sick pets they most certainly don’t. Chicken and rice has been known as a savior for sick cats and if you are looking to balance out their tummy somewhat, this can be the perfect meal.

Why do cats stop eating?

When cats feel poorly, they stop eating. When they stop eating, they feel worse and are even less likely to eat. This is a vicious cycle that needs to be stopped as soon as possible if a cat is to heal.

Can a cat with dental disease eat again?

For example, a cat with dental disease will usually start eating again once doing so isn’t painful anymore. Sometimes, however, we need to encourage a cat to eat while we figure out what is wrong or wait for treatment to take effect.

Is it bad to force feed a cat?

Force-feeding is stressful for cats and potentially dangerous for you. If none of these tricks are successful and you still can't get your cat to eat, your veterinarian may prescribe an appetite stimulant (e.g., mirtazapine or cyproheptadine) or even recommend placement of a feeding tube.