Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My 6-week-old kitten is very weak. What can I do before the vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 0.68 lbs

I took my kitten to the vet the other day. She is only six weeks old. I found her along the road. The vet said she was healthy and to keep doing what I was doing. Today she doesn't have much life to her. And she seems like she's not going to make it much longer. What should/ could I do to help till I can get her to the vet?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By David Darvishian

Veterinarian

Published on August 30th, 2017

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Storm. Applying some Karo syrup or honey to her gums and tongue will provide some rapid glucose for her body to burn. You should try to force feed her with a good kitten milk replacer via bottle or syringe but if she is weak she might not nurse. Your best bet would be to get her to a vet immediately so they can evaluate her and then treat her accordingly while trying to figure out what is going on. Make sure she is nice and warm since small kittens cannot regulate their body temperature. Their normal temp should be around 99 degrees to 102 degrees farenheit. Not sure how old she is but you need to be stimulating her genital area also to get her to eliminate. Again these little guys can get sick very quickly and it's important you get her help as soon as you can. Good luck with her. I would also advise deworming her unless that was already done. Deworming should be done every 3 weeks after 2 weeks of age for at least 3-4 times.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By David Darvishian

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Also here are some web links that might shed some light for you. Good luck alleycat.org/community-cat-care/neonatal-kittens/ https://www.alleycat.org/community-cat-care/caring-for-neonatal-kittens/ https://4fi8v2446i0sw2rpq2a3fg51-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Kitten-Feeding-Chart-Guidelines.pdf https://www.alleycat.org/resources/kitten-progression/ https://4fi8v2446i0sw2rpq2a3fg51-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Reasons-Kittens-May-Not-Nurse-Well.pdf https://www.alleycat.org/resources/kitten-care-webinars/ https://4fi8v2446i0sw2rpq2a3fg51-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/BasicKittenMed_ReferencesResources.pdf vin.com/members/cms/project/defaultadv1.aspx?pId=21&catId=69&id=6718303&ind=54&objTypeID=10

    Vote icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What to do if my cat has a small hole with pus coming from its ear?
Is your cat's ear hole oozing pus? A Petco vet explains potential infections like abscesses from bites, advising immediate vet care, antibiotics, and recovery.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Bloody brown liquid from my cat. Is it pee or poop? Vet help?
Is brown liquid with blood from your semi-feral cats a concern? A certified vet explains how to determine if it's pee or poo and what steps to take.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My cat is chunky. What food and steps can I take to help him lose weight?
Is your cat overweight? A certified vet offers guidance to help your tubby tabby lose weight. Get essential diet and food recommendations to slim down your cat!
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Cat sick and still has fleas after vinegar treatment. What now?
Cat still scratching and not eating after vinegar flea treatment? A certified vet reveals why it fails and offers effective solutions for your cat and home.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My kitten had ringworm. Vet says in blood, untreatable, no meds?
Confused about your 6-month-old kitten's ringworm diagnosis, oral meds, or vaccinations? A trusted vet offers a second opinion on your pet's health concerns.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My cat has a weepy wound she keeps licking. Does it need stitches?
Is your cat's weepy wound concerning you? A certified vet offers guidance on home care, when to disinfect, and signs to watch for before seeking professional help.
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored