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What to do if my newborn kitten is weak, skinny, and won't nurse?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Hi, I have 3 kittens newborn. 2 of them are normal,and eating too much from their mom. But 1(Grey) is very weak and not eating at all even I put the nipple into her mouth she cannot start eating like doesn't have enough power, and looks very skinny than others 2. Can I do something to get her up and to keep her alive? Thank you!

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 19th, 2019

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your kittens. If possible, I would have the grey kitten seen by a veterinarian to ensure that it does not have a congenital problem affecting its ability to nurse. If it appears normal, you may need to bottle feed this kitten with kitten formula to ensure it gets proper nutrition. I hope this information helps!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on September 28th, 2018

    You should really try to find a kitten milk replacer. They have unique nutritional needs different from human babies. The article below has a temporary recipe you can use until you get kitten formula. She should also be checked for intestinal parasites (worms and coccidia) by a vet. If she won't take a kitten bottle, the vet can show you how to safely tube feed her. Make sure to keep her warm and stimulate her to urinate and defecate. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951456

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    Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on January 20th, 2018

    I would highly encourage you to go buy a bottle and kitten milk replacer (KMR). Weigh her twice a day ona kitchen gram scale to make sure she gains weight every day. If she doesn’t gain weight daily then she won’t survive. She could be a few days younger than the others if she was from a different breeding session,or she could have a congenital problem such as a heart defect. Of course you can always have her Examined by a veterinarian for further recommendations as well. Best of luck and I hope she does well. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

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