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My kitten won't eat or drink. Is it sick? Can I catch something?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female

Thanks for your help My kitten dont drink milk at all. I froced it to drink milk with syringe to it mouth And the second question is: is it Danger for me Because it is at home in a box and im scare maybe i'll get a illness from it . My english is not good I have facebook And instagram Can u explain more on Facebook or insta? Please answer me iam worried.!

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 8, 2017

The kitten looks like it has an upper respiratory infection. When kittens can't smell they can't eat. I recommend taking him to a vet to get him antibiotics for the infection. Since he has teeth he doesn't need milk. I would feed him canned kitten food. Cats can carry illnesses transmitted to humans but if he's not biting you and you wash your hands after handling him, you should be ok. Good luck!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 6, 2017
Poor Chocolate! This is a medical emergency, and she needs to see a vet right away. It's quite serious that she is very weak and won't eat, as well as not drinking. She needs veterinary attention now, please take her into a vet asap.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 1, 2017
Since one of the kittens from this litter has already died and this one has become ill as well, I would recommend taking him in to be checked out by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Your kitten may be suffering from a viral disease or intestinal parasites or something else that is making him very sick. He will likely need a lot of support of care including fluids and antibiotics to help get him well. I hope this helps. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on April 15, 2019
You do have to take her into a vet. It's extremely serious when a kitten doesn't eat, as they will develop a fatty liver if they go long enough without eating. A fatty liver is fatal without treatment. She sounds very sick, please take her into a vet now.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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