I found her outside a few days ago. She’s got gunk in her ears, snot in her nose, can’t seem to breath outta her nose (gasping a few times a minute), very weak and lethargic (doesn’t move much and sleeps, barley seems to hold herself up), not eating or drinking water (I’ve had to force her with a small syring). She’s very skinny. I can’t take her to a vet cuz I can’t afford it and have no vehicle and the one place by me that does it for free won’t have a vet till Tuesday.
It sounds like your little kitten is experiencing quite a bit of distress. The symptoms you're describing—gunk in the ears, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, lethargy, and lack of appetite—are very concerning, especially in such a young kitten. These could be signs of a severe upper respiratory infection, possibly caused by viruses like feline herpesvirus or calicivirus, which are common in stray and young cats.
Here are some steps you can take at home to help her until you can get her to a vet:
Firstly, ensure she is in a warm, comfortable environment. Young kittens can easily become hypothermic, which can worsen their condition. Keeping her warm is crucial.
Next, continue to offer fluids using a syringe, but be very gentle. You can use a mixture of water and a small amount of sugar or honey to help maintain her blood sugar levels.
For nutritional support, try to offer her some highly palatable food like warmed-up wet kitten food or even some plain chicken baby food (make sure it doesn't contain onions or garlic). If she still refuses to eat, you might need to continue syringe feeding her small amounts of a liquid diet formulated for kittens.
Additionally, gently clean her nose with a warm, damp cloth to help her breathe a bit easier. Be very gentle to avoid causing any irritation.
It's also important to keep a close eye on her for any changes, especially if she becomes more lethargic, has difficulty breathing, or shows any signs of pain.
Given her age and the severity of her symptoms, it's crucial to get her to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Respiratory infections in kittens can escalate quickly and may require antibiotics or other medical interventions that you can't provide at home. If you can find any way to get her to a vet sooner, even if it means asking for help from friends, family, or local animal rescue organizations, it would be in her best interest.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you.
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