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My new kitten won't eat, drink, or use the litter box. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 1 month and 28 days old | 1lb

I just got my kitten yesterday and she won't eat drink or use litter box.

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 29th, 2017

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.

17Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on April 9th, 2019
Congrats on your new kitten! Moving into a new home can be stressful for a kitten, and if she hasn't eaten or drank anything, I'm not surprised she has not used the litter box. Take some boiled white meat chicken (no bones), and get her attention with it. Lead her over to her food bowl with the chicken, and mix it in with her food to try to get her to eat it. She should start eating it. If she hasn't eaten in another 24 hours or used the litter, have her seen by a vet for a health check. Best of luck.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on May 30th, 2017
Luna may be stressed from the change in environment. Offer canned kitten food. Serve warm or mix in a teaspoon of baby food to stimulate her appetite. It may take her a day or two to acclimate. Make sure she has food and water available. Monitor for vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or loss of appetite. Have her examined by your veterinarian within 72 hours to confirm good health or to diagnose and treat any pre-existing conditions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
Published on June 23rd, 2017
This definitely could be because of the stress in her life leaving her original home, the train ride, the dog, and change of food (if you changed it). I would try some plain boiled chicken (no bones) to see if you can entice her to eat. I would also let her stay in a room where the dog doesn't go until she gets a little more acclimated. Also, if she isn't improving I would recommend to see your vet so they can make sure she doesn't have any worms or bacterial infection that could be causing the diarrhea and not eating.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
Published on December 24th, 2017
Poor Lyla! There are so many things that could cause this kind of behavior including pain, an infection or fever, constipation alone, a viral infection, and much more. You can try giving her 1/4 teaspoon of canned pureed pumpkin twice a day to relieve her constipation. Also make sure she is drinking plenty of water. You can add some warm water to some canned food if you need to help increase her water intake. If she isn't improving, I would have your vet take a look at her. Your vet will be able to determine if it is truly the constipation causing these behaviors or something else. Your vet will be able to do a fecal, blood work and even x-rays if needed. Your vet will then be able to give her fluids if needed and start her on the proper meds to help her feel better. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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