Normal for a growing Kitten?

Hi I'm new here, but I also have a question.

My family took in two orphaned kittens about three weeks ago and have been nursing them. One kitten is acting as it always has, but the other is acting a bit oddly.

He'll be energetic in the morning, running around and jumping for a short while, unlike his usual hours on end. Instead, the last two days he's been doing a lot of sitting or just finding somewhere to lay down and sleep. Normally he would follow me everywhere I go. Now he's just waiting for me to sit down and he gets on my shoulder and won't move. He'll still eat, but not as much as he usually does. 

We did just start the weaning process a few days ago. Could this just be a reaction to that? There's no blood or runny stool, and he's still grooming himself. Purrs up a storm, doesn't cry when held or in general, except when he is hungry.

Its just the sudden drop in energy has us a bit worried and the closest vet isn't open on weekends. =3= Thank you in advance. =3

did you ask a vet about this? just in case its a health issue?

or maybe he is tired from all that play

Does he seem to be using the litter box normally?
 

He seems to be using it regularly, and no accidents.

I suspect it is a vet errand. Perhaps not asap now emergency, but when you do have time soonest convenient...   It can surely be several things, including some virus - can people so can surely cats too catch a virus.

But Im thinking at some heart weakness.   If so, it will not go over by itself, but you will at least know what to plan on.

About how old is he, more exactly?

Keep reporting!

mrblanche said:

Does he seem to be using the litter box normally?
 

Click to expand...

Yes, it is another possibility.

Welcome to our Forums!

Good luck!

We think they're about 5 weeks old. It's just the last two days he's been like this. We've been saving up since we found them so we can get their shots and vaccinations done asap.

Like.. we let them out of the room and they run out and around, jump all over. Their tails straight up. Over the span of a couple hours he slowly becomes lethargic, and will then just sleep or sit the rest of the day. Any time he plays after that is just a small bit. I left a message with the local vetinary office to please call back when they open tomorrow.

Sorry, I suspect it is something with the heart not managing quite enough.  With any luck he may have many years of good life, as long as he avoids to play roughly.

He could be a wonderful knee cat, although no persian. Exactly what many wants.  

Good luck!

Only a vet can say what the problem is. No-one can diagnose over the internet. Let us know what the vet says.

Well Mugsy just came back from the vet and the vet said he looks and feels fine with no fever based on what she saw and heard, but a blood test was ordered. His heart sounded healthy and normal but without more tests she can't be sure. Unfortunately we don't have the money for those at the moment, and they aren't flexible with their prices. Its one of those places you pay up front for everything. 

He's a little more energetic today. We think maybe seeing he was the runt of the litter he wasn't ready for weaning. He started perking up after two bottles of formula. He's playing a bit more now as we speak with the strings of my hoodie.

Perhaps they could have formula to lap up in a bowl for a while. Even adult cats like that, as a treat, and you really can't overfeed kittens.

Callista said:

Perhaps they could have formula to lap up in a bowl for a while. Even adult cats like that, as a treat, and you really can't overfeed kittens.

Click to expand...

Yea that's what we've done for him. He went right to it. =3 He's still a bit slow getting started but he's definitely more energetic than he has been the last two days. He hasn't been running, but he is climbing around, responding to noises and things moving.

Mugsy is doing really good now. =3 He's running, jumping, and playing like normal. Not meowing still but doing so much better. Thank you everyone for the advice n__n

So, unless it WAS some sort of virus light, it seems he was simply undernourished?

If so, a memento for us all: Even in a good, caring home it is fully possible for kittens to be undernourished. It doesnt happens only in our hospitals and Homes for sick old peoples.

Main thing, splendid the vet ruled out any grave heart problem. So very good you were at the vet.

Good luck!