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My new kitten won't eat, drink, or use the litter box. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 1 month and 28 days old | 1lb

I just got my kitten yesterday and she won't eat drink or use litter box.

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 29th, 2017

It may take your new kitten time to get used to her new surroundings. Try keeping her in a smaller area, like a bathroom, with her littler box and food/water. Being in closer proximity to them may encourage her to eat and use the box. You may also want to try offering her canned kitten food, as opposed to kibble. This may encourage her to eat more. When she does eventually defecate, if it is outside of the box, place the stool inside the box to help her learn where to go. If these tips are not working and your kitten is still refusing to eat or drink, you may want to consider taking her in to the vet to be checked out. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

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17Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 9th, 2019

    Congrats on your new kitten! Moving into a new home can be stressful for a kitten, and if she hasn't eaten or drank anything, I'm not surprised she has not used the litter box. Take some boiled white meat chicken (no bones), and get her attention with it. Lead her over to her food bowl with the chicken, and mix it in with her food to try to get her to eat it. She should start eating it. If she hasn't eaten in another 24 hours or used the litter, have her seen by a vet for a health check. Best of luck.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on May 30th, 2017

    Luna may be stressed from the change in environment. Offer canned kitten food. Serve warm or mix in a teaspoon of baby food to stimulate her appetite. It may take her a day or two to acclimate. Make sure she has food and water available. Monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or loss of appetite. Have her examined by your veterinarian within 72 hours to confirm good health or to diagnose and treat any pre-existing conditions.

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