My sick kitten won't eat, breathing hard. Can I help her at home?

Poor Mochko. With symptoms of decreased appetite and "hard breathe" which I assume means she is having a hard time breathing, it is possible Mochka has pneumonia or an upper respiratory infection. I would highly recommend getting her seen by your vet again or another vet for a second opinion. They need to listen to her chest (auscultation) to check the lungs for certain sounds. If certain sounds in the chest are detected and Mochko also has a fever (greater than 102.5 degrees F rectal temp), then pneumonia is suspected. Chest x-rays would then be needed to confirm. If the chest is free of any abnormal sounds on expiration, then an upper respiratory infection is suspected, which is a better prognosis for kitty. At that time a short course of antibiotics and anti-viral meds (i.e. Lysine) can be prescribed to treat her condition. At any rate Mochko needs to be re-evaluated and the underlying condition properly identified so that we know exactly what she needs to get better.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is unclear what is exactly going on with Sally. However, it does sound like Sally may be having gastrointestinal or respiratory issues, among other possibilities. This indicates a visit to a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment as soon as possible. They would be able to check on her to see what seems to be wrong so that this can be treated. Good luck and have a great day!

Open mouth breathing is a sign of respiratory distress in cats, and is a medical emergency. Kenway needs to see a vet now. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/ Have your friend check out these resources, and have him take the kitten into a vet now.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. It appears as though Wraith may have a respiratory infection and the thin body condition could be due to failure for her to thrive from the infection. She may also have intestinal parasites that could be causing the poor weight gain. I would definitely consider bringing her inside and keeping her in there out of the cold weather, especially considering she is so young and thin. If you are concerned about cost at a vet clinic, there are plenty of rescues you could reach out to to see if either they have any medications to donate or if they could take her from you so that she can get the most appropriate veterinary care. The only other option you have is to make sure she is eating enough and can even add kitten formula with the food and wait for her immune system to fight off the respiratory infection. However, there may be more going on. If you cannot afford to take her to a vet clinic, then my recommendation would be to give her up to a rescue so that she can receive the care that she needs. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions / concerns.

I’m so sorry to hear about Scruff :( unfortunately, she sounds serious enough that there is nothing I would recommend for doing at home. Keep her warm and encourage drinking. Consider carecredit.com - it’s a line of credit you can apply for instantly online and can be used for human or animal healthcare. It’s generally low or no interest for 3-6 months and is accepted at many vet hospitals. If you are approved, go to the nearest 24 hour ER clinic. Be warned that dependinf on her underlying condition and status on arrival, the doctor may recommend intensive measures (hospitalizing IV, etc.) or humane euthanasia. Unfortunately, sometimes there is no realistic “in-between” option. I’m so sorry again and hope for peace no matter the outcome.

It sounds like she has an upper respiratory infection causing the congestion. Since she is breathing heavy and is so young, it would be a good idea to have a vet examine her to determine if treatment is needed. She may need an antibiotic to help treat. The diarrhea could be caused by a parasite and your vet could test a stool sample to determine the cause. There isn't really much you can do at home besides supportive care with food, water, and keeping her warm. You could also put a humidifier in a room with her or place her in the bathroom while you shower so the steam can help clear her nasal passages.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Cutee! From your pictures and description Cutee is very sick. I don't understand why you think the Vets in your area do not care about animals. I would ask your neighbors and friends who they like for their pets Vet care and use that hospital. Sadly Cutee needs to see a Veterinarian. Without examining Cutee and establishing a Veterinary Client Patient Relationship it is against the law for us to diagnose and prescribe medications. Cutee needs an exam, fecal test for worms, a belly X-rays, blood work and likely hospitalization to pull her through this. All you can do at home is keep her safe and warm. You can try kitten milk replacer and bottle feed her. Though if she is over 3-4 weeks old kitten food is fine. She is going to become dehydrated, if she isn't already, if she isn't eating or holding anything down. I am very sorry but what Cutee needs to be seen and examine by a Vet to obtain a diagnosis and receive treatment. I wish you both the best!