Got more pics from the breeder yesterday. She is now 5 weeks old. I go on Monday the 14th to "meet" her, can't wait.
For all you experts out there...does it look like she has a blaze on her nose? The first set of pics i got of her @ 3 weeks did, but now it doesn't really look like it much, but a little maybe???
Isn't she so cute?!?!? But very tiny. I really do have to come up w/ a name soon! LOL, Still leaning towards Phoebe or Ruby.
I don't know how to attach the photos so you can see them right away, instead of clicking on the link, sorry.
-Sheri
Future Raggie owner
New York
She is WAY too thin, which sometimes happens at weaning time. I would syringe feed KMR or wet kitten pate food to keep her weight up and her growth healthy. How many years experience has this breeder had?
She is cute, but I have to agree with Jan, the pic makes her look thin. For comparison, take a look at these ragdoll kittens that are 5 weeks - you'll see the head is more in proportion to the body and doesn't look so big compared to the body.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWS8oM4z5p0
Of course, it could just be the way the photo is taken, but you might just want to ask your breeder about her weight.
I like both names you have picked out. I'm partial to Ruby because she could be your precious gem!
I don't see any sign of a nose blaze but I didn't before either. I think what you thought could have been a blaze was probably the way the light was shining on her nose in the photo. She is definitely a little cutie but I agree with Jan and Teresa, she is too thin. It's particularly obvious in her legs, they should be much chunkier.
I did kind-of think she looked thin also, but wasn't sure. I just thought maybe she was the "runt".
Now I'm worried.
The breeder has been breeding for 12 yrs.
Should I question her about it?
Yes, please do. Tell her you think she looks thin compared to pics you've seen of other people's raggies at 5 weeks and are concerned. Ask if she's already weaned and is she eating ok and getting enough nourishment. You're paying for her and have every right to question and expect to have a healthy raggie kitten. The breeder should know what her current weight is, so ask her. Although I'm not a breeder, I believe that most breeders weigh their kittens quite often because loss of weight or failure to put on weight is a reason for concern.
I guess I'm really concerned since she hasn't been real responsive to you also it sounded like in another post (unless I'm confusing you with someone else -- sorry, memory goes when you get old).
There is always a kitten that is the smallest, but no breeder should ever have a runt, meaning one who does not get enough milk because of competition from other kittens. The kittens that need supplementation should get it from the breeder. That being said, kittens can get thin, get supplemented or start eating more and develop fine. You just need to know if the breeder is "on it." It is important. Sick kittens get thin and thin kittens get sick.
I would ask if she is syringe feeding her, since she seems too thin.
Thanks JanH,
I'm guessing that I should question her now on it rather then when I go & see them next week???
Now I'm getting worried, I hope she's fine. I thought I picked a reputable breeder, she has been doing this a while, seemed so into what she is doing, has a great website with letters & pictures from past adoptions. I sure hope she is doing a good job. I'll feel better (hopefully) after taking a visit up there.
She does have a 2 yr health guarantee, but part of that requires you to continue feeding the kitten the same food she fed them. I don't know if that means anything???
She does look tiny... I hope she fattens up a bit when you see her. Don't forget to have fun and enjoy bonding with your little sweety
You should wait until you get there as long as you will feel comfortable raising it face to face. That way you can see if she does seem boney and can see the other cats, etc.