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My cat is acting lethargic but eating and drinking. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 1 year old | 9 lbs

My cat is acting kinda slow for a day now. Eating, drinking normal. Urine normal pale yellow. Third eyelid NOT raised. Walks with tail up. No sneezing or watery eyes. Pressed him everywhere no pain. Plays a little. Left him and 9 siblings in enclosed patio for a day and overnight with food and water while I cleaned my house. Acting slow after that. Siblings all normal though. Kinda sits and stares for a few seconds at stuff. He's usually kinda hyper, running and jumping which is why I'm worried

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 5th, 2020

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Acting slow or 'off' is a sign of an animal not feeling well in general. This can happen due to many different causes including fevers, pain, stress, dehydration, and many other causes.

If he is just a little bit off and still eating, you can try waiting a day or two, because if this is just a small virus it will pass.

If he stops eating, is vomiting, seems sore, or isn't improving, or becoming more dull, then I would get him to a vet right away. Also, if there is ANY possibility he got into any rat-bait I would get him seen immediately.

Best of luck with Half And Half, I hope he feels better soon!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 11th, 2018
Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. If you are able to I would get her examined by a veterinarian. If she is unresponsive I would make sure this is not something serious. If she hasn't eaten much her blood sugar may be low so you could rub Karo syrup or some honey on her gums to see if this helps. The sooner she is seen by a vet the better. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Rebecca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 17th, 2017
Lucky needs to go back to the vet ASAP. She needs to be examined to determine what is wrong. She may need bloodwork or other diagnostics. Good luck. I hope she’s better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 28th, 2019
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Tab. I recommend a more detailed blood panel that tests for pancreatitis, pancreatic insufficiency as well as cobalamin and folate levels. Abnormalities in any of these values can cause inappetance. I would also consider an abdominal ultrasound by a board certified radiologist to further investigate the x-ray findings. Finally, you may consider a prescription hydrolyzed diet to decrease any intestinal inflammation and possibly an appetite stimulant. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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