Cat Sleeping All Day Not Eating

Cat Sleeping Flat On Back

Leaving paw pads and belly exposed does not come naturally to cats. This suggests that your cat trusts you and feels secure.

This is not always the case. Cats roll onto their back when feeling threatened or vulnerable. This provides the cat with access to all four claws, in addition to teeth. If the cat needs to protect itself, it is easier to do so.

If your cat is affectionate during the day then sleeps on its back, it is no concern. The cat is demonstrating its trust in you. As long as you do not betray this trust, youll be fine.

If the cat is acting off in other ways, be mindful of this sleeping position. The main warning signs are uncharacteristic aggression and prolonged periods of hiding. This suggests that the cat feels the need to be on high alert at all times.

This vulnerability may be due to a medical illness or physical pain. Arthritis is another explanation here. If sleeping on its back, a cats legs will be in the air. While not ideal, this is preferable to placing weight on the joints.

Reasons Why Your Cat Is Sleeping A Lot More Than Usual

Haveyou noticed your cat sleeping more or deeper than usual? An average cat sleeps12-16 hours in a day. The number goes up to 20 hours for kittens and oldercats. Its different for every cat, of course, but basically, your cat wouldspend about 2/3 of its life sleeping or napping. Cats sleep a lot, to say the least. However, changesin sleeping pattern along with other symptoms to watch out for could indicatethat your cat may need some medical attention. So, is your cat sleeping a lotmore than she should be? Here are the possible reasons why your pet kitty maybe sleeping a lot more than usual.

What Changes Should I Look For In Breathing

Breathing difficulty such as shallow breathing, mouth breathing, or panting may indicate a problem with the airways or lungs. Cats with breathing problems often will have their head and neck extended or may be unable to sleep in a normal position. Repeated bouts of sneezing or coughing are signs of health issues.

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What Changes Should I Look For In The Litterbox

Both diarrhea and constipation are indicators of disease in cats. Diarrhea is usually easy to recognize in the litterbox, but constipation can be more problematic to notice. Small, hard, dry stools are never normal and are often an early indication of kidney disease.

Increased amounts of urine in the box indicate an of inability to properly conserve water and may mean that your cat is developing kidney or liver problems, or diabetes mellitus.

The Scoop On Dry Food

Did you know dry cat food can become stale or rancid? Vitamins and fats can erode if the food isn’t properly stored. Keep food in its original bag for a good reason. The bag may have a special barrier to keep food fresher longer. To ensure the food’s best freshness, put the original bag in a sealed container and place it in a cool, moisture-free environment.

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Your Cat Has Changes In Activity

According to The Cat Hospital, if you notice a change in your cat’s activity level, either an increase or a decrease, it may be an indication the cat is not feeling well. If you notice your cat is reluctant to jump up on things that were easy for her to reach before, or she seems to be jumping differently, there could be a medical reason. A noticeable change in the cat’s gait could also be a sign of a sick cat.

What Changes In Sociability Or Energy Level Would Indicate That My Cat Might Be Sick

Sick cats usually become withdrawn and may hide, although this does depend on the personality of the individual cat. Some cats become more clingy or demanding of attention, while others just become cranky.

As a general rule, cats that are sick will have lower energy levels. The only thing you may notice is that your cat sleeps more, does not play as much, or is restless. With some diseases, especially hyperthyroidism, your cats energy level may actually seem to increase to the point of hyperactivity. Cats with hyperthyroidism often are restless at night and may suddenly begin howling or waking family members up.

“As a general rule, cats that are sick will have lower energy levels.”

Cats with arthritis or other joint problems may have difficulty moving around and may no longer jump up on furniture or counters, or may change the way they jump onto higher surfaces. If your cat suddenly is unable to use its back legs, she should be seen by your veterinarian immediately.

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Was Your Cat Ravenously Hungry Before They Stopped Eating

Diabetes and hyperthyroidism both cause extreme hunger in most cats at first. Pet parents are often pleased as older cats are often seen to have a second wind with a good appetite. However, in some cats this will then be followed by no appetite at all as the diseases progress and, in diabetes particularly, this is a bad sign.

If your cat is middle-aged or older and previously had a good appetite, its worth considering whether diabetes or hyperthyroidism could be to blame. Your vet will be able to diagnose these issues and discuss management with you.

Hiding Illness Or Vulnerability

Cats dislike revealing pain or illness, so an unwell cat would rather hide and sleep. Check your cats body language while its dozing. Does it adopt any of these happy and contented postures?

• On its side with all paws outstretched.
• On its back with belly exposed and claws retracted.
• On its front with paws tucked under the belly.

If so, your cat is unlikely to be in discomfort or feeling ill. These are the postures of happy, relaxed cats. If your cat is curled into a ball , this is the classic warning sign of pain. The cat may be trying to comfort itself.

If you notice this sleeping position, look for other behavioral changes. Does your cat reject handling? Has it lost interest in food or grooming? Is it uncharacteristically grumpy?

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How To Stimulate Your Cats Appetite

If your cat isnt eating, we need to get them back on track as soon as possible. But because there are so many reasons why your cat may have lost their appetite, its important to find and treat the underlying cause first. These tips and tricks for stimulating your cats appetite do not replace professional veterinary advice but may be useful when caring for your cat at home after a trip to the vet.

First up, you can try gently warming wet or tinned food to increase the aroma. Some cats prefer warm food, others prefer it cold straight from the fridge! Just make sure the food is lukewarm and the heat evenly distributed to avoid burns. Cats with suspected mouth pain or those recovering from a dental procedure will also prefer wet or tinned food as its much softer and easier to chew. Adding a little tuna in spring water to their regular diet may also tempt cats to eat, as may offering small portions of a variety of foods to see which they prefer.

Cat Sleeping With Eyes Open

Cats appearing to sleep with one eye open is a common occurrence. Your cat is genuinely sleeping. Cats have a transparent third eyelid that closes.

The purpose of this is so a cat can stayalert. The cats peripheral vision will still capture potential threats.Equally, the cat can react faster upon waking up. The cat was not in a deepsleep and will thus not be groggy.

Sick cats often sleep with their eyes open. Cats with urinary infections will want to make a rapid trip to the litter box. Cats that struggle for breath will be concerned about falling asleep too deeply. Keeping the eyes open ensures the sleep never gets further than a light nap.

If your cat adopts a variety of sleeping positions, its likely to be fine. One sleeping position at all times can suggest that a cat is sick.

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Cat Sleeping Positions When Sick

Lethargy is a common symptom of many feline illnesses. While senior cats will naturally want to rest for longer than a young adult cat, the sleeping position assumed could be a sign of sickness.

Curling in a ball or adopting the fetal position suggests that your cat is struggling to stay warm. A cat on its side may be finding it hard to breathe or be attempting to relieve pressure on aching joints. Sleeping on the back can imply feelings of vulnerability, so the cat wants quick access to its claws for self-defense.

It is hard to diagnose illness by sleeping position alone. Cats sleep in a range of poses, many of which look uncomfortable. Accompanied by the physical symptoms of illness, a cats sleeping position can reveal what ails it.

Some Helpful Hints For Determining Cat Emergencies That Need Your Vets Attention Asap

The following list is designed to help you recognize cat emergencies that always warrant an immediate trip to the vet. However, it is not exhaustive, and you may find yourself in an ambiguous situation not covered on the list. If you are wondering whether you need to get out of your pajamas and head to the emergency cat vet in such a situation, there are some guidelines you can follow.

One useful indicator of cat health is the color of the gums. Lift your cats lip and look at his gums now. They should be pink and moist. Check them regularly, and youll get a sense of what they look like normally. If you suspect your cat is sick and the gums are pale, grey, blue or bright red, then your cat most likely is in trouble .

Remember as well that you are always free to call your cat vet or your local emergency clinic to talk about any ambiguous situation. The staff should be able to offer guidance.

Finally, remember that when in doubt it is always safest to have a vet evaluate your cat. A physical exam that reveals nothing wrong causes no harm doing nothing about a critical situation can lead to a fatal outcome.

Now lets list some of the most common and serious cat emergencies:

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Causes Of Lethargy In Cats

Cats sleep a lot by nature, however, excessive sleep or inactivity could be a sign of illness. Rest is your cat’s natural response to not feeling well and could be a normal part of recovery from a minor condition or it could be an indicator of a more severe condition.

Common causes of lethargy:

• Being overfed, leading to obesity
• Being under exercised, leading to boredom and apathy
• Parasitic infection
• Hairballs
• Obesity
• Infection with a minor common virus such as cat flu

Other more serious conditions that are common in cats and cause lethargy are:

• Diabetes
• Viral infections such as feline immunodeficiency virus or feline leukemia virus
• Bacterial infection
• Abscesses from bites by other cats
• Musculoskeletal injury

Less common but serious conditions that could cause lethargy in your cat are:

• Protozoal infections
• Cardiovascular disorders such as heart disease
• Respiratory problems resulting in low oxygen levels such as asthma
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Organ failure
• Poisoning

Your Cat Not Eating Or Displays Changes In Eating Or Drinking Habits

Any change in a cat’s eating/drinking behavior or routine may be a sign of sickness. It can be extremely difficult for cat parents to determine the cause of appetite changes and other symptoms cats show us, but as cat lovers it’s vital to be watchful for signs of digestive issues. For expert guidance on mapping digestive symptoms to underlying health problems, get a copy of LoveToKnow’s eBook “Happy Tummy Cat”, written by a veterinarian. Signs to watch for include:

• A decrease in food intake for more than a couple of days
• An increased or excessive appetite or thirst, which could be a sign of diabetes or hyperthyroidism
• Not drinking any water

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What Is The Normal Amount Of Sleep For A Cat

The number of hours that your cat needs to sleep and the typical sleeping pattern for your cat will change as they get older:

• Kittens will likely sleep most of the day, with a few brief bursts of energy between meals.
• Adolescent cats may have erratic sleep patterns combined with periods of intense playfulness.
• Adult cats tend to have more set sleeping schedules that average out at about 12 – 20 hours of sleep each day.
• Senior cats will tend to have less energy and reduced mobility which means they will sleep more than younger cats.

You will likely find that once your cat reaches adulthood they will begin to form a recognizable pattern of sleeping and wakefulness. For example, you may notice that your cat wakes just before you in the morning, enjoys an hour or two of eating and socializing with you, then returns to sleep while you get on with your busy day.

Cat Sleeping In A Ball

A cat curled up in a ball is a common sight in colder months. This position is how a cat remains cozy.

Low Body Temperature

As Science explains, cats lose heat through their eats and footpads during sleep. This position protects these extremities.

If you find your cat in this position, check the ambient temperature. Cats need a room temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit to remain comfortable. If necessary, apply more heat sources to a cats bed.

If a cats body temperature drops below 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it is at risk of hypothermia. Do not check a cats temperature while it sleeps. Illnesses that lead to low body temperature in cats include:

• Respiratory infections
• Consumption of toxins
• Heart failure

These symptoms vary from moderate to severe. Warm your cat up as they cannot sustain a body temperature below 100 degrees Fahrenheit for long. Left untreated, this can lead to fatal hypothermia.

Experiencing Pain

Cats will rarely reveal that they are in physical discomfort. Unlike other animals, cats hide in dark places to avoid detection. In the mind of a cat, pain is a sign of weakness.

This resting position is a means of relief. If your cat is sleeping curled in a tight ball and displays any of these physical traits, it is in pain:

• Short, shallow breaths
• Ears pinned forward on the head

Loud purring is another warning sign. Cats dont just purr for pleasure its also a way to self-soothe when in pain.

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When To Seek Veterinary Care

Many of the potential reasons for your cat to lose their appetite are serious medical concerns. Your vet can help to determine the cause and best plan of treatment.

The reasons why your cat has stopped eating can vary greatly, but despite the cause, it’s important to bring your cat to your vet if it lasts more than 24 hours. It’s also extremely important to monitor and contact your vet if they are not drinking or are displaying other symptoms or behavioral changes.

If you are concerned about your cat’s loss of appetite, please contact our Bartlett veterinary clinic today for more information or to book an appointment.

Check Your Cat’s Teeth And Gums

Theres no NHS for pets. Veterinary care can be eye-wateringly expensive and most pets will need treatment for an illness or injury at some point in their life. Its difficult to think about your animals being hurt or unwell, but you need to ask yourself: what would you do if you were faced with a vet bill for hundreds or thousands of pounds?

Most cats will carry on eating no matter how painful their mouth is. However, looking at the teeth and gums is an important part of checking your cat over if theyve stopped eating, or have changed the food they prefer or the way that they chew.

If your cat will allow it, try opening their mouth to look for broken teeth, areas of gums that are red, and teeth that are caked in grey-green tartar. The molars, at the back of the mouth, are more likely to cause a problem with eating and chewing, so start here. You should also look for lumps on the tongue, a foul smell, and fleshy red spots on the teeth, as these are signs of a painful tooth condition in cats.

If your cat doesnt want you touching their mouth and is trying to scratch or bite – just stop! You dont want to end up injuring them or yourself, so leave it to your vet who will be able to help you. In some cases, it isnt safe to examine a cats mouth awake, especially if they are trying to bite, and your vet will recommend performing a sedation or general anaesthetic to look at their mouth properly.

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If It’s A Friday And Your Cat Just Stopped Eating And Your Vet Isn’t Available On The Weekend Call You Vet And Ask For Advice Specific To Your Cat’s Health And Any Existing Conditions

My cat is not eating anything and sleeping all the time. This morning he is completely lethargic. He’s loving, and periodically hops up in my lap for petting. Purrs, no vomit or diarrhea.

I gave him his favorite wiskas and he didn’t even look at it. Spend a little time with your cat or kitten, giving them quiet attention, lots of tlc and try putting small bits of food on your finger or their paws for them to lick off. The most common treatment for anorexia is appetite stimulants.

If you think your cat sleeps way too much, the main reason for that would be is that 75% of the time a cat spends sleeping isnt particularly in a state of deep sleep. We allow no poison on the property. He seems almost lifeless and barely responsive.

This can help their appetite get started. Your cat’s lack of eating can also be a symptom of a disease or problem that’s causing pain or discomfort. It’s quite serious when a cat doesn’t eat for more than three days, as it makes them prone to developing a fatty liver.

However, if your cat is sleeping more than usual it could be a sign that something is wrong. Since yesterday he is sleeping all day long not eating. It’s also serious he isn’t drinking water, he is.

He is looking for me to give him food when i’m cooking. Try different flavored wet and dry cat foods, treats, even human foods like baby food. Why is my cat sleeping all day and not eating?

Pin by COORNSTRAW on my cats Can i eat, Eat, Canning

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