Why is my 10-week-old kitten lethargic and just wants to sleep?

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.

Lethargy can be concerning and indicate a medical problem, but it's encouraging to know that he is eating and eliminating well. Sudden lethargy is not too concerning in a kitten unless you are noticing other signs of illness, heavy breathing, or pale gums. Kittens can normally appear very lethargic at certain times of the day. It would also depend on how long this has been going on. If it's less than two hours, then I wouldn't worry. If it's longer than four hours then I would be more concerned. If it's been all day, then this would be a strong indicator that something is wrong. I would have to examine butterscotch to tell if this is an emergency. I would definitely recommend an emergency visit he is breathing heavily, or has pale gums. Otherwise, he's likely OK to wait the night and go to the vet in the morning if he's still lethargic. If you have further questions or need further clarification, then you may consider having an online consult with one of our vets on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This way, you can send unlimited pictures and have a text conversation with a vet. I hope that helps and all is well with Butterscotch.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Lethargy and low energy level in such a young kitten is always a concern. This behaviour could be due to fever, pain, intestinal worms and more. Please de-worm your kittens if they have not been dewormed in the last few days. If it does not make any difference, please take him to your local vets for an appointment.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Thor. No, unfortunately this is not normal kitten behavior. Kittens should be very playful. It is worth having him examined to ensure that he is healthy. If so, his vaccines can be updated. If he is sick, then appropriate treatment will be started. Monitor him closely for sneezing or any vomiting and/or diarrhea. I hope this information helps!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds like Beau only seemed disinterested in one meal this morning, but has since had a good appetite. He is also urinating and defecating normally, which is good. As long as Beau continues to eat, isn't having any vomiting or diarrhea or acting excessively lethargic, and is otherwise healthy, I would not be worried. I would keep a close eye on him for the next day or so to make sure he is doing well. I hope this is helpful!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If he had a fight with another cat he could have suffered an injury that does not appear apparent at this time. However, it would be best to have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to examine him to see if he appears to be painful for example which could be a reason to become lethargic and less interactive. He could also be somewhat traumatized by that encounter which he could potentially eventually get over. However, I still think that he should be evaluated. Good luck and have a good night! Hopefully this is nothing to be concerned about.