What to do if my kitten won't eat, is sleepy, drinks lots, and is cold?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | unneutered | 1 month and 5 days old | 1lb
My cat had two kittens. A male and a female. One kitten is eating fine but the other is not. He won’t eat and all he seems to want to do is sleep. I tried giving him some dry coffee creamer mixed with warm water and he ate some of that but didn’t perk up any. He has been drinking A LOT of water and he stays cold. What should I do? Any suggestions?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on June 9th, 2017
Oh, poor Dax! It really sounds like he's not feeling well. For a kitten this young, it is very important to make sure they eat, drink, and stay warm. You can try canned food or moistening dry cat food until it is mushy, a little chicken broth or tuna juice to entice him, or you can even try KMR cat milk replacer as a last resort. Keep him warm. I also recommend that you have your vet look at him to see if there is an infection, parasites, low blood sugar, or other problems.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on November 11th, 2017
It sounds like your cat needs to be examined by a veterinarian so they can determine what exactly is going on. It may be related to his previous trauma but it is difficult to say. Younger kittens frequently have intestinal parasites so this could be part of the problem as well. If you kitten goes for more than 3 days without eating, you should take him in to be examined. Best of luck. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 12th, 2016
I would take his temperature rectally to see if he does have a fever. A normal temperature is between 101-102.5F, and if it's above 103F, I would take him into the vet. He could be going through a growth spurt, which would make him sleep more. Teething will also cause him to not want to eat. I would try to tempt him to eat by gently warming up some really smelly wet food, such as sardine or fish based. Monitor him for now, and if he continues to be lethargic and doesn't want to eat over the next 48 hours, I would take him into the vet for an exam.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on June 14th, 2017
It's possible your kitten could have an underlying illness or some digestive upset. If he is refusing to eat or drink and is very lethargic, it would be best to take him into your vet ASAP for a full exam to find the cause.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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