My kitten has a URI. Why won't he eat or poop? When will he recover?

Poor Sourpatch! You typically should start to see some improvement within 24-48 hours, but it can be longer based on the severity of the infection. He likely isn't using the litter box because he hasn't eaten or drank, so he has no need to pass anything. When cats have a respiratory infection, they can't smell their food. Smell is very important to cats, and they won't eat something if they can't smell it. To tempt him to eat, I would gently warm up really smelly wet food, such as sardine or fished based. That will get some moisture in him as well, and hopefully he will start eating soon. If he still isn't eating after trying this in another 24 hours, I would take him back into the vet.

Hello, sorry to hear about Otto. He may not be eating because he does not feel well. He has an upper respiratory infection and likely feels very congested, he also now developed diarrhea and vomiting. So over all he likely feels very sick. He needs to continue his medications and be given time to get over his illness, unless his signs are getting worse. What you may talk to your veterinarian tomorrow about is starting Otto on an appetite stimulant to get him to start eating sooner. The sooner he eats, the better he will likely feel. Additionally, if he is not getting better you may need to consider other diagnostics including an abdominal ultrasound. Hope Otto feels better soon.

It may take 7-10 days for the condition to resolve. As long as he is still eating, breathing normal, and has normal energy then continue the medications as directed and monitor his condition. If he has a viral infection then it will need to just run it's course as the antibiotics will only treat a bacterial infection. If he stops eating, becomes lethargic, or has any breathing issues then he should be rechecked by a vet.

The bloat is probably non related to the URI, this could be due to intestinal worms for example. URI can last 2 weeks in kittens, sometimes even more, i wouldn't be too worried about the sneezing, finish the antibiotic course, if he is not better by then take him back to your vet.

Poor kitten! I suspect the kitten is very sick and that’s why it is not eating or drinking. Although it may not work, giving subcutaneous fluids every day and force feeding may be needed until the kitten feels better. Feed a diet such as a/d or r/s as they are high calorie. You also have more aggressive options such as hospitalization with intravenous fluids or even a feeding tube placement. Sometimes these kittens need a lot of intense care and time to feel better. Make sure it stays warm and visits the veterinarian as needed. The vet may be able to show you how to give subcutaneous fluids if needed. I hope this is helpful and best of luck.

Hello. If you can go one step further than the humidifier & use actual steam, that would be better. You can also perform a procedure called coupage where you gently thump the chest with your open hand to try to break up the congestion. I would also talk with your veterinarian about adding another antibiotic to the regimen, especially since doxycycline is generally avoided in kittens. Clavamox or cephalosporins are better first choices. Keep the kitten warm. Ambient temperature should be 85-95 F. Administer glucose orally by rubbing on to the gums. You can use Karo syrup or Nutrical 2-3 times daily. Your kitten may be a little dehydrated. If she is not eating well, talk to your vet about sending home some fluids that you can administer under the skin. This should help with the bowel movements, too. Stay with it & hopefully your kitten will pull through. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Pluto. He will need to see his veterinarian again as it does not sound like he is improving. He may require a different antibiotic or a longer course. He is so young, it is easy for him to get dehydrated. He may be given fluids as well. In the meantime, keep his eyes clear of discharge and encourage him to eat and drink as best you can. I hope this information helps!