Dehydration

Hello,

I just adopted a kitten from a shelter. The first day she was "healthy" and very playful. She was eating good and drinking plenty of water. We scheduled a free exam, for 2 days later. I put "soft claws" on her and her mood totally changed. She wasn't eating anymore and seemed very lethargic. Took her to the vet yesterday and turns out she is in "grave condition" and severely dehydrated. We still have no idea what the problem is, we're still waiting on lab results. She stayed overnight and has since improved, after being on IVs, being force fed and stuff. I was just wondering if anyone has had any situations similar to this and what it might be? Could it have been from depression or something more serious? I don't understand because she seemed fine and then 2 days later she near death. She's 3 months old and currently 2lbs.

I also had returned a previous kitten I had gotten from the same shelter (I exchanged him for her) and he seemed in bad health they day we brought him home. He had horrible constant diarrhea and cried when he went. They said he was healthy and put him back up for adoption.

Thanks

How old a kitten are we talking about here?

Did you put the kitten in a small room with its litter box, food, and water?  Sometimes it takes a while for them to feel secure.

But the first question I would ask is how long the kitten was at the shelter.  If it's less than 3 weeks, I'd bet he has come down with the typical shelter "cold" (Upper Respiratory Infection) that virtually all cats get there.

She's 3 months old.

She is in a small bedroom with all of her things.  Do you think the dehydration and stuff could be due to depression and getting use to things then?

She was at the shelter for 4 days before I adopted her and she was spayed at the shelter as well.

I've been feeding her the food that they gave me, which is Science Diet.

Thank you for your help.

Unfortunately the lab results came back that she had complete kidney failure and is no longer with us.

I'd remove this threat but can't find a button to do so.

I would get some canned kitten food and plain meat baby food.  I like the Royal Canin kitten food, but Fancy Feast makes a kitten food, too.  Mix the baby food with the canned kitten food and add a bit of water to it to make it the consistency of oatmeal.  Then warm it up for a few seconds in the microwave.  This enhances the aroma and entices them to want to eat.  The canned food has lots of water in it and the extra water should help keep her hydrated.

im so sorry for your loss remember that even though you didnt have her for long, she was very loved and enjoyed the time she spent with you. my thoughts are with you

I am so sorry for your loss.  I will close this thread and invite you to post in our Crossing the Bridge forum when you are ready to share your memories with us.