We are a 3 cat household. I have 2 cats from the same litter who are about 18 months old (1 1/2 yr). Both have always been very heathly, even after a bought as babies with a viral infection that spread to their eyes (or at least, this is what I was told by the shelter I adopted them from). Jack suffers from awful ear issues, which I have helped treat by changing their food to one which doesn't contain seafood.
In May, I took in a litter of kittens along with the mama cat. All kittens as well as mama were adopted except for one, which I kept. Tucker is a Siamese mix who had an umbilical hernia, which was corrected with surgery. Since then, Tucker (now 6 months old) has grown steadily, is very active and playful, eats fitfully, and is very affectionate. His coat is full and shiny, and his mucous membranes (gums, eyes) appear normal and pink.
My concerns:
~When Tucker was recovering from his surgery, he picked up some fleas, which I haven't been able to get rid of. My other two are showing no symptoms of flea infestation. Tucker has been treated with Frontline, and wears a flea collar, neither of which have helped.
~My aunt stopped by and was concerned that Tucker seems a little thin. Not ever having had a Siamese before, I am unaware as to what is normal. I'm not sure of his exact weight, but he couldn't be more than about 5-6 pounds. He is also smaller in stature than I would have expected for a 6 month old kitten. I wonder if this could be in part due to the hernia? Could it have caused him to not absorb all the nutrients he needs to grow efficiently?
~Tucker has a chronic case of diarrhea. He hasn't lost any weight, but hasn't been gaining either. Again, he doens't appear to be unhealthy, has pink gums, and a cool moist nose. I wonder if this could be due to a disagreement between his little system and the food he's eating? I'm afraid, though, to change the food because all 3 cats are eating it. I'm worried about Jack's ears, as it was difficult to find foods without seafood in them.
Any insight and/or advise would be great.