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My sick, lethargic kitten won't eat after URI. What can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Kitten was a rescue from a foster who starved the kitten and was fired. The kitten is less than 11 weeks old and is refusing to eat and drink feeding by formula by seringe cat is taking cloramax for a upper respiratory infection and is not improving. The vet that the kitten was taken to said that the cat most likely would not survive that was when it was not even drinking fluid. Kitten started to drink but still refusing food and very lathargic. Any help would be amazing.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on March 9th, 2019

Poor kitten! I suspect the kitten is very sick and that’s why it is not eating or drinking. Although it may not work, giving subcutaneous fluids every day and force feeding may be needed until the kitten feels better. Feed a diet such as a/d or r/s as they are high calorie. You also have more aggressive options such as hospitalization with intravenous fluids or even a feeding tube placement. Sometimes these kittens need a lot of intense care and time to feel better. Make sure it stays warm and visits the veterinarian as needed. The vet may be able to show you how to give subcutaneous fluids if needed. I hope this is helpful and best of luck.

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 1st, 2018

    He is not urinating much then he should be seen. A decreased appetite can go along with pain and I would worry about an infection or kidney disease given his symptoms along with a urinary obstruction. he is very young for this though. A kitten his age should be active and have a good appetite since he is growing still. They may need to do blood work also to see if this is something un related and he is not urinating much simply because he is conserving what he has to aid in hydration. You can try tuna or boiled chicken with some of the juice to help encourage him to eat and drink more until you can get him seen.

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    Answered By Claudia Fioravanti

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 8th, 2021

    Hi, it sounds like he might benefit to be seen as an emergency ASAP. It could be that he has not been able to pass urine and he is now in pain and starting to suffer possible life threatening consequences. Could you have him checked over ?

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