New kitten not eating

[Izzadoraduncancan]

Hi, we picked up our new Maine Coone kitten on Sunday. He came from a breeder known to us. He settled in well, playing eating and pooped. Today he is extremely lethargic and off his food - could he just be stressed? Could it be the change of wet food (dry food is the same). He looks perfectly well.
If he doesn't eat or drink tonight we will of course bring him to our vet tomorrow morning.
Any suggestions wise ones?

If you’ve completely changed wet food that might be it. It’s always best to change a little bit at a time, so say half & half, increasing the new food bit by bit whilst reducing the old one.

I’d get some of his old food & do that. Cats get a lot of their hydration from wet food and dehydration can cause lethargy, he’s probably also missing his mum.
He’s a cutie. I hope he perks up soon.

I’d take him to the vets, kittens aren’t lethargic unless unwell.

Just back from the vet who thinks a mild virus. Temperature as well as lethargy and loss of appetite. Antibiotics given and he feels he will be back to normal tomorrow morning. I hope so - he is such a cutie

How is your kitten now? Any better?

Thank you for asking. Yes, he has stating eating - we bought recovery soup for cats (who knew that was a thing) and spent today giving him 5ml in a syringe every hour. He then decided an hour or so ago - that he was hungry and is on the mend

That's good. You should tell the breeder, chances are the rest of litter has the virus too. Lethargy definitely isn't right. Healthy kittens go sleep/crazy time/sleep. We always used to joke about my friend's kitten being a 'demure lady' because she 'played' by sitting on her bottom batting things around with her paw while her brother did zoomies and went up the curtains. Part of it is just her personality, but it turns out she also has a low grade heart murmer. She's okay, she's living a good life, but if a kitten is not doing kitten crazies I would always suspect health now.

I'm not a veterinarian, but I can offer some general suggestions based on common causes of lethargy and appetite loss in kittens. It's always best to consult a veterinarian for a professional opinion, especially if your kitten's condition persists or worsens.

1. Stress: Moving to a new environment can be stressful for kittens. Give him some time to adjust and provide a quiet, comfortable space where he can relax. Ensure he has access to fresh water and familiar bedding.
2. Food change: A sudden change in diet, even if it's just the wet food, can sometimes cause digestive upset or reluctance to eat. Consider gradually transitioning him to the new food by mixing small amounts of the new food with his usual food over several days.

You may also like to know more about: My Cat Doesn’t Like Wet Food: Understanding Feline Preferences and Alternatives

1. Environmental factors: Check for any potential hazards in your home that may have caused stress or illness, such as toxic plants or cleaning products. Ensure the temperature is comfortable and there are no drafts.
2. Illness or parasites: Lethargy and appetite loss can be symptoms of various underlying health issues, including infections, gastrointestinal problems, or parasites. If your kitten's condition persists or worsens, it's essential to have him examined by a veterinarian. They can perform a thorough evaluation and provide appropriate treatment if needed.

Remember, these suggestions are not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Your veterinarian is the best person to assess your kitten's health and provide appropriate guidance.

I'm so glad to hear your cat is on the mend! Please keep us posted.

He's continued to recover today. Eating plenty and activity levels gradually improving. Phew