About six weeks ago my cat had babies. One siamese, one black, and two tabby. The siamese and the tabbies are growing at a normal weight. The play together, they drink moma's milk, etc. The black one is not as fat as the others, even though he drinks milk and water from the bowl. He doesn't play with the others, he prefers to be alone. He's so skinny. Is he the runt? Or, do you think he is sick?
2007-06-03 16:54:20 · 5 answers · asked by Kat 5 in Pets ➔ Cats
Does he seem okay when he's alone? How skinny is skinny? Just based on what you are saying, I think - just a runt. But you should have him looked over by a vet to be sure. He could have a mild deformity or a heavy load of worms or something like that.
If he checks out ok, I think I'd try giving him extra attention, and giving him an extra meal at a separate feeding time to see if I couldn't catch him up a bit. Kittens compete for nipples when they nurse, and sometimes one kitten who is smaller or less aggressive by nature loses out -- even though there are enough nipples, sometimes they don't all produce the same amount and quality of milk. Once he loses out a few times he's weaker and will continue to lose out, and so you end up with a "runt."
2007-06-03 19:25:20 · answer #1 · answered by zilmag 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, cats really shouldn't be drinking bowls of milk. These kittens are old enough to be weaned, so milk should really be out of the equation.
Second, if he's skinny and avoiding others, he needs to go to the vet. These are signs of illness. The cat either needs to go to an emergency vet tonight or first thing int he morning (depending on how skinny he his).
While you are at the vet, set up a spay appointment for the mom and a neuter appointment for the dad. IF you don't know the dad, then spay the mom and keep her inside for the rest of her life. It will be much longer and healthier if she's allowed to live it out inside.
2007-06-04 00:03:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
He probably is the runt of the litter, have noticed if mama cat is affectionate towards him? you can start to give them canned food also or soften the dry with a little water or plain broth, as long as he is eating, he's fine but keep an eye on him, how are the others to him, do they want to play with him or is he ignored by all?
2007-06-04 00:03:55 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Even if kitty is the runt, I believe you should take kitty to the vet as soon as possible.
2007-06-04 00:57:39 · answer #4 · answered by clairebear1969 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would take him into the vet, since you have to take them in anyhow for vacs, you might as well sit down with your vet and see if there is anything wrong. He may have a heart condition...or have worms...your vet will be able to tell you what is wrong.
2007-06-04 00:04:23 · answer #5 · answered by cdsky3 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋