At The Kitten Cradle (TKC), we’ve learned that kittens come with a whole lot of love… and sometimes a few little health hiccups too. Over the years, we keep running into the same things—like conjunctivitis (eye infections) and allergies. Thankfully, we’ve gotten pretty good at spotting them early and helping kittens feel better fast.
One thing we’re especially proud of? We’ve got tummy troubles down to a science thanks to probiotics. A happy gut makes for a happy kitten, and it’s made a huge difference in our foster program. 💜
Here’s a quick guide to the most common kitten illnesses, how to help at home, and when to head to the vet:
Common Kitten Illnesses
👀 Conjunctivitis (Eye Infections)
- Looks like: Red eyes, squinting, goopy discharge.
- What helps: Wipe gently with a warm, damp cloth. Saline drops can soothe irritation.
- Vet check: If discharge is thick, eyes stay closed, or it’s not improving.
🤧 Allergies / Mild Respiratory Issues
- Looks like: Sneezing, watery eyes, clear nasal drip.
- What helps: Dust-free litter, clean bedding, and a humidifier.
- Vet check: If breathing seems hard, discharge turns yellow/green, or kitten won’t eat.
🍽 Digestive Upsets (Diarrhea/Constipation)
- Looks like: Loose stool, bloated belly, or straining.
- What helps: Probiotics (our secret weapon!), and sometimes a little plain pumpkin.
- Vet check: Ongoing diarrhea (24+ hrs), blood in stool, or dehydration.
🪳 Fleas & Parasites
- Looks like: Scratching, flea dirt (tiny black specks), or worms in stool.
- What helps: Gentle flea combing and kitten-safe baths.
- Vet check: Almost always—young kittens can’t handle infestations without help.
🐾 Ringworm (Fungal Infection)
- Looks like: Circular hair loss, flaky skin.
- What helps: Quarantine and anti fungal ointment
- Vet check: needs antifungal treatment and can spread to people and pets.
A Little Extra Boost
We can’t forget to mention Under the Weather Calorie Gel—our go-to for kittens who need an extra energy and nutrition boost. Honestly, it feels like magic in a tube. (If anyone from Under the Weather is reading this, we’d love to have you sponsor TKC—we believe in your product!)
Final Thoughts
Most kitten illnesses are common and treatable, but it’s always best to check with your vet. Kittens are fragile, and a quick trip to the vet can make all the difference.
At TKC, we’ll keep learning, loving, and caring for every tiny whiskered face that comes our way—and sharing what we’ve learned so adopters like you feel confident, too.