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My kitten won't eat or drink after vet visit. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Maine Coon | Female | unspayed | 5 lbs

My 9-week-old kitten went for her first vet appointment with me yesterday. She got a deworming treatment, a vaccine, and her nails cut. Since that point, she has bee acting grumpy, and she has not been eating or drinking water. It's been a bit less than 24 hours since the appointment, and I am starting to worry. Should I be taking her in for an emergency vet visit, or should I wait until tomorrow to see if she starts drinking?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 22nd, 2017

I am concerning that Luna isn't eating or drinking, and while you can see a decrease in appetite and activity after vaccines, it isn't normal to stop both eating and drinking completely. First I would try to tempt her to eat with some boiled white meat chicken (no bones) in some low sodium gently warmed chicken broth or tuna in spring water. You can also offer her small amounts of Pedialyte. If she refuses to eat or drink those things, then yes I would take her into an emergency vet right away.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH
Veterinarian
Published on October 13th, 2017
Hi and thanks for your post on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I am sorry Luna is not feeling good enough to eat or drink. If this has been going on for more then 24 hours, I would take Luna to a veterinarian to get checked out. There could be a medical reason behind disinterest in eating and drinking.

If you just got her or just adopted her, sometimes it takes a day for them to adjust to their new home environment and may not eat or drink much for the 1st 24 hours after being brought home. However, I would see a veterinarian if Luna has been disinterested in eating or drinking anything for more than 24 hours as this could indicate a medical problem.

I hope this helps and bet wishes to you and Luna!
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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