Kitten development question

So, my two boys, Ricky and Rocco, are around 6 weeks old and doing well after a very rough 5th week. The thing is that they are significantly different in size and development (like litter box, eating out of a bowl, coordination), and I am starting to worry that Ricky (orange baby) my have something else wrong with him...

In the last week Rocco has gained a ton of weight, has completely gotten the litter box and eating on his own, and is a much more active player with pretty good coordination.

Ricky, on the other hand, has gained only a couple ounces, sometimes uses the litter box, can't seem to get everything he needs eating from a dish only (I still help him a little, but I do have him try from the dish each time), isn't as agile or coordinated.

He also seems to still have issues eating... when he eats the first couple bites he needs to stop for 10 minutes or so. He cries, you can hear his tummy gurgling, but then after a little bit he is fine and ready to eat again. Usually after those initial bites the rest of his meal is uninterrupted. He has been moving his bowels without trouble, so I know he's not backed up.

Does anyone have any ideas? I am so worried that he is not thriving, and he is supposed to be going to live with my friend in a couple weeks. Her little girl is sooooo excited, so I just don't want Ricky to have any issues. He's such a sweet baby!

I am planning a trip to the vet next week.

Kittens do develop at different rates - the important thing is he is making progress and gaining weight, even if more slowly than his sibling. But you say he is leaving you in two weeks- that would make him still only 8 weeks old. If at all possible kittens should stay with their mom for twelve weeks, and if this is not possible then to be with siblings in a stable familiar environment is the next best thing. The vet will advise you. But if I were you I would ask your friend if he can stay a bit longer with you - an excited little child, with the best of intentions, may cause him stress.

I do agree with JennyRanson.

It IS proceeding forward although slowly. Good also you are going to consult the vet.

So lets be optimistic.

You must delay the movement into this new family, I think.  Just because he is slowlier developing and do have some troubles. 

You are going to send them at 8 weeks. Like was common 20 years ago...

But you cant compare Ricky with his quickly improving brother.

You must delay at least Ricky.  He needs you and he needs more time before he is ready.

The little girl will understand, Im sure.

Good luck!

Thank you both so much for the responses. I had a friend visiting last night who is pretty smart about animals, and he sort of talked me down from my stress about Ricky. He said basically the same that you both said, Ricky IS progressing, just at a slower rate than Rocco. And he also said I should keep him with me a little longer, which is fine with me. He is such a sweet baby, and I just want to make sure everything is ideal for him so he lives a long, happy life.

I think because I am his "mom" and see them both all the time it is easy for me to get overly worried about little things.

Do not apologise - we all obsess about our kitties. I am glad you have decided to delay his departure - maybe the little girl can come over and visit him until he is ready to go, and you can show her exactly how to care for and handle an extra delicate kitten.

Crying and a gurgling tummy, needing a break while eating is not normal. This little one needs to see a vet and I wouldn't be waiting until next week to do that.

It may be the kitten has wind, like a human child can get. You can help avoid it by always feeding the kitten on its tummy, not its back (as you would a human baby), and by holding it up and winding it occasionally with a gentle rub on the tummy and back.