? Extremely lethargic new kitten; HELP!

I am posting this before I shell out $$$$$$ for the emergency room but I'm wondering what you all think

I found a grey kitten in a parking lot yesterday. Beautiful. Everything is good, uses litter box, purrs, meows (loudly), eats and drinks fine. He had one accident in the bed.

The thing is, he's VERY lethargic. Lifeless. Doesn't move, at all. He can move, to get food, and he walks just fine. No fleas/mites/worms that I cold feel, everything seems 100%. But again, you can hold him on his back, his head just kind of slowly moves around and he moves his eyes around. I would use the word lifeless. You put him in a spot he'll sit there for 24 hours. He sometimes moves if I put him on my lap if he doesn't like it.

Should I be as concerned as I am? Is he just going through shock from being taken from momma (she's at safe shelter now). Is he just a chill ass dude? As of now I'm considering taking him to ER tomorrow (I need to talk to my wife about it first but she's at work). Money IS an issue right now.

 

Oh, my goodness, he is precious. What you describe definitely sounds odd, but he looks fine in that photo. Could you get a regular vet appt to check him out rather than going to the ER vet? Probably cheaper.

 

I have a Wed appt but IDK if I should wait that long. It's $35 more to bring him in today/tomorrow.

 

If you have seen things that concern you, I say go ahead and go. Better safe than sorry, and that is not that bad of a price difference anyway. I was trying to find some info online about this, but what is really odd is that you say everything else about him is okay.. eating, drinking, using litter box, walking. It seems there are usually more symptoms than just lethargy.

This article https://www.petcarerx.com/article/9-signs-of-a-sick-kitten-and-what-to-do/1389 just says:
"Kittens are supposed to be inquisitive and constantly bouncing around. While they also require a lot of sleep, there is a noticeable difference between a kitten who is tired and a kitten that is lethargic: a lethargic kitten sleeps the whole day away, and when they aren’t sleeping, they are disinterested in playing or anything that isn’t looking for another place to fall asleep.

If you suspect your kitten is lethargic, make an appointment with your vet, as it can be difficult to find the specific cause of your kitten's lackluster behavior."

 

I second the ER trip. Or just show up "in a panic" at your vet's office. They might just fit you in.

 

I will take him in tomorrow for at least blood tests, fluids, and vitamins. I want my wife there to help decide if any financial concerns show up.

 

Lol I'm on way too much anxiety medication to ever appear panicked, even if I tried.

 

How old is the kitten? Are you feeding it kitten food or KMR (kitten milk replacement)?

 

Have you checked his blood glucose?

https://www.petcoach.co/article/the-kitten-who-ran-out-of-energy/

 

Just about every pet store has it and it is not expensive. https://www.petag.com/products/milk-replacers/kitten-milk-replacers/kmr-powder

 

FYI: when kittens crash, they crash fast.

 

Wonder if he has internal parasites that are zapping his strength/energy.

 

I think like 6 weeks. Wet food along with dry. He likes both.

I actually gave away my glucometer and all diabetic supplies.

 

He is is producing both urine and bm?

 

Back from vet. Severely dehydrated and malnourished. Fluids + high calorie/nutrition food. Cost $100 total. Thank goodness and thank you all. Was about to have a heart attack.

 

He is adorable. I'm glad he will be ok. Does he have a name yet?

 

So glad that you are able to help him! Is he looking better with some fluids in him?

 

What a little beauty! So glad to hear it's something that can be fixed! What a lucky little guy to have found you or you him!

 

He's gorgeous. Glad you took the little mite in. He should start to feel better as the fluids get absorbed. He'll be shredding your curtains in no time.

Test for dehydration: pitch a fold of skin on the his scruff (as if giving insulin), then let go. If the fold goes down almost immediately, the cat is hydrated. If the fold does not go down immediately, then you've got a problem

 

Hypothermia =

 

You know it's been so long since I had a cat with problems (Luna was my problem) that I forgot about that. I tested her for dehydration all the time.

 

I couldn’t agree more...

 

A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E

 

Oh man, I hope this little guy improves soon! I don’t think I could handle taking care of another sick cat ever again, so I am giving you credit. Fingers crossed for a good outcome, keep us posted!

 

So cute

 

What a beautiful kitten...

 

Ah so sweet! I’m hoping the fluids & high calorie bring him on the road to recovery!

 

What a sweetie! Good luck getting him feeling better.

 

How's the baby today? Have you named him yet??