Why won't my kitten drink water?

Question

I just got a kitten last week and I've been giving it immitation kitten milk. I put the milk in this turkey baster-type thing and he drinks from it like a bottle. It's about six weeks old so it is old enough to drink water from a dish, but it will just sniff the water and leave it alone. Why won't he drink the water? Should I just leave water for the cat to drink and when he gets thirsty enough he'll eventually drink it?

Answer 1

Put the cat by the water and dip your finger in it then touch the cats mouth. This might show him what it is and that it is okay to drink. You might have to keep giving it water through a syringe or bottle for extra supplement.

Answer 2

if she is drinking milk, she probably gets all the moisture she needs, so she needs no water right now. However, keep the water available for her. My cat who eats canned food doesn't drink any water either, because he doesn't need to. However, kittens usually drink water once they start eating food. Leave the water available and fresh, and when she starts eating canned food or dry food for baby kittens or boiled chicken, she will probably start drinking water too.

Answer 3

at 6 weeks your kitten should be able to drink from a bowl,make sure its small and water down the milk,in the bowl and he will get the hang of it unless u want to hand feed it for the rest of its life

Answer 4

the cat will eventually drink, but it wants the milk its used 2

Answer 5

He will drink it when he reaches a curious enoguh stage to want to figure out what it is. I suggest leaving a very shallow dish around at all times. Clean and refill it daily but continue to feed it as usual.

Answer 6

Mix a bit of the milk with the water and wean him off it slowly.

Answer 7

many cats dont like water. as long as he is eating fine i wouldnt worry and if he likes milk he will be fine. call vet for advice if you are still not happy with it.

Good Luck