Sudden decline at 3 weeks??

We have a kitten at the shelter right now that was doing really well, but over the last week she appears to be going down hill. Her mother is constantly snuggling with the kitten, but the kitten doesn't seem intrested in eating. We have tried to bottle feed her, she won't take that. She's not crying like she's hungry? Does failure to thrive happen that late? I've seen kittens pass in the first week, but at 3-4 weeks seems a little odd to me. Any ideas?

I would bet on some other illness, but yes, it can happen that late.

Just an update on this little girl. She & her mom went to foster care yesterday. As it turns out her Mom had stopped producing milk. My best guess is that Mom's body didn't have enough demand for the milk with only 1 baby. So little Tizzy (that's teh babies name) is in foster care so that she can be bottle fed, but is still with Mom. She & Mom are very bonded we didn't want to separte them unless it was absolutely necessary. Luckily one of our wonderful volunteers offered to take them both!

Good for you for being observant and caring for these kitties.

As of Sunday it was still touch & go but little Tizzy was starting to show signs of being a normal kitten again. She & mom were given a carrier with a heating pad underneath for a safe place to go. Well on Sunday she finally started coming out and walking around. So fingers crossed she makes it. I guess her foster home is very commited to taking the best possible care of her.

I know I like to hear good endings, so I thought I'd share with all of you that Tizzy is doing well. She is learning to play and it looks like she may be out of the woods. Her Mom Callie is super sweet, but she doesn't know how to play so the foster home is having to teach the kitten (& Mom too).

I am glad she is better.