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My kitten is lethargic, not eating, and has red mucus. Is he dying?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 4 months and 1 day old | 2.4 lbs

I have a 3month old kitten I got from a shelter. Last Friday we took him to the vet because he wasn't eating. After x-rays antibiotics and $300 later he is not doing better. Has pooped long bright red mucus strings won't eat has lost half his body weight. We are forcing milk chicken broth and water down his throat. Now after we do that he goes completely lethargic cries and loses his bladder. Is he dying and ourvet just won't tell us?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on December 29th, 2017

I'm sorry to hear that Boxer is sick! It would help to know exactly what tests were done at your vet visit and what the results were. Since it sounds like he's getting worse, I would recommend taking him back to the vet right away - he will probably need some additional diagnostic testing to help determine what's wrong, and may also need to be hospitalized for IV fluids and supportive care since he isn't eating or drinking.

It's not possible to know what's wrong without testing, so I'm afraid I can't answer that part of your question without more information. Your veterinarian should be able to tell you what the next recommended steps would be, or you can seek a second opinion from another vet in your area if you prefer.

Additional tests that may be helpful in getting a diagnosis would include a fecal exam for parasites; general blood work to check organ function, red blood cell and white blood cell counts, etc; a feline leukemia/FIV (feline AIDS) test, and a feline panleukopenia test.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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