I just got two kittens, one about a week older than the other. Anyways the younger isn't quite eating and the other cat is a nice plump size. How do I get the other one to eat? Should I bottle feed it? the oldest one is six weeks old today, and the younger one will be six weeks on Wednesday. What can I do to help the younger one eat a little more?
2006-07-02 05:06:20 · 15 answers · asked by Jackie O 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
The older kitten( six weeks old today) goes to the litter box by itself, but since the younger one hasn't eaten, it doesn't gone to the restroom at all.
2006-07-02 05:20:44 · update #1
the one that is younger than six weeks isnt ready for hard food most likely. they make a kitten food that comes in cans that he will be able to eat. Separated from their mum before they are six weeks old can be very traumatic for the kitten as well as the mum. Be patient and give them lots of love. You didnt say whether the youngest has been going to the bathroom regularly. Kittens are used to their mum cleaning their little behind until they are ready to do it themselves. When I have had very small kittens that didnt have their mum to do it, I have had to get a warm washcloth and gently clean their behind, sometimes they will then release what they are holding in..:-) so that being said I would also call the vet and let them know whats going on just to be on the safe side. They can offer you some info. Let us know how it turns out:-)
2006-07-02 05:17:09 · answer #1 · answered by jennitelya 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It should be able to lap at this age. If you are concerned that he is not getting enough nutrition, I highly suggest getting some KMR (kitten replacement milk). I bought mine at Walmart in the pet section and they also had it at the farm and tack store. You can buy ready made or the dry mix that you have to add water to (the best way for your money). The dry kind was $11 for a cannister. Mine lasted about 6 days and I was feeding 5 kittens. After you mix it up (room temperature water please) put it in a shallow bowl or saucer. Gently press his nose down into eat so that he gets the idea that he is supposed to eat it. Usually the first time they will back up and lick their face to clean themselves and realize that it is good stuff.
Make sure you are using a kitten dry food. The pieces are much smaller and have added vitamins and minerals. If the little is still struggling, try softening the kitten food (the dry kind) with a bit of the KMR or even water. You can also offer a combination of wet food (cans) and dry mix.
Good luck and remember to get those kittens spayed and/or neutered. Check online for your local PAWS group -- they offered discounted spay/neutered fees.
2006-07-02 12:21:22 · answer #2 · answered by Wisdomwoman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get him some canned food for kittens. I had the same problem. Except it was my younger kitten who would eat and the other one wouldn't. Or you could mix some canned tuna up with his regular hard food, maybe he will like that better.
If he stll won't eat, there might be something wrong with him. You should take him to the vet for a check up, especially if he is throwing up, thats what my cat did, and it was because he had worms.
2006-07-02 12:11:46 · answer #3 · answered by The one and only 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would get some wet food for them both (you don't want to treat one without the other) and put the food in 2 seperate dishes. If they both go to eat out of their own dishes, no problem - if not put the little one on the counter (or washing machine) and let him eat while you are there with him, then put him back on the floor when he is done.
If you are giving them dry food, I would give them only kitten chow and I would do the same thing - give the little one food somewhere that the other can't get it, at least for a while.
Peace!
2006-07-02 12:35:35 · answer #4 · answered by carole 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whiskers sells kitten milk try some of it with a little of the dry food to moisten it so it is easier kittens are not suppose to be taken from mommy till 8 weeks if you want to feed by dropper or bottle for another week it might help.
2006-07-02 12:14:05 · answer #5 · answered by farmerwoman4 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At the local pet store, they have formula for kittens that is kind of mushy like baby food. Also, you can try soaking some of the hard kitten food in water to make it softer and more palatable for the younger kitten.
2006-07-02 12:11:55 · answer #6 · answered by kzalterego 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At 5 weeks the smaller one will eat...just remember cats are nibblers..They dont scarf down their food like a puppy will..If you get overly worried go buy some canned food and mix with the dry...It doesnt need to be bottle fed.
2006-07-02 12:14:21 · answer #7 · answered by roxie_29812 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i had once 3 kittens and 2 ate hard food and the other one didnt so i had to give him can food but when he started seeing with time the others eating hard food he will eat it to give him time and some days just give them all hard food then stay looking at the kitten and show him the smell of the dry food try to buy one with sea food ok
2006-07-02 12:12:41 · answer #8 · answered by jocysoul 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get kitten chow. Mine liked the Purina Kitten Chow. Follow the directions and put water on it to make it soft. Those little baby teeth have a hard time crunching hard food still. :)
2006-07-02 12:12:29 · answer #9 · answered by renascencey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Soft tuna cat food worked for my guy. it might not like hard food yet
2006-07-02 12:13:10 · answer #10 · answered by Binky 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋