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How to bathe and feed a sick foster kitten with no appetite?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 7 lbs

I have a foster kitten about 3 to 4 weeks old who has started to get her teeth. She is pretty sick with what is being treated as a URI with doxycycline but I'm starting to think it's a virus. She is quite dirty with dried milk and a little dried urine. Is it safe to bathe her while she is sick? Also should I keep her on formula until she's better or start transitioning to baby food/gruel? She has low appetite and I'm struggling to get her to eat enough to maintain her weight.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on April 20th, 2018

Poor Baby! She looks quite weak in that picture. It is fine to wipe her down but I would not give her a full bath right now. Make sure she is also staying warm after her "sponge bath". I would keep her on her formula right now until she is a little bigger. You can try to see if she will take some gruel out of a syringe - if so, then this would be okay as well. Since she isn't eating well, I would have her rechecked by your vet. She likely needs some fluids to help keep her hydrated. I would also talk to your vet about testing her for feline leukemia and feline aids. If she is positive for one of these then you know that she is going to have a hard time getting over this illness. It is just information to have. You may also talk to your vet about whether or not a change in antibiotics may help her especially if she isn't improving on the current meds. I hope this helps and she starts to feel better quickly.

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