Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My rescued kitten is hungry & not drinking. Best food & water tips?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | unspayed | 5 months and 11 days old | 3.5 lbs

Well ive just recently rescued a wonderful kitten a few weeks ago an named Lola that is soo sweet an cuddly. I took her to the vet a day after i rescued her and found out she has tape worms from eatting a infected flea and weight 3 lbs an got treat for the tape worms. Its been almost two an a half weeks since we had the visit but I've notice that she's been really hungry and barely drinking any water. Can you plz give and tips on great food choices and drinking tips.?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on October 2nd, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Lola is adorable!

If Lola is producing urine and acting normal I wouldn't be too concerned about her water intake. Some suggestions though are to feed her more of a canned food diet and gradually add water to the canned food to trick her in to taking more water in. Water fountains are a great option for cats who like fresh running water. Be sure that the Vet also dewormed her for round worms as the medications are different. ALL young animals usually have round worms. She should also have started her vaccinations and been tested for feline leukemia and FIV. I would increase her food volume as she does appear skinny. If she doesn't start to gain after being properly dewormed then I would consider a food change. I like he brands Hill's Science diet, Purina proplan, Royal Canine and Iams/Eukanuba. Be sure she is eating kitten formulas until 1 year of age.

Good luck!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Why is my kitten small, eating less, and drinking more water?

Hi and thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Nothing alarming so far. She is at the age where her food intake will naturally decrease because she no longer needs the three meals a day regimen she was getting as a younger kitten. The only thing I would keep an eye on is her urination habits. If she is urinating more and it has a foul odor to it, you may want to get her checked for a UTI. Other than that this sounds like normal kitty behavior. Best wishes and I hope everything works out well for your kitty Mia and I hope her leg heals well so she can finally get spayed. Take care.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Help! My 8-week-old kitten won't eat or drink after coming home.

Hi there and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There can be many causes for decreased appetite. If you just got her on Friday, it may be the move has stressed her out a bit and she needs a few days to adjust. However, there can be other causes such as viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections that may cause decreased appetite potentially. It is good to hear she is having normal bowel movements and is urinating, however. You can try heating up her food a bit to bring out the flavor and try feeding small amounts frequently. If a couple more days go by and she still has not eaten, I would recommend she see her veterinarian just to make sure there is nothing more serious going on. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My kitten isn't drinking water but is eating. Should I be worried?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think it Noushmc is otherwise acting 100% normal I think she will be fine. Just watch her closely. Also if she eats an all canned food diet there is a lot of water in that so animals will drink less. Or she could be drinking water from somewhere else (toilet, sink...puddle outside). If you are still worried you can try offering her some tuna juice. I hope this help and have a great day!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

What food should I give my dehydrated kitten to help her recover?

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. A kitten this young & dehydrated needs to be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. She may need supplemental fluids, either give intravenously or under the skin. Then, we need to know why Acil has become dehydrated. Is she sick with an infection, was there any trauma, or does she have a large intestinal parasite burden? If she is eating, you can give her any food that has a high moisture content ( ie canned ), but if she is already dehydrated, it is difficult to remedy this just depending on what she eats on her own. I hope she is well soon. Take care.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

I found a kitten outside. What are the first steps for its care?

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Depending on her age, the kitten may not be able to break down the milk sugar called lactose much like people with Lactose Intolerance. I wouldn't advise giving milk since it can cause cramping, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal upset. I would advise getting her to your veterinarian right away for an examination. Depending on her age they will advise you on pertinent testing (Feline Leukemia, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus), vaccinations, and deworming to get her off on the right track. Great job saving her and good luck

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Found a young, skinny kitten. How to feed and water her before vet?

Roxy is so cute! Given that her eyes are open, she is definitely at least three weeks old, but based on the picture, I would say she is older than that. She may be skinny from intestinal worms, which is common in kittens. It's a good idea to have her seen by a vet on Monday, who can give her a deworming treatment, give you a more exact age, and do a health check on her. Just in case she isn't used to dry kitten food, I will give you a method to help her get used to it. Also be sure to leave water out at all times for her. I would soak a high quality kitten formulated dry food in warm water until soft. Then mix that with kitten formula such as KMR to make a mush the consistency of oatmeal. Over the next two weeks, gradually increase the amount of dry kitten food and decrease the amount of water and KMR you use until she is eating the dry kitten food only. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Why is my 6-week-old kitten sneezing and not drinking water?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The most common reason for sneezing and clear nasal discharge in kittens are viral infections. The kitten usually gets better in 7-14 days. If the sneezing gets worse or the nasal discharge becomes cloudy, yellow or green Mika may have developed a secondary bacterial infection. She would then need antibiotics. Canned cat food has a lot of water in it. You can add water to the canned food to increase water intake. If she is doing well she is likely getting all the water she needs. Especially if she is producing urine regularly. I hope this helps and I wish you and Mika the best!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share