Caring for a Sick Kitten

A sick kitten needs gentle and loving care. It often takes time and patience to nurse kittens back to health. It’s tough to see our felines not feeling well and suffering from a kitten illness. And since we’ve all been under the weather at one time or another ourselves, we can understand how uncomfortable it must feel for a kitten.

An ailing kitten is most likely feeling much the same way as a sick human: absolutely miserable. However, they can’t verbalize how they feel. So, it’s up to us as owners to care for our fragile kittens and nurture them back to good health.

Photo by Keith Kissel @ flickr.com

Kittens can fall ill for all kinds of reasons. They may have just undergone a surgical procedure and are in the process of healing. They may have just gotten a cold or upper respiratory infection. Or even suffered an injury while jumping or climbing. Whatever the cause of their discomfort, ailing kittens tend to display characteristic signs and symptoms.

Often, however, these warning signs can go unnoticed if a pet owner is not acutely aware of what to look out for. Here is a short list of the most prevalent signs and symptoms of kitten illness.

Common Signs and Symptoms of a Sick Kitten

• Poor Appetite
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Severe Itching
• Limping
• Weakness/Lethargy
• Behavioral Changes
• Whimpering
• Coughing
• Sneezing

Nursing Kittens Back to Health

When caring for an ailing kitten it is important to keep them as comfortable as possible. Keep them wrapped up in a warm blanket and ensure that their skin remains dry so that they do not become chilled. Sick kittens also may be in no mood to eat. However, eating food helps provide the body with nourishment to aid in healing. So, give your kitten small frequent meals throughout the day as they can tolerate. If a kitten absolutely refuses to eat for a day or so, take them to see a vet.

Kittens should be left to rest as much as possible when they are feeling under the weather. Find an area of your home that is quiet and is low trafficked. Keep the animal isolated from others. Yet, do keep an eye on your kitten to track its progress. Note if it is gradually improving or if it is progressively getting worse.

Make sure that your frail kitten remains indoors at all times during periods of illness. An ailing kitten is in no condition to be outside in the elements. Keep them safe and warm inside your home.

Cats are normally very clean animals. They groom themselves frequently when they are in good health. Yet, during times of illness, grooming habits may fall by the wayside. And you may need to help your kitten stay fresh. Wipe the nose, corners of eyes, and around the mouth with a moist warm cloth if you notice that your kitten has vomited or been drooling. Brush the fur if you notice that it has become matted and tangle due to lack of care. Provide any care necessary that you think your kitten will need during its convalescence.

Handy Supplies

Here are a few supplies that should be kept on hand to aid in nursing an ailing kitten.

• Bandages
• Hydrogen Peroxide (H202)
• Gauze
• Towels/Blankets
• Antibiotic Cream/Salve
• Thermometer (Rectal)
• Medication Syringe
• Mineral Oil

Remember…a sick kitten needs your help to to feel purr-fect again! See your vet right away if their condition worsens.

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