my 12 week old male and female kittens who we got from the pet shop are not eating very much ive done research and it says that kittens should eat 3-4 little meals every day my kittens are lucky to be eating one how do i build up there appetite?
2006-12-28 11:28:51 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Have you had them for long? If they've only just moved in, stress might explain it, but that wouldn't extend beyond a few days. If they are never eating more than once a day, and not eating enough, I'd go out and buy about 10 different foods to try to tempt them with, including some bbq chicken, and if that didn't work, I'd rush them to the vet...hopefully it is nothing, but I know from experience that kittens that age usually eat lots! I've got an 11 week old at the moment that eats like a horse! Hope they're eating much better soon!
2006-12-28 23:24:50 · answer #1 · answered by thekittiesinthehood 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they are eating so little, you need to take them to a vet, as something else is going on. At the very least, I imagine they are dehydrated, but being a from a pet-shop, they may have been exposed to an illness. If money is a concern, discuss it with the vet, after you bring them there and they take a look at them. Most vets will make payment arrangements and some will even let you do volunteer work to work off the bill. Until you can get them there, try kitten milk or goat's milk to stimulate their appetite. Do not give them cow's milk as it has en enzyme in it cats cannot digest.
2006-12-28 12:39:36 · answer #2 · answered by shasser2 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to realize that a twelve week old kitten's stomach is about the size of your thumbprint.
They poop about 3-6 times a day, so eating about maybe 6-10 pieces of hard kitten/cat food is a big meal.
Don't be worried unless they stop pooping.
Plus, they should still be nursing at this age, so maybe adding a little milk to their diet wouldn't hurt.
Good luck and have fun with the kitties!
2006-12-28 11:35:23 · answer #3 · answered by Ashley 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At his age, this is an emergency, as kittens can rapidly get dehydrated. A fecal test for parasites takes about 20 minutes, as it is a flotation test, and examination of the parasites that float to the surface, so there really is no excuse for you to be in the dark on that test. You may want to add fiber to the kittens diet or unflavored yogurt. Immodium AD (0.1-.2 mg/Kg every 8-12 hours) has also been successful. You are faced with quite a challenge with kittens so young, and I have provided a link that you may find useful.
2016-03-28 22:53:15 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give them a good quality kitten food and make sure they have been dewormed. They have vitamin supplements for kittens and cats that can increase their appetite. Try a little cat milk from the pet store. If nothing works call your vet and see what he or she recommends.
2006-12-28 11:39:26 · answer #5 · answered by Turtle 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try mixing some of the food with a little milk or formula for kittens maybe the smell of milk will make them a little more interested in their meals
2006-12-28 11:36:33 · answer #6 · answered by miseryluvscompany 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can also go to the pet store and get a vitamin paste--make sure it's one that's good for kittens--that they will either lick off their paw or straight out of the tube. That will help make sure they get enough nutrients.
2006-12-28 18:59:10 · answer #7 · answered by Vaughn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you haven't done that already, go to a vet for check-up and vaccination. And if you go for the milk, use special cat milk, most cats get severe diarrhoea from cow milk.
2006-12-28 11:50:54 · answer #8 · answered by sigi 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats are finicky...but they will won't starve themselves. When they are hungry, they will eat.
If you are worried about it talk to your vet and see what he suggests.
2006-12-28 11:38:25 · answer #9 · answered by Tink 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you should call the veterain, and ask them if they can help.
2006-12-28 11:38:28 · answer #10 · answered by Minnie May 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋