I need advice!

I have been waiting for my two Tonkinese kittens from  different mums but same dad  to mature and bring them home. I first met them at 4-5 weeks of age. The little boy was smaller but had plenty of energy.

Unfortunately the little boy is not thriving and a couple of his siblings have died. I think mum's milk dried up early and he was slow to take solid foods. The breeder does not have the time to supervise and monitor his food intake. We have the time to and want to get him home to look after him asap.

I am scared it may not be the right decision. He is probably 7 weeks old. Looking back he probably wasn't as well groomed as the little girl either so he "perhaps" has missed out all round. I think his half sister is 8 weeks old but I also don't want to disadvantage her by taking her away too early but feel it is important he has sibling company when he comes home.

Would love some advice or comments.

Have you ever worked with this breeder before? Have you contacted any references to know whether s/he is trustworthy? If you think this kitty is in immediate danger I would support early separation. Kittens wean at around 7-8 weeks, but it is still a good idea to supplement with KMR until they are stronger. Hopefully an advisor comes along and can give you definitive advice.

Sarthur2

My concern is the health of the boy, and why his siblings died. Without knowing, I would not bring the girl in just yet, because 1. he will need extra care and may do better by himself for a few weeks and 2. if you don't know why he is doing poorly you will need to keep him away from other kittens until he gets the " all clear". That's just my thoughts.

angecatlady said:

 
I have been waiting for my two Tonkinese kittens from  different mums but same dad  to mature and bring them home. I first met them at 4-5 weeks of age. The little boy was smaller but had plenty of energy.

Unfortunately the little boy is not thriving and a couple of his siblings have died. I think mum's milk dried up early and he was slow to take solid foods. The breeder does not have the time to supervise and monitor his food intake. We have the time to and want to get him home to look after him asap.

I am scared it may not be the right decision. He is probably 7 weeks old. Looking back he probably wasn't as well groomed as the little girl either so he "perhaps" has missed out all round. I think his half sister is 8 weeks old but I also don't want to disadvantage her by taking her away too early but feel it is important he has sibling company when he comes home.

Would love some advice or comments.

Click to expand...

I agree, especielly MrWhiskers put it nicely.  This is a situation of saving what may be saved, rescue the kitten in need.  The breeder seems not to be very good, so to speak. to put it mildly.

Wait with the big sis, let her have her childhood in good shape.

Do you have other residents?  If so perhaps these could be the needed company.   Anyways, hospital sicklings usually must do without their usual comforts, children or not...

I agree - best to take him alone if you are willing to take on the challenge. I am disheartened that a breeder would "not have time to supervise or monitor his food intake". so I also agree that this breeder seems not so good. That said, some breeders have told me that they have weaning problems  and the kittens lose ground while weaning. I don't know if this is true because I have never experienced it.  

It sounds like the kitten is starved for food, comfort, and attention by a breeder who has no time to breed properly.

I would go ahead and rescue this kitten now as he appears not to be thriving and clearly needs help. His half-sister can come home later once you have determined the male is healthy.

Let us know what you decide and how the kitten is doing. I feel sorry for all of that breeder's cats and kittens.