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My cat sleeps a lot but eats and uses litter. Should I call vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 10 years and 6 months old

My cat is sleeping a lot but is still eating and going to the bathroom. Should I be concerned?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Christie Long, DVM

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on September 5th, 2016

Certainly as cats age - and at 10 years old Jack is considered a "senior" cat - they start to sleep more. However, cats often give us almost no real signs that they are experiencing illness other than an increase in the amount of time they are asleep. So it's easy to write off what is truly "lethargy" as just more sleeping. It may sound like an unimportant distinction, but in a species that is so difficult to interpret, I'd always default to getting a checkup before just assuming that this is a normal change associated with aging.

16Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
If your cat seems lethargic than he should be examined by a vet to determine if there is a medical problem. Your vet can run lab-work and/or take x-rays to rule out medical causes for lethargy, including liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid issues, infections, cancers, heart disease, etc. Lethargy is a non-specific sign but it should be investigated. Please call your vet and schedule an appointment.
16Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on August 4th, 2017
I'm sorry it appears that Tigger isn't well! Seven years of age isn't considered old for a cat, and I would be concerned that this lethargy is a sign of illness. Unfortunately it's a general sign of illness, and can be caused by systemic illness, infection, inflammation, or injury. I would monitor him for now, and if he's still lethargic in the morning, stops eating and/or drinking, or develops other signs such as vomiting, then I would take him into the vet for a health check. Good luck, I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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