2-week-old kitten breathing heavy, not eating: What should I do?

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JustAnswer Ask a question My 2 weeks old kitten is breathing heavy. One of them already passed away 2 days ago. I am concerned. What should I do? I waz already informed that there was a failure to thrive for the kittens because they are a offspring of my siblings cats. Do I take them to a local animal hospital? He also isnot eating. I truly can not afford to pay for a vet bill. I was going to give the babies away, but wanted to wait until they were weaned. What is next steps for me? Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 20 days old

Anna M., DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Unfortunately, this is a very sick little kitten. Tiny kittens can become dehydrated and critically ill very quickly if they're not nursing. There are no home remedies that are likely to help; in order to maximize this little one's chances of survival, he really should be seen by the vet. They can examine him and determine if he has a congenital defect, an infection to be treated with antibiotics, etc. If you give him away at this age, he almost certainly will die.... and even with the best vet care, it's still possible they may not be able to save him. Little kittens have a fairly high mortality rate and many are simply unthrifty and don't make it. If you feel he is suffering and you are not prepared to pay for vet care, I recommend calling your local animal shelter. Sometimes volunteers will take in "orphaned" kittens and try to raise them, so they may be prepared to try to nurse him back to health, and if they don't feel he is likely to turn around, they can humanely euthanize him. I hope this helps. All the best to you. I can tell you're trying to do the right thing for your little guy.

2-week-old kitten breathing heavy, not eating: What should I do?

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