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Bringing a kitten home is an exciting time, but it can get stressful when your kitten is sick, struggling with an illness, or isn't feeling 100%.
Early detection and veterinary care are essential, so knowing the most common illnesses means you'll know when to get help.
We know having a sick kitten is difficult, but don't worry - we're here to help. Here, we list the most common illnesses in kittens, what causes them and the treatment options.
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Signs your kitten might be sick
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It depends on what they're dealing with, but generally, signs your kitten is unwell include:
Appetite loss
Behavioural changes, like hiding or excessive vocalisation
Change in eating habits
Coughing
Lethargy
Nasal discharge
Sneezing
Vomiting
Kittens may experience different issues than older felines, but our article on the most common cat health issues can help too.
But for more tailored advice, see our common kitten illnesses below.
Common kitten illnesses
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Cat flu (feline upper respiratory infection)
Cat flu in kittens, also known as feline upper respiratory infection (URI), is a highly contagious illness in kittens. It's like our common cold or flu.
The most common viruses that cause it are feline calicivirus (FCV) and feline herpesvirus (FHV). Sometimes, bacteria cause it.
Symptoms include:
Coughing
Eye or mouth ulcers
Fever
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Runny nose and eyes
Sneezing
Treatment involves supporting your kitten and providing hydration, general care and antiviral medication (if needed). It's more about managing symptoms and most cases are very mild and self-limiting.
Ear mites
Ear mites are a common, contagious problem in kittens, and they usually catch them from their mother and other adult cats.
Ear mites are microscopic parasites that live in the ear canal of animals like cats and dogs.
Symptoms include:
Black, brown debris in ears
Excessive scratching
Head shaking
Treatment includes prescription ear drops and preventative ear cleaning.
Feline parvovirus (feline panleukopenia)
Feline parvovirus, or feline panleukopenia, is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease. It's one of the things kitten vaccines protect against.
The disease attacks cells which grow quickly, like those in bone marrow and lymph nodes.
Symptoms include:
Abdominal pain
Dehydration
Diarrhoea
Fever
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Fortunately, most kittens are protected against this disease through vaccines, but if they get it, treatment includes antibiotics for secondary infections, intensive supportive care and IV fluids.
Fleas and ticks
Fleas and ticks are common on kittens, particularly if they're around outdoor cats or go outside.
Some common symptoms are:
Excessive scratching
Hair loss
Red skin, typically around the neck and back end
Visible fleas on your cat's fur, or dark flaky dirt on their skin
Treatment is relatively simple, with regular grooming and effective regular flea treatments. Our article on fleas in kittens discusses more.
Stomach upsets (kitten vomiting & diarrhoea)
Upset tummies are very common in kittens and can have numerous causes from diet changes to parasites to infections; it really varies. You should see your vet if it becomes severe or symptoms persist, but generally, you can treat mild cases at home.
Symptoms include:
Abdominal pain
Diarrhoea
Fever
Frequent vomiting
Lack of appetite
Lethargy
Weight loss
Make sure you're feeding your kitten properly with a nutritionally balanced diet suitable for their age, and remember to visit your vet if things get worse.
Worms and parasites
Parasites and worms are very common in kittens, and the severity of symptoms can range wildly. It's something you need to take seriously and treat early, and we recommend setting up a regular worming schedule.
There are multiple worms your kitten can catch, but the most common are hookworms, roundworms and tapeworms.
Symptoms include:
Bloated belly
Diarrhoea
Increased appetite
Visible worms in stool
Weight loss
Treatment is usually just deworming medication from a vet and managing any secondary symptoms.
Our article on how to cure worms discusses more.
Preventative care tips
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Preventative pet care is an essential part of keeping your kitten healthy. The key areas are:
Deworming and parasite prevention
This can help prevent things like ear mites, fleas, ticks and worms in advance.
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Proper nutrition
A nutritionally balanced diet can keep your kitten healthy, growing properly and help them manage symptoms.
Regular check-ups
Regular check-ups are a key part of preventative pet care and can help spot issues early.
Vaccinations
We can't cover kittens who aren't vaccinated, and for good reason: they help prevent major, life-threatening conditions and you should get yours vaccinated.
You should read our vaccination guide if you have questions about costs, the process and how they work.
When to see a vet
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You should see your vet if you're worried about your kitten's health or if symptoms worsen.
Warning signs that your kitten needs urgent medical attention include:
Decreased appetite
Dehydration
Diarrhoea
Lethargy
Sudden, severe behaviour changes
Symptoms that worsen or don't go away
Vomiting
Weight change
Generally, contact your vet if anything comes up that worries you or if your kitten is struggling to get over symptoms.
How kitten insurance helps
Kitten insurance can help you stay proactive and prepare for the unexpected.
Remember: early detection and treatment can be key, and kitten insurance provides a safety net for you and your kitten (terms apply).
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