Why is my 7-week-old kitten suddenly lethargic and sleeping all day?

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!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Mint! Yes, it is possible that Mint is sick. She could have a fever. Causes for lethargic kittens are: fever from viral infections which can be GI or upper respiratory. There are more serious viral infections like panleukopenia, feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus, feline infectious peritonitis. She could be nauseous from eating something she shouldn't have or from worms or she ate something that is stuck. I recommend you have your Vet examine her if she doesn't start to perk up. I wouldn't wait more than 36-48 hours. I hope this helps and I wish Mint a speedy recovery!

It sounds like poor Olive is sick. Anorexia and lethargy can be signs of many illnesses such as a systemic illness, infection, inflammation, or injury. It's actually quite serious when a cat isn't eating, and I would take her into the vet as soon as possible. The vet can diagnose the cause of her symptoms, and can treat her for it. Please take her into a vet. Best of luck.

It sounds like he is getting sick. Without additional clinical signs it is hard to say exactly what is causing his lethargy and decreased appetite but he could be starting with a respiratory virus or a gastrointestinal virus. He could also have parasites that need to be treated. If it continues than he should be examined by a vet to determine the cause. Your vet can run lab work to help diagnose and then determine the best way to treat. If he is unvaccinated, please discuss a vaccine plan with your vet once he has recovered from this illness.

Just like humans, pets can get sick for many many reasons. It's possible he's fighting a virus, that he ate something he shouldn't have or that his stomach hurts. If he is lethargic beyond 48 hours, if he is not eating or drinking as normal or if he is getting worse, have him examined by the veterinarian.

That is not normal behavior from a young kitten. Yes it sounds like she has a fever and stomach upset. Since she’s so small and sick she should have veterinary treatment soon so she doesn’t get worse. Healthy kittens are very playful and don’t vomit or sleep that much. Please take her in for treatment. They will give medication to resolve the vomiting and reduce her fever if she has one. She may need fluids to prevent dehydration and she may need to be dewormed also. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your kitten.

Lethargy is a non specific sign and can be related to a variety of health problems. Given his young age could be quite concerning but at the same time he is eating fine and the body temperature is normal. Sometimes they can feel under the weather for a little trauma, because they feel pain somewhere, for a gastrointestinal problem (check for any vomiting or diarrhea). I would monitor Bruno for the next few hours but if he is not improving or any other symptom appears, I would suggest to bring him to the vet for an health check. Good luck! Do not hesitate to post again on the forum or request a consultation if you would like to discuss it any further.