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Why is my sick kitten weak, disoriented, purring, and has diarrhea?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | unspayed

My little rescue kitten is really sick. She has diarrhea and is really weak and disoriented. She insists on putting the bottom of her mouth to rest on something. (A blanket as of now) I think she might have pneumonia but I'm not sure and it's too late to see a vet she is purring and content as long as her chin/mouth is resting

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 2nd, 2016

A kitten who is weak and disorientated should be seen by a vet right away. Purring is not always a sign of being content, cats can also purr when they are sick and in pain. I would call around to find a vet who is open to see Gwennyth right away. The diarrhea could be making her dehydrated, which would cause her to be weak and disorientated. Make sure she is getting plenty of water, and you can give her some boiled white meat chicken (no bones) in small amounts. Get her into a vet as soon as possible.

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    Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    You should take your kitten to an emergency veterinarian. Cats often purr when they are very sick and it may not be a sign that she's feeling okay. She could be dehydrated, or her blood sugar could be low. Pneumonia can occur in young kittens secondary to upper respiratory infections and can quickly become life threatening.

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