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What to do if my 4-week-old kitten won't eat for a couple of days?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 1 month and 5 days old | 2 lbs

I just got a 4 week old kitten, Pebble. I also have a 3 months old cat in the house. The kitten is in her own room with litter, cat milk, softened dry food (dry food+warm water) and a bed. She hasn't eaten anything other than a few drops (literally) of formula from a feeding bottle in 2 days. I'm a bit worried about her not eating. She's still got energy and explores for a couple of hours every day while the older cat is out in the garden. Should I be worried? Will she eat when she's hungry?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 3rd, 2017

She looks like a healthy little kitten, so I think she's probably OK and just being picky. If possible, I would contact the former caregiver and see what they were feeding. Sometimes they reject food that they are not familiar with. If you've done that already, or it is not possible, then try to feed a few different foods. She is old enough that she can eat 100% kitten food, so you can buy a few different cans of food at the pet store. Fancy feast is always a favorite. Don't feed too much at one time though, or she could develop vomiting/diarrhea. They also stop eating sometimes when they are feeling sick. If you notice some eye or nose discharge, or anything else concerning, then you may need to get her to a vet for evaluation. I hope that helps.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 31st, 2020

    Moving into a new home is stressful, and 4 weeks of age is too young to be away from the mother. If Uka is an orphan, then you have no choice but look after her, but if she still has a mother, she needs to go back her for another 4 weeks. Should she be an orphan and still hasn't eaten by morning, take her into a vet right away.

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