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My 3-week-old orphaned kitten won't eat or drink. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | 1 month and 3 days old | 1lb

My 3-4 week old kitty won't eat anything, neither will it drink.. her mother has left her after she was 2 weeks old. I tried warm milk, some meat (very squishy meat) and she doesn't want to eat or drink still... Help?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on October 30th, 2017

A 3 or 4 week old kitten is not quite ready to be weaned onto solid foods yet, so you will need to get kitten milk replacer and a bottle to try to feed her. If she is very dehydrated or sick, she may need to be evaluated by a veterinarian, who can show you how to properly tube feed so that she gets the hydration and nutrition she needs. You will also need to stimulate her bowel and urinary movements. Here is a good article on raising orphan kittens: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=576

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