Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Kitten not eating, weak, sleeping, bite marks. When to see a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My kitten doesn't have appetite ....I have tried giving it Milk but doesn't want to take it,sleeps a lot and as days go by it's becoming weak..recently saw bite marks on it ...what could be the problem

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 30th, 2017

Without more information it's not possible to determine what has caused your kitten’s condition. However, it is essential that your kitten see a veterinarian immediately. He sounds like he is seriously ill, and there are various reasons that may have lead to his sickness. One very serious concern in a kitten with bite wounds is the possibility of rabies infection, which is transmitted from the saliva of infected mammals, can be passed on to humans, and is fatal. A young kitten that is not eating is at risk for dehydration and low blood sugar, which can quickly become deadly. Cow’s milk can actually cause gastrointestinal upset in kittens, and should not be fed to kittens or cats. Kitten should be nursed by their mother or fed kitten formula until they are weaned. Please have him seen by a vet immediately.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
Poor baby! Your kitten could have an infection or a parasite causing the problem. Since the kitten is becoming weaker, he/she should be examined by a vet to determine the cause and treat. The kitten may need an antibiotic and fluids to help treat. Please call your vet and have the kitten examined.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My cat fought, sick, weak, sleeping, back pain, no bite. What to do?

Without a physical exam it's not possible to determine what has caused Kissi’s condition, however, it is important that Kissi see a veterinarian right away. He sounds like he is in a lot of pain, and there are various reasons that may have lead to this, including a cat bite abscess, damage to his spinal cord from the fight, or muscle injury. Cat bites can be very difficult to see, but can lead to very serious infections. Another very serious concern in the case of an animal bite is the possibility of rabies infection, which is transmitted from the saliva of infected mammals, can be passed on to humans, and is fatal. Please take Kissi to a veterinarian immediately, as he needs treatment.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My 1-month-old kitten is weak and not eating. What should I do?

Your kitten needs to be seen by a vet immediately. Cats cannot go without eating for more than a few days without suffering liver damage. Your kitten is likely very dehydrated and weak and will need supportive care to help him survive. Right now, make sure he stays warm and mix some honey or corn syrup with warm water and very carefully use a syringe or dropper to get him to swallow some of this to help rehydrate him and give him some calories. Be very careful because it is easy to choke him when he is this weak.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My kitten is weak, walking weird, won't eat or drink. What now?

Please take your kitten to the vet immediately. It sounds like she may be having neurologic symptoms, which could be due to low blood sugar associated with not eating and drinking, and she is very likely dehydrated. This is potentially deadly, and your kitten should be seen right away to check her blood sugar levels, assess for dehydration, and address the cause of her weakness. Another very serious concern in a stray kitten is the possibility of rabies infection, which is transmitted from the saliva of infected mammals, can be passed on to humans, and is fatal. There may also be other underlying neurologic causes for her condition, and a veterinarian can help determine the cause and start treatment .

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My week-old kitten was bitten, has pus, is cold and not eating. Help!

Oh my. Poor kitty. Because of the pus and infection, this kitty will need to be seen by your vet to get kitty on prescription antibiotics. I would recommend taking this kitty in to the vet asap. Keep kitty warm as much as you can until you can get him seen. I hope that your kitty survives this burtal attack. Best of luck moving forward. Take care. : )

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

What's wrong with my kitten? Warm, not eating, biting, meowing.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This is a quite generic but concerning presentation. Differentials are many, from gastrointestinal diseases (infection/inflammations often dietary related) to any disease that can spread systemically (causing lethargy for example) like infection, and anything that can cause pain/discomfort. The approach must be logic, starting from offering different kind of food. A check up is needed if inappetence lasts for more than 8hours. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My 4-month-old kitten is weak, limping, and not eating. What to do?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your kitten. I recommend that he sees a veterinarian today. His behavior is worrisome. Even if you are not able to locate his pain, it sounds like he is sore if he is limping. There is a viral disease in kittens that can cause a fever, lameness and ulcers in the mouth. His veterinarian will examine him and determine if this is the case or if he has another problem. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My kitten sleeps a lot, eats less, and seems weak. Should I see a vet?

It is normal for kittens to play really hard and then sleep really hard. At this age I expect them to sleep more than play. This changes as they get a little older. If she is eating at least 1/2 cup of food a day, she may be just getting full and realizes she doesn't have to eat it all at once and this is also okay. Sometimes kittens will graze on grass and plants out of curiosity. Just make sure you don't have an toxic plants in your house/yard. BUT if you think she is eating less than this and doesn't play much at all and you think she is getting weak then I would see your vet for an exam. She may have something else going on like an infection or parasites that needs to be addressed. Your vet will be able to do a fecal and possibly bloodwork if needed. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share