Kitten Not Eating

by Bridget
(Redding, California)

QUESTION:

I rescued two 8 week old kittens-both brothers. Apparently very healthy, playing, sleeping, using the kitty litter box. One is eating the dry kitten chow and drinking water. The other kitten is refusing to eat or drink. However, the one that is refusing to eat the dry cat food or drink the water, will drink milk. I'm not feeding the kitten that won't eat any milk right now to see if I can get it to eat the dry food but I am concerned as I don't want to starve it. I have tried to soften the dry cat food with water and force a little into its mouth so it can get used to the taste. Otherwise, the kitten appears very healthy. I'm thinking possibly my little kitten is just stubborn and not ready to wean. Any advice is welcome as I'm not sure if I'm doing the right thing. Thank you!



ANSWER

You can't let a kitten go even 24 hours without eating, so whatever it takes ....milk, force-feeding with a syringe, trying various kinds of canned food. Whatever the reason, the kitten must eat and if it will not, should see a vet.

Good luck,

Thank you,

Dr. Neely