I just got a 5 week old kitten. She is tiny. Although she is eating her food she is not drinking water or milk. Will she get over it? What should I do?
2007-10-09 08:27:03 · 15 answers · asked by mimo8705 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
5 weeks is too young for this kitten to be away from her mother. Where did you get her? Try using a kitten milk substitute from a petstore and NOT cow's milk. The problem with cow's milk is that there is a different fat and protein content than a cat's milk, and it is usually not sufficient for a young kitten. If this does not work call the vet. He or she may be able to give you some tips, and a plan of action if nothing works. You may have to bring her in. I highly doubt she was properly weaned. Here is a great site on raising orhpaned kittens. The first part is not so applicable, but you can pick up at about the 5 week mark.
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1&cat=1388&articleid=912
2007-10-09 08:34:54 · answer #1 · answered by swimmintink 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well 5 weeks old is 1 week shy of taking her away from momma and her mothers milk if you are giving her can food that is about 70% water so she is getting fluids.please do not give any cat cows milk this is not good at all go get kitten milk at wal mart or a pet store much much better packed with Vits.you might also need to get a feeder bottle and feed her like a baby but do not force the can food has alot of water to it just make sure the kitten is peeing and your OK that means she is getting fluids
2007-10-09 08:40:54 · answer #2 · answered by MrMike 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Five weeks is young to get a kitten. A cat that small can get dangerously dehydrated very quickly does it have vomiting or diarrhea? if so phone the vet immediately. What is it eating? if its eating a wet tinned food they have a very high water content so they will drink much less water. Is your kitten acting like a normal kitten? playing and being lively? or is it lethargic? With a kitten that young if you are worried at all take it to the vet. MILK BAD FOR CATS!
2007-10-09 08:59:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. Don't give her any milk, it is bad for her, it will give her diarrhea.
2. If she is eating canned food, perhaps she is getting water from that, although young kittens usually drink when they are weaned, even if they eat canned food. Try adding some water to her food, to make sure she doesn't dehydrate.
3. If she eats dry food, she will drink, otherwise put some water in her bowl with the dry food, to get her used to it.
4. If she eats, pees and poops properly, don't worry. But if she eats dry food and no water take her to the vet.
2007-10-09 08:42:30 · answer #4 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your kitty doesn't want to drink because it's supposed to still be with mom. Kittens shouldn't be separated from their mother until eight weeks. If there is any way for you, try to take the kitten back where you got it and leave it with its mom for another three weeks. If momma cat is not available, take your little one to the vet - he'll teach you how to nurse it with a bottle. Good luck!
2016-05-20 00:06:37 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try running the tap and seeing if you kitty will drink from a running source. Some cats will not drink sitting water. If she does then it is time to invest in a water fountain for your kitty.
Are you feeding her moist food or dry? If wet, it might be okay. If you want to be sure she drinks, get a needleless syringe and fill it up with water. Place her on your lap and pet/ groom her with your hands until she is nice and purring, then introduce the syringe by bringing it up to one corner of her lip and injecting a bit of the water at a time. She should just lick it up. A dropper will also work.
2007-10-09 08:42:14 · answer #6 · answered by Blk_Kitties 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
5 weeks old shouldn't be away from momma yet. If she's not drinking she'll become dehydrated. If you haven't, please try kitty formula (found at Walmart) "Milk" does not have the nutrients kittens need. If she won't drink kitten formula, even out of a bottle (found at pet stores) , give her Pedialite to keep her hydrated in a syringe if necessary. . Above all, take her to the vet before it's too late! A kitten could die very quickly from dehydration
2007-10-09 08:36:45 · answer #7 · answered by Angel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No milk for Kitten, please. It can upset their stomach.
When you feed your kitten(dry food), mix it up with plenty of warm water. And do not force 'em to drink the water, but always leave the fresh water in a bowl.
If you think it's severely bad, bring your kitten to the vet right away. They have liquid linger(shot) for cat when they need some liquid or having allergic reaction.
2007-10-09 08:44:58 · answer #8 · answered by Rachel J 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't give her cow's milk: That will give her diarrhea. And as little as she is, she will dehydrate.
If she isn't drinking water from the tap- and ours do, though they can from a bowl- take her to the vet to find out what's going on. I'm not really worried yet since she is eating.
2007-10-09 08:36:50 · answer #9 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi,put some of the cat milk/water in your hand to see if she'll take it stroke her as you're doing it,warm the milk and water up a little too.You could try leaving a tap on to drip cats love to drink from dripping taps.If nothing works you need to consult your vet asap.
2007-10-09 09:06:55 · answer #10 · answered by Kerry 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋