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Kitten not gaining weight

I am fostering some abandoned kittens for a local shelter. One of them has not gained any weight but otherwise appears normal both physically and behaviorally. She was estimated to be 5 weeks old (by the shelter vet tech) when she was first found and now is 7 weeks old and still has not gained any weight. I have 2 of her siblings from the same litter and they weigh about 21 ounces, while the runt only weighs 13 ounces. She has not gained any weight in the 2 weeks I have been fostering her. She eats well and is active.  They have now all been weened and dewormed and their stools are normal (firm and brown).  Anything I can do to help gain weight or find out why she isn't?
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Avatar universal
ive adopted 2 kittens 12weeks old 1 kitten eats great /the other kitten dont eat at 1st it licks its food when she eats she eats very little what can i get 2 make her eat
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Avatar universal
My 3 week old kiten is doing the same thing,ok, but not gaining any weight.
Vet today. 8/17.  Tried bottle feeding it with cat milk replacement formula, wouldnt take it.  Lapped a very timy bit.  I have read at about 3 wks they learn to lap.  Put the formula milk on a heavy paper plate and get its paws wet, rub some on its mouth.  Try alot, eventuall they learn to lap. Got 2 lappers in my 4 kit litter.  Best wishes.  I am going through the same thing.  Just read your early blog.  I own Himalayans.
danieltabby
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2 Comments
Three weeks is way to early to expect them to lap. You need to buy a small bottle, I think they only cost $1, or use a syringe, but be very careful with a syringe because they could aspirate it and die of pneumonia.  Always feed kittens while they are feet down, never upside down like a human baby.
Three weeks is way to early to expect them to lap. You need to buy a small bottle, I think they only cost $1, or use a syringe, but be very careful with a syringe because they could aspirate it and die of pneumonia.  Always feed kittens while they are feet down, never upside down like a human baby.
541150 tn?1306033843
aw...
I understand how you feel. One can't help but to get attached to those animals. He'll be ok, and someone will definitely adopt him and he will go on to living in a good, loving home :-)

PK
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Avatar universal
Feels strange not having the 4 babies around.  I especially miss Sky, partly because I had him the longest, and partly because he has those expressive eyes that told me he wasn't happy when I left him.  The 3 smaller ones are still together, but Sky was put in one of the fancy tower cages out front in the adoption area with 2 other kittens that were strangers to him.  He is very adaptable though, so I am sure he is buddies with them by now.  
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Avatar universal
Yes, fostering is very rewarding, as is all of the work I do as a volunteer for shelters.  It's a bit sad when I have to take them back and when we occasionally have to put an animal down.  But the up sides are so much greater.  
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242912 tn?1660619837
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi Nancy, I wasn't able to bring up your link either so I'm glad you posted the pics here.  The kittens are precious and little Jess is looking so good.  Yours has been an exciting story with a happy ending.  

Fostering must be the most rewarding experience.  And yes, Sky will be snapped up in a heartbeat...she is absolutely Darling.
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