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Why is my newborn kitten not eating, shaking, and breathing heavily?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | 1 month and 10 days old

my kitten was born not too long ago and I don't think she's/he's been eating and I think she is blind and deaf she/he shakes a lot like she is weak and she/he breaths heavily why won't she/he eat and why does she/he breathe heavily and shake and how can I get her/him to eat

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 13th, 2017

I'm sorry to hear this. This is concerning for a condition known as fading kitten syndrome. The condition could be caused by a range of different things, but is often due to some hereditary defect. If you noticed blindness and deafness, then this could definitely indicate that she was born abnormal. The shaking and heavy breathing is very concerning and actually warrants emergency treatment, because she could be in shock. I recommend taking her to the vet as soon as you can to get a clear diagnosis of her condition and the necessary treatment.

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 13th, 2017

    It is hard to say without knowing what she does not eat. She may not be eating food because she is too young and has not figured it out. If she is not nursing then you can try to bottle feed or syringe feed her kitten milk until she gets the hang of food. If her blood sugar is low it can cause shaking and weakness and this may be a result if the poor appetite. You can try a small amount of honey or karo syrup on her gums to supplement the sugar. If these options are not helpful then she will need to examined by a vet to make sure there is no infection or something else going on

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