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My 4-month-old kitten is suddenly lethargic and won't eat. Help!

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | unneutered | 3 months and 29 days old

I have a 4 month old kitten who up until two days ago was very playful and active but over the last two days he is lethargic and he is not eating much

6 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 7th, 2016

It sounds like he is getting sick. Without additional clinical signs it is hard to say exactly what is causing his lethargy and decreased appetite but he could be starting with a respiratory virus or a gastrointestinal virus. He could also have parasites that need to be treated. If it continues than he should be examined by a vet to determine the cause. Your vet can run lab work to help diagnose and then determine the best way to treat. If he is unvaccinated, please discuss a vaccine plan with your vet once he has recovered from this illness.

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5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    It sounds like Ezno isn't feeling well at all! Because it's such a sudden change of behavior, I would be concerned there is a medical reason behind it. I recommend taking him to your vet to see what is causing him to not want to it (like a GI illness or foreign body), and your vet can determine how best to treat it.

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    This is concerning. Kittens should be playful most of the time, and unfortunately this playfulness can also cause problems in that they eat something they should not eat, such as a toy, which then can cause an obstruction. Lethargy is a serious sign of a health problem, it can also signal an infection. Please take Enzo to a veterinarian ASAP. Check all the toys and make sure they are all there. If Enzo starts vomiting, retching or having diarrhea it would certainly point to a gastrointestinal issue.

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    Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 21st, 2017

    Hi there and thanks for posting! Sudden lethargy is a bit concerning. There can be many reasons for lethargy in young kittens- viral or bacterial infection or a parasitic infection, especially if she is not up to date on her kitten vaccines and deworming treatments. My recommendation would be to take Bessie Jo to a veterinarian soon for an exam to determine the cause so she can get the appropriate treatment. I hope this helps and best wishes to you and Bessie Jo. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 15th, 2017

    He could have an infection or parasite. If his condition persists or becomes worse than he should be examined by a vet to determine the cause. Your vet can run lab-work and then determine if treatment is needed.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 29th, 2017

    Poor Keef. You have done an amazing job taking care of him. This could be several rings including a serious virual/bacterial infection or an infestation of intestinal parasites. With a kitten this small I am concerned about him quickly becoming dehydrated. I would try to put some Karo syrup or honey on his gums to make sure his blood sugar hadn't gotten too low since he isn't eating. You can also try to syringe feed him some kitten formula to make him drink it. I would also have your vet look at him as soon as possible. Your vet will be able to do a fecal and deworm him if necessary. They will also be able to check his temperature and hydration levels. Finally they will be able to do bloodwork or X-rays if needed. I hope this helps and he makes it through. You are doing an amazing job!

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