Kitten refuses to eat or drink and foams at the mouth

A kitten that refuses to eat or drink and foams at the mouth may be due to various reasons. It could be caused by feline distemper, especially in kittens who have not completed their vaccination schedule or are currently undergoing vaccination. Secondly, it could be due to accidental ingestion of substances like rat poison, insecticides, toilet cleaners, and other chemicals, causing poisoning. In this case, immediate vomiting induction is needed and the kitten should be taken to a pet hospital for treatment. Additionally, if the kitten accidentally eats objects like bones, hair, or plastic bags that are difficult to digest, it can lead to blockage and foam at the mouth. Therefore, it is recommended that the owner first take the kitten to a pet hospital for inspection to determine the exact cause of the condition before treating it accordingly, so as not to delay the diagnosis.

1. Feline Distemper

If a kitten hasn't finished vaccination or is currently undergoing vaccination and exhibits symptoms of refusing to eat or drink and foaming at the mouth, it is likely infected with feline distemper. This disease is accompanied by symptoms such as lethargy, diarrhea, dehydration, fever, and even bleeding. As feline distemper is the number one infectious disease in cats and has a relatively high mortality rate, it is advised to take the kitten to a pet hospital promptly for diagnosis and treatment, rather than self-medicating, to avoid delaying the condition.

1. Poisoning

If a kitten accidentally ingests rat poison, insecticides, toilet cleaners, pesticides, or other substances, it can lead to poisoning and exhibit symptoms of refusing to eat or drink and foaming at the mouth. Other symptoms may include lethargy, drooling, cyanotic conjunctiva, seizures, and more. If signs of poisoning are detected, the kitten should be taken to a well-ventilated and quiet area to prevent it from hiding and immediately consult a veterinarian. The vet will perform emergency vomiting induction and proceed with gastric lavage, enema, and fluid administration as needed.

1. Foreign Object Obstruction

If a kitten accidentally eats objects like bones, hair, or plastic bags that are difficult to digest, it can lead to foreign object obstruction and foam at the mouth. This is accompanied by symptoms like coughing, dry heaving, constipation, and rectal bleeding. In this case, the owner should take the kitten to a nearby pet hospital for inspection and imaging to determine the location of the foreign object and the degree of damage to the gastrointestinal tract. The object should then be removed, and surgical treatment may be necessary if necessary.

Additionally, if your domestic kitten is playful and loves to eat, it is recommended to store all household objects out of the cat's reach. Also, avoid feeding the kitten items like chicken bones, fish bones, and duck bones, which can cause injuries or blockages in the digestive tract.