Lethargic cat

[Lydia Leftcoast]

OK, Kidley has never been a lively cat. When I first got him three years ago, I posted about his disinclination to play unless under the influence of catnip, but he used to be more active. For example, I had to train him not to wake me up before the radio came on, and I used to see him poised and ready to pounce if I happened to wake up a few minutes before the alarm. He also used to do the typical "kitty stampede" routine of suddenly racing back and forth from one end of the apartment to another. He also looked forward to his morning treat of about a tablespoonful of raw egg, which kept his coat smooth and shiny.

I've noticed him being a bit less active over the past few months, missing his morning alarm clock cues occasionally and not indulging in "kitty stampedes." Also, he no longer wants his serving of egg (I keep offering it periodically), and his coat is becoming more prone to matting, even though I use the wire brush on him at least once, sometimes twice a day.

However, now it's really noticeable. More often than not, he sleeps through the radio out in the living room, eats very little, and sleeps more than ever. When awake, he is more likely than ever to be super affectionate. He seems less interested in his dry food (Solid Gold Katzenflocken) but still vocally insists on his wet food. His "productions" for the litter box appear normal.

When I took over his custody, my cousin told me that he was five years old, although I don't know where she got that information. If it's correct, he is now about eight years old.

Any ideas? Does he need a trip to the vet? Or is he just aging?