Kittens can suddenly become very sick even if they seemed fine just moments ago.
In this article, we share signs that your kitten might be unwell, common health issues, and when you should take them to the vet.
How to Tell if Your Kitten is Sick
If your kitten shows any of the following signs, get them emergency medical help right away:
- Bleeding
- Body temperature over 103°F or under 99°F
- Being tired all the time
- Dehydration
- Non-stop crying
- Refusing to eat
- Swollen stomach
- Repeated vomiting
- Constant diarrhea
- Pale gums
- Injury
6 Common Health Issues in Kittens And Their Signs
Gastrointestinal Issues
All pets, including your new kitten, can have tummy troubles. Even though it might seem small, if your young cat has an upset stomach or changes in poop like loose stool and diarrhea, it’s important not to ignore it. Usually, stomach issues in kittens are temporary, but it’s still a good idea to talk to your vet, especially if it happens in young kittens.
“Getting medical help for vomiting and diarrhea is important, especially if it’s severe, because your cat can get dehydrated quickly,” says Dr. Sarah Nold, a vet at Trupanion. “This is even more true for kittens because they are small.”
There are many reasons why your kitten may be experiencing gastrointestinal upset, including (but not limited to):
- Medications
- Infections
- Stress and anxiety
- Intestinal parasites
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Foreign body ingestion
- Allergic reaction
- Toxins
- Feline leukemia (FeLV)
- Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
Read Also: Stages of Kitten Development: First Weeks & Months
Foreign Material Ingestion
While dogs are usually known for eating stuff they shouldn’t, cats can do it too. Kittens especially are curious and playful, exploring their new home. It’s good to let them play, but you need to watch them closely to make sure they don’t eat anything weird. Cats eating strange stuff is a common reason people get pet insurance, and if it’s not fixed fast, it can cause big problems.
“Cats often swallow things they like to play with, like strings, hair ties, rubber bands, or needles,” says Nold. “Sadly, these things can hurt their insides a lot and even make them really sick or die.”
Signs of foreign material ingestion may include:
- Gagging
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
If you think your kitten ate something they shouldn’t, get them to the vet right away. Don’t wait for signs to show up or get worse. If the thing they ate is dangerous or could hurt them, you need to act fast.
Bone Fracture
It might seem surprising, but young pets can break bones just by being themselves. Remember, your kitten is still growing and might not have total control over how they move yet. While they explore, they might jump onto furniture or shelves, and they might not always land safely.
According to Nold, broken bones are more common in pets than many owners realize, but they might not always be noticed. Cats are good at hiding pain, so you might not see signs of injury right away.
“The main sign of a broken leg bone is limping, usually not putting weight on it,” she says. “You might also notice swelling in one spot, and your pet might try to protect that area because it hurts. Be careful when you try to check because they might bite or scratch you.”
Urinary Tract Infection
A pee problem called a urinary tract infection (UTI), happens to cats of all ages quite often. It’s when bacteria get into their pee area, and it might happen more in cats who don’t drink enough water.
“Cats are sneaky when they’re sick. But if they have a UTI, you might see them peeing a lot more, going outside the litter box, or having blood in their pee,” says the expert.
If you see your kitten having pee problems, go to the vet. Even though some UTIs go away on their own, it’s hard to know without a vet checking. UTIs can get worse if they’re not treated, and that could mean big vet bills for your pet.
Urinary obstruction
Pee problems might start as an infection and get worse. Does your kitten cry when using the litter box or go in there but nothing comes out? It could be a pee blockage stopping your pet from peeing normally.
“If your cat shows the same signs as a pee infection but also cries in the litter box or can’t pee at all, it’s an emergency,” Nold explains.
A pee infection or blockage might happen because of another health problem. If your cat has any issues, go to the vet. They can help your kitten feel better and find out what’s wrong.
Read Also: How Many Kittens Can A Cat Have?
Parasites
Both puppies and kittens can get parasitic infestations, especially if they’ve been outside or around other animals in a shelter. That’s why it’s common for young pets to get medicine to kill parasites before they go to their new homes.
The most common parasites in kittens are hookworms, tapeworms, and roundworms, and also tiny parasites called Giardia and Coccidia, which aren’t worms.
Signs of a parasitic infestation include:
- Potbellied appearance
- Loose, mucus-like diarrhea (may contain signs of blood or even visual parasites)
- Lack of alertness and/or confusion
- Fatigue
- Going to the bathroom outside of the litter box
- Vomiting
- Shaking
- Fever
- Decreased appetite
Remember, it’s crucial to have new kittens checked for parasites inside them, even if they seem fine or got a clean bill of health from the shelter. Sometimes, they might have just a few parasites with no signs, but it can get worse if not fixed. Even after getting rid of the parasites and making sure they’re gone, it’s still important to keep giving them medicine to stop parasites from coming back for their whole life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent my kitten from ingesting foreign objects?
Keep small objects like strings, hair ties, rubber bands, and needles out of your kitten’s reach. Supervise them closely while they play to prevent them from swallowing anything harmful.
What should I do if I suspect my kitten has a bone fracture?
If you notice limping, swelling, or if your kitten seems to be in pain after a fall or accident, it’s essential to seek veterinary care immediately. Avoid handling the affected area to prevent further injury.
How can I tell if my kitten has a urinary obstruction?
Signs of a urinary obstruction include similar symptoms to a UTI, along with vocalization or yowling in the litter box and an inability to urinate. This is considered an emergency, and immediate veterinary attention is necessary.
How often should I have my kitten checked for parasites?
It’s recommended to have newly adopted kittens checked for parasites by a veterinarian, even if they appear healthy. Additionally, regular deworming and parasite prevention measures should be discussed with your vet to ensure your kitten remains parasite-free throughout their life.
