My 4 week old kitten can't walk?

My cat, Rin, had given birth to a litter of 4 kittens a little over 4 weeks ago. 3 of the kittens are walking just fine, but there's one who's tail is still stiff and who can't walk properly. His legs CAN move, but he can't walk. I've seen him trying to walk multiple times, but he falls down, he's also been staying in the nest for longer periods of time now. Are his legs and tail something I should worry about? Should I try to take him to the vet?

NatalyL08 said:

My cat, Rin, had given birth to a litter of 4 kittens a little over 4 weeks ago. 3 of the kittens are walking just fine, but there's one who's tail is still stiff and who can't walk properly. His legs CAN move, but he can't walk. I've seen him trying to walk multiple times, but he falls down, he's also been staying in the nest for longer periods of time now. Are his legs and tail something I should worry about? Should I try to take him to the vet?

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Yes, I think so.

This with stiff tail sounds extra peculiar - whatever it is, it is in all his limbs.

You can surely try with some massaging and exercising.  Make sure he is warm an comfortable, while you do the massages and strechings.  You can also try to give him krill oil.   But I dont think it is enough, so do talk with a good vet.

StefanZ said:

Yes, I think so.

This with stiff tail sounds extra peculiar - whatever it is, it is in all his limbs.

You can surely try with some massaging and exercising.  Make sure he is warm an comfortable, while you do the massages and strechings.  You can also try to give him krill oil.   But I dont think it is enough, so do talk with a good vet.

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Yes, I do think you should go to a vet.

How is mom and the rest of the litter doing otherwise?

Oops! I forgot to mention that it's only the hind legs... But, it still worries me. The mom and the rest of the litter are doing well. The kittens are walking well and I haven't noticed any problems with them or the mom.

I do think the kitten should see the vet. That's definitely not normal.

Are you able to keep mom and babies inside until the babies are weaned? Now is also a good time to set up spay and neuter appointments, since they can all go in when the babies are 8 weeks old. Would you like help finding a low cost clinic?

We would love to see photos.

I should be able to find one. Thank you though! I am able to keep all of them inside until they're weaned. My sister and I will be able to pay to get them looked at if anything

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That's great! The kittens are clearly in good hands with you. Spaying and neutering gives them a great start in life. Mom will be much happier too. Kittens will also need vaccines at 8 weeks.

For the one who can't walk, my concern is that he will be incontinent. Do you know if he can pee and poop by himself?

I'm not sure if he can. We're planning on taking him to a vet Monday to make sure everything is alright with him. Would we have to take the whole litter, along with the mother, if we're only getting him checked?

No, you can take him alone. [emoji]128522[/emoji]

Splints may help straighten his legs.