My cat just had kittens (January 13th); five beauties. Most of the kittens are doing well, but one kitty (Cloud) is just smaller than the rest. S/he doesn't seem to eat as much, is much more smaller than the rest in terms of weight, and is much more active (I think Cloud will also be the first to open his/her eyes.) I don't know if s/he can't find the nipple or just prefers to be on mommy's back, but many a time she moves herself onto the top of her mom rather than down by the belly where the food is. Cloud weighs about 150,155 grams compared to the others which are about 200. (This would be day 5)

I do notice that Chammomile (the mom) nurses him/her alone at times. I don't know if this is deliberate on my cat's part or if that is the only chance she gets to eat.

Should I start supplementing? What are the risks signs I should look for to tell if s/he isn't getting enough.

FWIW Cloud is a tabby like mom, and mom is a small cat. The other's are calicos or tortiseshells.

Thanks
Rachel Ann

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Originally Posted by RachelAnn

My cat just had kittens (January 13th); five beauties. Most of the kittens are doing well, but one kitty (Cloud) is just smaller than the rest. S/he doesn't seem to eat as much, is much more smaller than the rest in terms of weight, and is much more active (I think Cloud will also be the first to open his/her eyes.) I don't know if s/he can't find the nipple or just prefers to be on mommy's back, but many a time she moves herself onto the top of her mom rather than down by the belly where the food is. Cloud weighs about 150,155 grams compared to the others which are about 200. (This would be day 5)

I do notice that Chammomile (the mom) nurses him/her alone at times. I don't know if this is deliberate on my cat's part or if that is the only chance she gets to eat.

Should I start supplementing? What are the risks signs I should look for to tell if s/he isn't getting enough.

FWIW Cloud is a tabby like mom, and mom is a small cat. The other's are calicos or tortiseshells.

Thanks
Rachel Ann

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Hello Rachel,

If Cloud's movements seem sluggish / slow and he/she stays apart from the other kittens it could mean that not enough nurishment is being taken.

Pring, my male cat [I have 4 = 3 females and 1 male] was the runt of the litter who did not get enough nourishment. Following the instructions of my vet, I fed him every 2 hours with a prescribed formula for several weeks until he became strong enough to compete with his siblings. He has since grown into a handsome adult male.

Irulan

Cloud is definitely not sluggish. S/he is much more active than most of the cats and does snuggle among them (and fight with them). Cloud is also noisier than the others. I'll watch for slowing down of movements and I'll keep an eye on the weight.

I hope it is just that this kitten is smaller and not weaker.

I tried to feed Cloud but s/he wouldn't take. I'll try again later.