I'm really worried about my two-year-old cat, Jasper. He's usually such a playful ball of energy, but for the past couple of days, he's been really lethargic. He's not interested in his food at all and hasn't touched his water bowl either, which is super unusual for him. To make matters worse, I've noticed him coughing randomly, and it's breaking my heart to see him like this. He's neutered and up to date on all his shots, so I'm not sure what's going on. Has anyone else experienced something like this with their cat? Any advice would be hugely appreciated. I'm starting to fret about a trip to the vet, but maybe there's something I can do from home first? Thanks so much in advance.
Hello there,
I'm sorry to hear that your cat is feeling under the weather. Given his symptoms—lethargy, lack of appetite and thirst, and coughing—there could be a few possibilities at play. He might be dealing with a respiratory infection, such as a cat cold, which is relatively common. Allergies or asthma, though less common, are also possibilities, especially if he's been exposed to any new substances or changes in the environment.
At home, you can try offering him his favorite food or warm up some wet food to make it more enticing, encouraging him to eat. Ensure he has access to fresh water, and monitor his activity closely. Keeping him in a warm, quiet space could help him relax and recover.
Be sure to watch for certain signs that could indicate a more serious issue, such as persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, a high fever, or further refusal to eat or drink. Any of these would warrant immediate veterinary attention.
While some symptoms may resolve on their own, his lack of appetite and continued coughing are concerning. I recommend scheduling a video consult with one of our vets at Dial A Vet to get a professional assessment and guidance on your cat’s health. We’re here to help!
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