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My 8-week-old kitten won't drink water. Can I give it diluted milk?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 18 days old | 20 lbs

I have a 8 week old kitten and it doesn't drink water. I put some water into its food so it can get into its system and i also put out a bowl of water but it doesn't drink from it. Do you have any methods i can use to get it to drink water. And if i have normal milk is it alright to add some water into the milk to try to dilute it a little and give the kitten?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 7th, 2017

Typically cats are not big water drinkers, and it may be drinking water at night when you are asleep. No, I would not give Milo cow's milk. Cats are actually lactose intolerant, and giving him cow's milk can cause diarrhea and vomiting. I would try feeding him canned food along with his dry kitten food, as that will get more moisture into his diet. You can also try a pet water fountain. It will provide a continual source of fresh water for him and may encourage him to drink. I have a pet water fountain for my cats and they love it. You can get them online or from a pet store. I hope this helps!

17Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
Published on September 9th, 2017
This can take a little patience and perseverance but at 8 weeks he is old enough to be weaned onto solids and water. You are doing well by confining milk to feeding times, reduce volume by 50% and try offering water immediately before milk. During transition, add water to meals to ensure he is getting adequate fluids and try offering the broth from fresh boiled chicken also
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Susan England-Foster
Veterinarian
Published on January 2nd, 2018
It is hard to give you a good recommendation because I do not know how old the kittens are. Typically once kittens are weaned I do not recommend giving milk. You can try can food due to a higher moisture content or even putting warm water into dry kibble. If they are still nursing than putting a small amount of kitten milk into the can or dry food is okay. Hope that helps
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 4th, 2016
He is very very young, actually he should have stayed with his mommy for another 4-6 weeks. Keep offering him warm kitten milk (not cat milk) and canned kitten food on the side about every 4-6 hours. He will likely not drink water yet. Eventually he will eat more of the solid food and drink less of the kitten milk.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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