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My newborn kitten won't nurse and is inactive. How can I save it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | African Serval | Male | unneutered | 3 days old

I have a newborn kitten. It was born on 31st dec, four days ago. At first, he was a normal kitten who drink milk but now he doens't nurse at all. He doesn't active like he used to. There are four of them and three of them were dead because of the same condition. Why is this happening? And how to save the only kitten left?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on January 3rd, 2019

If all of the kittens are passing away and this one is no longer nursing/seems ill, it would be best to seek veterinary care immediately. It is possible there is some illness going on, a functional issue, etc and since very young kittens can easily become dehydrated/require frequent meals, a vet exam is important to treating the condition ASAP.

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    Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 12th, 2017

    Hello I am sorry that the kitten isn't doing well. Kittens can get 'fading kitten syndrome' where they just start to not eat/drink as well and have decreased energy and they can die. They can also get diseases or conditions that can make them sick, including infections, viruses and worms. It is important to make sure that the mom cat is eating a good quality kitten food, and is dewormed. It is also important for the mom cat to be vaccinated. If she isn't then the kittens are at a much higher risk of getting viruses that are possibly fatal. I would suggest just trying to make sure the kitten is warm, keep trying to put the kitten on the nipple to encourage eating, and if the mom kitten is not licking the kitten to make it pee/poop you can wipe the back end with a warm wet cloth to help it pee/poop. I would then get the kitten and mom into a vet as soon as possible. Best of luck with your little ones.

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