Ragdoll Cat Forums

Hello -- My baby kitten, Percival, arrived home just shy of 8 weeks. I know this is quite young, but the breeder has done this consistantly and no one has had problems! He had his first shots and worming, and a thorough vet check, and was deemed ready to go.

Percy adjusted quite well, despite a curious dog, and spends most of his time in a spare bedroom with all the necessary kitty setup. I set out a bowl of dry food, using the kibble that he was used to and trying out different kitty kibble samples. The first day he tried Wellness canned kitten food, and couldn't get enough! He ate an entire 3 oz can each day for the first few days, and ate kibble as well. His elimination was excellent.

Three days ago he stopped showing any interest in the canned food. I have left it in the bowl for an hour or two, then changed to fresh, but it goes untouched. I have not seen him eat any kibble. He continues to poop, but the stools are smaller and a bit runny. I have tried to supplement his food with Kitten Replacement Milk. He showed no interest in the nursing bottle, but will lap a little milk from a dish (especially if he is cuddled at the same time). He continues to be playful and active. He is very people friendly, and approaches visitors immediately.

I am ready to take him to a vet immediately, as I understand that this could be a serious problem--but he seems so healthy! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

A vet visit is never a waste and loss of appetite is often a first sign of illness. Sounds like he may have some stomach upset. Typically, GI upsets resolve by themselves in about two days. For a cat that is alert and active and who is still producing stool and urine and is not deydrating, then you can probably safely wait and see if there is improvement in a few days.

I would go to the vet, just to introduce the kitten to the vet, as well as get a well kitten check up. He will need more boosters and another worming would probably be in order.
You might try soakng the dry kibble in hot water, until it becomes mush, the smell is very strong, and may entice him to eat.
You are right, under 8 weeks of age, is very young. I have litters that are still nursing at 7 weeks of age.
Changing the foods will continue to affect his digestive system, so loose stool, would be expected from that.
Like Jan said, as long as he is active, and drinking water. He should be fine. If you see him become lethargic, get him to the vet immediately, as dehydration can come on very quickly, and become very serious.

Congratulations on your new addition to your family!! Welcome to the forums. We wish you and Percy the best.

Purrs,
Stormi

Thanks for the suggestions and moral support. I am happy to say that Percy greeted me with hungry meows this morning and really tucked into his canned food. We went to our early appointment with the vet, and he did an exam and fecal analysis ... no sign of parasites, but the cat got a second dewormer (Strongid) and a thorough going over. Percival continued to respond to his food when he got home... a beautiful thing to see.
Still have no idea why he lost his appetite. I guess the shock of the move and a totally new environment were at play, although I have never known such a mellow little cat!

That's great to hear that he's doing so well now! I hope you'll post some pics of the little guy.

I just popped in to say that I'm so happy to hear that he is doing better.
I was following the thread but didn't have any real advice and was hoping that he would be OK.