Why is my sick kitten lethargic and stinky after lying in litter?

I'm sorry to hear that Lily has been feeling so poorly today. As Dr. Melanie mentioned, lethargy and a loss of appetite can be due to many underlying health conditions. Since she seems to prefer laying down, it's also possible that she's experiencing some degree of pain or discomfort. Some of these possible conditions include pancreatitis, infectious diseases (FIV, feline leukemia, FIP, etc.), constipation, kidney disease, liver disease, toxin exposure (did she eat a plant, medication or something else she shouldn't have?), or many other conditions. The fact that she hasn't been using the litter box normally might be a sign that she is dehydrated, even though she's drinking water when it's placed in front of her. At this point, it would be best to take Lily to her vet fairly urgently for evaluation. Your vet will need to examine her and will likely recommend some diagnostic testing, which may include blood work, an ultrasound or x-rays, to get to the bottom of this issue. I hope that she feels better soon!

Your kitten needs to be seen by a veterinarian. This sounds like a chronic infection which needs to be addressed. Matted fur is a sign of the cat not grooming itself and not playing is also a sign of not being well. This is not going to go away by itself. Please take your kitten to a vet tomorrow morning.

Poor Masha! It could be she is suffering from something called a pyometra, which is an infection of the uterus. It makes a cat very sick, and it's fatal without treatment. I think she needs to see a vet now, and I advise you to take her into one immediately. Best of luck.

Poor Bee. Since she is so young they are susceptible to infections more easily. I would be concerned about an upper respiratory infection. I would make sure she keeps eating, keeps drinking,and call your veterinarian first thing in the morning. If they aren't open this weekend at all, I would recommend taking Bee to the ER rather than waiting till Monday. In the meantime, a few times a day. I would run your shower really hot, close the door until the room in steamy. Then place Bee in there for 10 minutes. Helps break up secretions. Good luck

This is very concerning. Your kitten sounds very sick. I think she may have a virus (or possibly a large parasite burden). You should take her to the emergency vet as soon as possible to see what can be done. Before you leave, apply a little honey or syrup around her mouth as she may be weak from having a low blood glucose level. I hope she pulls through.

Poor Willow! It does sound like she isn't feeling well. It would be best to bring her to a vet ASAP to check for issues such as a foreign body from eating any kitty litter, GI upset, illnesses, etc that could be causing the symptoms you are seeing, especially if this has been ongoing for more than a day.

I am so sorry to hear that the kitten is so sick. Most URIs in kittens are viral, however it is common to treat with antibiotics to help prevent secondary bacterial infections. Pneumonia is certainly possible but typically they are coughing with pneumonia. I would also be suspicious of a nasopharyngeal polyp that typically could be adding to the congestion, but doesn’t usually cause lethargy. I am glad you are going back to the veterinarian. Perhaps they can prescribe a nebulizer to help her more than steam. Also you may want to discuss using saline drops to help loosen the congestion. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.