If the kitten does not eat anything, show it to the veterinarian. But first, find out the main causes of loss of appetite.
Why does the kitten not eat and drink
A kitten may lose its appetite when moving to a new house. The adaptation period lasts one to two days. Another reason lies in his age, when the kitten is too small and does not know how to eat on its own (We do not recommend buying Maine Coon kittens before they are 3.5-4 months old.).
It is important for the pet that the house is clean and tidy. If he has a dirty bowl or a pile of garbage scattered around it, then the kitten will not touch the food. He may also be scared off by the sharp smell of food or detergent with which you washed his bowl.
Refusal to eat indicates the presence of parasites and infections in the body. Most often, these are helminths. It is difficult for an immature body to fight them. Parasites multiply very quickly and weaken the immune system.
The causes of loss of appetite also include poisoning, overeating, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Additional symptoms are lethargy, vomiting, drowsiness, weight loss, mucus discharge from the eyes, rapid heartbeat.
What to do if the kitten does not want to eat and drink
When moving to another house, protect your pet from noise, strangers and other sources of stress. Put a bowl of food and water next to it.
Smear the kitten’s mouth with milk or try to feed it with your finger. Drop a little milk or sour cream on your finger and bring it to his nose. If the kitten has licked everything, gradually bring it closer to the bowl so that it tries to pour milk on its own.
The most important thing is not to force–feed the Maine Coon kitten.
If you try in vain, feed your pet from a pipette or a special bottle. Instead of cow’s milk, buy a cat’s milk substitute at a veterinary pharmacy. It’s not that greasy.
If the kitten does not eat or drink:
- Measure the temperature. Elevated means the presence of infection, and lowered – weakness. A healthy kitten has a temperature of 38 degrees.
- Feel the stomach. If the kitten starts meowing and squeaking, it may have problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
- Touch your nose. A dry nose indicates a possible increase in temperature.
- Take him to the veterinary clinic.
Do not give the kitten laxatives or other medications without a doctor’s appointment. Do not neglect treatment and a full examination.
Do not delay your visit to the veterinarian. After all, due to the refusal of food, a kitten can develop various diseases. Also go to the veterinary clinic, even if the pet has started eating again.