If you're thinking of adopting a new kitten or you're a new parent to one, this is one blog you should read! To be a responsible kitten parent, you should know about the common health problems and emergencies that kittens are prone to get.

Kittens are small, fragile, and surprisingly vulnerable to sudden illness. Because their bodies are still developing, they can go from mildly sick to seriously ill much faster than adult cats. That’s especially true during kitten season: the spring and early summer months when shelters and rescue groups see a surge of newborn and very young kittens. Some kittens arrive with medical issues that can escalate quickly.

If you’re unsure whether your kitten needs emergency care, it’s always safest to call VEG ER For Pets, open 24/7.

Sick kitten? Why kittens can get ill so quickly

Young kittens don’t have the same physical reserves as older cats. Their bodies are still developing, which means they can decline rapidly when something goes wrong.

Reasons kittens are more prone to illness:

• Small body size, which makes dehydration and blood sugar drops happen faster

• Very little stored fat, so they can’t go long without eating

• Immature immune systems, making infections harder to fight

• Difficulty regulating body temperature, especially in kittens under 8 weeks old

Because of this, symptoms that might be manageable in adult pets can become life-threatening in a kitten within hours.

Kittens can develop illnesses quickly. Thankfully, many of these symptoms are easily treatable at VEG ER for Pets. Our hospitals are open 24/7 to help manage your kitten's emergency symptoms.

Common emergencies pet parents can experience with their new kitten

Kitten diarrhea

Diarrhea may not be a problem if it only happens once. However, if it keeps up - even just for a day - diarrhea can be very dangerous for young animals. Older pets may be able to recover from a bout of diarrhea with a little rest and time, but in young kittens, diarrhea can quickly lead to dangerous dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. It may also signal infections, parasites, or viral diseases that require immediate treatment.

Why does my kitten have diarrhea? 

Diarrhea in kittens can happen for several different reasons. Because their immune systems and digestive systems are still developing, young kittens are more vulnerable to infections and parasites than adult cats.

Some of the most common causes of kitten diarrhea include:

• Intestinal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, or coccidia

• Sudden diet changes, especially when a kitten moves to a new home

• Bacterial or viral infections

• Stress from relocation or environmental changes

In some cases, diarrhea may also be linked to more serious illnesses. Veterinarians are particularly cautious about feline panleukopenia (often called feline parvo), a highly contagious virus that can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and rapid decline in young kittens.

Because kittens can become dehydrated quickly, diarrhea should always be monitored closely. If symptoms worsen or other signs of illness appear, urgent veterinary care is important as soon as possible.

My kitten has diarrhea but Is acting normal - should I worry?

Some kittens may still seem playful or active even while experiencing diarrhea. However, that doesn’t always mean the problem is harmless.

Young kittens have very small bodies and limited fluid reserves, which means dehydration can develop faster than many owners expect. Even mild diarrhea can become serious if it continues for too long.

Contact emergency vet care for your kitten if:

• Diarrhea lasts longer than 24 hours

• Your kitten stops eating or drinks less water

• You notice vomiting, lethargy, or weakness

• The stool contains blood or mucus

• Your kitten is very young (under 8–10 weeks)

When it comes to kittens, it’s always safer to check early. Getting guidance from a veterinarian can help prevent dehydration and identify infections or parasites before they become more serious.

Kitten won't eat

A kitten that stops eating should never be ignored. Because kittens have very limited energy reserves, skipping meals can cause their blood sugar to drop dangerously low. This condition, called hypoglycemia, can quickly become life-threatening.

If your kitten hasn’t eaten for more than 12 hours, or refuses multiple meals in a row, it’s time to call VEG emegency cat hospital. Immediate care is especially important if loss of appetite happens alongside:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Lethargy

• Weakness or wobbling

Because kittens are so small, their condition can change quickly. When in doubt, it’s always safer to call a VEG veterinarian for advice rather than waiting to see if the problem resolves on its own.

Hiding is one sign that your kitten may not be feeling well. A trained emergency vet at VEG animal hospital can get to the bottom of your kitten's illness and help manage symptoms.

Kitten is sneezing and has a runny nose

Sneezing and a runny nose are common signs of upper respiratory infections in kittens, sometimes referred to as “cat colds” or “cat flu”. These infections spread easily among young cats, particularly in shelters, rescues, or homes with multiple pets.

Sneezing and nasal discharge in kittens may be caused by:

• Upper respiratory infections caused by viruses such as feline herpesvirus or calicivirus

• Bacterial infections affecting the nose and sinuses

• Irritants like dust, smoke, or strong household cleaners

• Foreign material lodged in the nasal passages

A small amount of clear nasal discharge may occur with mild irritation, but persistent sneezing or thicker discharge can signal a respiratory infection that requires veterinary treatment.

You should call the vet if your kitten:

• Sneezes frequently or for more than a day or two

• Develops yellow or green nasal discharge

• Has watery eyes or eye discharge

• Stops eating or becomes lethargic

Respiratory infections can make kittens feel unwell quickly and may interfere with their ability to smell food, which can lead to decreased appetite.

Kitten is coughing

Coughing is less common in cats than sneezing and may indicate irritation or inflammation in the lower airways or lungs. While an occasional cough may happen if a kitten briefly inhales dust or irritates their throat, repeated coughing should be evaluated by our 24-hour vet at VEG.

Possible causes of coughing in kittens include:

• Airway inflammation or feline asthma

• Respiratory infections affecting the lower airways

• Parasites such as lungworms

• Inhaled irritants, including smoke or strong chemicals

• Foreign objects in the airway

Because kittens have small airways and developing immune systems, respiratory problems can worsen quickly.

Seek veterinary care if your kitten:

• Has persistent or repeated coughing

• Appears to be breathing rapidly or with effort

• Becomes lethargic or weak

• Stops eating or drinking

Kitten has runny eyes

Watery eyes or eye discharge are fairly common in young kittens. Because kittens have developing immune systems, they’re more prone to infections that can affect the eyes.

Runny or watery eyes in kittens can have several causes, including:

• Upper respiratory infections, which often cause tears along with sneezing or nasal discharge

• Feline herpesvirus, a common viral infection that can cause watery eyes, squinting, and eye inflammation

• Bacterial eye infections

• Irritation from dust, debris, or foreign material in the eye

• Blocked tear ducts

• Eye injuries or scratches to the cornea

In some cases, watery eyes may start as mild tearing but worsen if infection or injury is involved. 

At-home care for kitten's runny eyes

If your kitten has mild watery eyes but is otherwise acting normally, you may be able to provide some gentle at-home care while monitoring for changes.

You can try:

• Gently wiping away eye discharge; use a clean, soft cloth or a cotton pad dampened with warm water for each eye to avoid spreading infection

• Keeping the eye area clean and dry so discharge doesn’t build up 

• Watching for other symptoms, such as sneezing, lethargy, or loss of appetite

Never use human eye drops or medications unless a veterinarian specifically recommends them, as some products can irritate a kitten’s eyes or worsen the problem.

When to call the vet for your sick kitten

Eye problems in kittens can worsen quickly. Without treatment, some eye conditions can lead to pain, corneal damage, or vision problems.

You should seek emergency veterinary care right away if your kitten:

• Has thick discharge or pus from the eyes

• Keeps one or both eyes closed or squinting

• Has swelling or redness around the eye

• Shows lethargy, loss of appetite, or other signs of illness

• Develops eye symptoms that worsen quickly or don’t improve within a day

Because kittens are vulnerable to infections that spread rapidly, early treatment can help prevent more serious complications.

Just like puppies, kittens can be quite active and love to play! However, if your pet seems suddenly lethargic or disinterested in playing, it could mean an illness. Our 24-hour vet at VEG can help.

Kitten fever: How to tell if your kitten has a fever

A fever is a common sign that a kitten’s body is fighting an infection. A normal body temperature for kittens is typically between 100°F and 102.5°F, so temperatures above this range are considered a fever. 

While it can be difficult for pet owners to check for a fever at home, kittens with elevated temperatures often show other noticeable symptoms.

Some symptoms of fever in kittens are: 

• Warm ears or body

• Shivering or weakness

• Lethargy or unusual sleepiness

• Loss of appetite

• Hiding or decreased activity

If your kitten shows these symptoms, don’t wait to call VEG emergency vet hospital. Fevers in young kittens can signal infections that require prompt treatment.

Kitten is having trouble breathing

Because kittens have small, delicate bodies, any breathing problem can become serious very quickly. Respiratory distress is a medical emergency, and early recognition is key to preventing serious complications.

Signs your kitten may be having trouble breathing include:

• Rapid or labored breathing - more than 40–50 breaths per minute at rest

• Open-mouth breathing or panting - cats normally breathe through their nose

• Wheezing or rattling when breathing

• Flaring nostrils or visibly struggling to get enough air

• Blue or pale gums or tongue

• Crouching with the neck extended to make breathing easier

• Lethargy or weakness accompanying breathing difficulty

Breathing problems in kittens can be caused by:

• Severe respiratory infections

• Fluid in the lungs due to infection or heart issues

• Asthma or airway inflammation

• Foreign objects lodged in the airway

• Congenital conditions affecting the chest or lungs

If your kitten shows any signs of respiratory distress, do not wait - seek emergency veterinary care immediately. While waiting for help, try to:

• Keep the kitten calm and warm, as stress can make breathing harder

• Avoid touching your kitten too much, which can increase stress

• Keep the environment quiet and free of smoke or strong odors

What to do if your kitten is sick

Although most of these emergency situations are life-threatening if ignored, most of them can be easily treated. Any sudden illness should be considered an emergency for kittens. Since they’re still too young to have a strong immune system or antibodies against certain illnesses, they may become very sick very quickly.

If you notice any signs of illness in your kitten, take your pet to VEG emergency vet hospital immediately.  Because kittens can deteriorate rapidly, early evaluation and treatment can be lifesaving.