Why won't my new kitten eat after adoption and neuter surgery?

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!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, this warrants a veterinary evaluation. From what you describe, he is likely becoming dehydrated. They would be able to help with hydration and to treat the primary issue with supportive care. Good luck and have a great day! I wish him a quick recovery!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Congrats on your new baby! Sometimes when animals come to a new house they are scared and need time to adjust. For a kitten, I recommend placing them in one room with the litter box, food and water. When they get used to that room then open the door and let them explore, but leave everything in that room. Then as they get used to their new house get the food, water and litter box where you want it. At 8 weeks old Ash should be eating kitten food. Try dry and canned and see if he has a preference. Sit with him and encourage him to eat. Place him in the litter box a few times. If he still isn't eating or using the box by 48 hours then I would recommend you have him evaluated. Hopefully he just needs a bit more time! Good luck!

It may take your new kitten time to get used to her new surroundings. Try keeping her in a smaller area, like a bathroom, with her littler box and food/water. Being in closer proximity to them may encourage her to eat and use the box. You may also want to try offering her canned kitten food, as opposed to kibble. This may encourage her to eat more. When she does eventually defecate, if it is outside of the box, place the stool inside the box to help her learn where to go. If these tips are not working and your kitten is still refusing to eat or drink, you may want to consider taking her in to the vet to be checked out. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

I would recommend to take Willow to the veterinarian for an examine. Not eating is generally a sign of illness. The doctor will examine her and check her temperature and may recommend diagnostics. Get her in as soon as you can so she can get on the right tract and not get worse. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Are you able to fre the same food that Bernard was on before you got him? Some kittens can have food preferences. It might also be the stress of moving to a new home that is causing the decrease in appetite. If he still isn’t eating anything in another day or two or if he seems really lethargic, I would have him examined by the vet.

Congratulations on your new additions! The stress of a new home can affect appetite. Be sure they are warm and cozy. A cold kitten will not eat. You can offer a quality canned food and warm it slight to stimulate the appetite. A teaspoon of baby food can be mixed in if necessary. Be sure to have water out at all times and offer up some dry kibble. You can count the bits to see if they are eating dry food instead of canned. Have them examined by your veterinarian to confirm good health or to treat any pre-existing conditions.