How Do You Treat A Sick Kitten?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Vets treat the symptoms. Your kitten

may receive antibiotics to fight bacterial infection

. Kittens might also need subcutaneous (under the skin) fluids. Because congested kittens cannot smell their food, they won’t eat, and your vet may recommend force feeding or tube feeding.

How can I help my sick kitten?


Monitor her food and water intake

, as both are vital to her overall health, especially while she is sick. Keep comfortable blankets or towels in her area for her to snuggle in to keep her warm; make sure they are washable and something you’re okay with her possibly having stomach upset on.

How do you know a kitten is dying?

One of the signs your cat is dying is

when they have lower body temperature

. As the heart weakens, the body temperature begins to drop below 37. Use an ear thermometer or a digital rectal thermometer to check their temperature.

How can I help my sick kitten at home?


Monitor her food and water intake

, as both are vital to her overall health, especially while she is sick. Keep comfortable blankets or towels in her area for her to snuggle in to keep her warm; make sure they are washable and something you’re okay with her possibly having stomach upset on.

Do sick kittens recover?

Many kittens

will recover from an upper respiratory infection within a week or two with good nursing care

(rest, encouraging them to eat and drink, wiping discharge from their eyes and nose with a warm damp cloth, etc.).

What to do if kitten is dying?

1.

PROVIDE WARMTH

– Wrap the kitten in a blanket or towel, leaving only their face exposed. Use a heat source (snuggle safe, heating pad) as an extra source of heat. o Make sure the heat source is not directly touching the kitten to prevent burns.

Can you save a fading kitten?

Fading kitten syndrome is not a single disease. It can have many underlying causes, many of which lead to rapidly declining health, or even death, without immediate intervention. Caregivers can help kittens with fading kitten syndrome by

monitoring for its signs and acting quickly when

treatment is necessary.

How long will a kitten stay sick?

In most cases, cat colds are harmless and will go away

within 1-2 weeks

. You do need to monitor their health however, and if there is no sign of improvement by the fourth day, you should make an appointment with your vet as a persisting cold that does not get treated properly may develop into pneumonia.

How do I get my sick kitten to drink water?

  1. Place water bowls EVERYWHERE. …
  2. Consider feeding your cat wet food. …
  3. Add water or flavor to your cat’s food. …
  4. Add flavor to your cat’s water. …
  5. Use drinking fountains. …
  6. Test different bowls. …
  7. Encourage your cat’s drinking quirks.

Is it normal for a new kitten not to eat?


Kittens often refuse to eat when they’re not feeling well

. Unfortunately, there is a long list of possible health conditions that can stop them from dipping into their food bowl as they should. Anything from a clogged nose to intestinal parasites, constipation or an upset tummy can contribute to your kitten not eating.

Is it common for kittens to get sick?


Kittens are more susceptible to disease than adult cats

, but orphans are even more at risk for upper respiratory infections. Don’t treat her with over-the-counter medications, as many contain aspirin or acetaminophen, which are toxic to cats. As soon as you notice sniffles or sneezing, take your orphan to the vet.

How do you know when a kitten has worms?

  1. Sickness.
  2. Diarrhoea.
  3. Weight loss, despite a normal or increased appetite.
  4. A dull coat.
  5. Lack of energy or lethargy.
  6. A swollen or distended belly (in severe cases and particularly in kittens)

What does a lethargic kitten look like?

A healthy cat who’s just sleepy will react to your touch; he’d open his eyes and maybe move a little bit before falling asleep again. A lethargic cat, on the other hand,

doesn’t react to your touch or to any stimuli

. He won’t stir when you open a bag of cat food.

How can I help my weak kitten?

If your kitten seems weak and tired,

rub sugar water, karo syrup, or honey on her gums to boost blood sugar

and then call your vet, Demos says. “A kitten with low blood sugar can die very quickly. It won’t hurt to give your kitten a little bit of sugar.”

Can cats sense their own death?

They are also intuitive in that they often know when they are about to die. I have heard stories where cats hide or “run away” from home to find a place to pass away peacefully. Therefore,

cats are attuned to their bodies and their environment to the point where they can detect signs associated with death

.

What causes sudden death in kittens?


Hypoxia (lack of oxygen), trauma, hypothermia

– kittens born after difficult birthing (dystocia) have a higher risk of death and this may be the most significant cause of early deaths. This results from lack of oxygen (hypoxia) and/or trauma.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.