Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My husband and I adopted two six week old kittens from our local pound. The woman stated they were from her "personal store" of kittens...like ones she'd rescued herself...and had never been in the pound or exposed to other kittens. There were a total of four in the litter and we got the largest and the "runt". The large kitten is eating fine but the runt does not seem to have much interest in food. She was feeding them soft catfood...not canned...and we bought the same brand. My husband bought some kitten formula and put it in a saucer for them. The runt ate some of it but not much. I'm not sure if maybe he wasn't quite ready to leave the nipple and has not been eating properly since then or if there is some other problem. Should we try mixing it with some canned food so that the odor will stimulate him? I know not to give him too much of anything different so that he doesn't get diarrhea or an upset stomach. My husband is very worried as this is the kitten he chose. PLEASE HELP!

Cammi, six weeks is too young for most kittens to be fully weaned. Unless these were orphans that the woman had bottle fed, it is entirely possible that the runt hasn't learned how to eat. Offer him some of the kitten milk in an eyedropper or baby bottle.

You didn't say if you had them vet checked, but if something appears amiss, this is a good time to get them both checked over. Many times kittens will have worms which can also interfere with their appetite. Any cat or kitten, whether from a reputable breeder, a shelter or a neighbor should be vet checked as soon as possible after you get them.

He's eating now. I guess it just took some time to get acquainted with the new surroundings and a little prodding...

I'm glad he is eating.
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Jaime owned by
Mya the dog
and the cats:Crash, Moxie, Gabby and sometimes Tucker

I am glad he is eating. You should have him Vet checked anyway. Also you need to make sure that he gets all the food that he wants and that his sibling doesn't get the lion's share so to speak. 6 weeks is very young to be away from his Mommy and/or off the bottle. He may still need some supplimental feeding.
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PHWildCat/Tessa and 18 cats, 1 dog and even a hamster
Cat Board Monitor and Chat Host
Pet Hobbyist
A house without cats is like a garden without flowers

Both of these kittens would do better on canned food that is specially formulated for KITTENS. So much more nutritious for them.
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Ruby and the Kitties
Simba, Samantha, Katrina & KatyKatt
Meow!! Meow!! Meow!! Meow!!

How wonderful to do nothing and then rest afterwards. Meow!

>>Both of these kittens would do better on canned food that is specially formulated for KITTENS. So much more nutritious for them.
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If you switch to can food do it slowly so they don't get sick
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Jaime owned by
Mya the dog
and the cats:Crash, Moxie, Gabby and sometimes Tucker