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My kitten has head trauma & won't wake up. What are its chances?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Bengal | Male | 0 lbs

We found a kitten that has suffered head trauma and was taken to a vet. The first vet misdiagnosed a bleed on the brain. We took the kitten to another vet and they gave antibiotics and said the bleed would go. The kitten hasn't woken up after 4 days. He does respond to pain when paw was pressed. And can swallow water. His eyes don't look normal. If the kitten survives we are looking to adopt. What are his chances of survival? Pictures attached. Please help!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Lauren Celestin, DVM

Answered By Lauren Celestin, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Dentistry Resident

Published on August 16th, 2017

Poor kitty! Unfortunately, a lot of the time when it comes to neurologic trauma time and small signs of improvement are what you are looking for. X-ray only tells us if there are fractures in the skull and are very difficult to see the full scope of the trauma as so many structures are superimposed on top of each other. The best diagnostic to give you an idea about extent of trauma and prognosis would be an MRI.

It sounds like the kitten is making some progress, but only time will really tell us how much progress he will make. He may never be completely healed and functional, so you will also have to decide how dedicated you can/willing to be for a potentially special needs kitten.

Hopefully this provided some help and guidance. Best of luck to you and the kitty!
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