Depressed Kitten...Help!

leesali

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Long story short: I brought in a litter (feral) of 3 kittens with the intentions of having them adopted when of age.

2 of the kittens were adopted two days ago (yea). The remaining kitten has become so depressed since her littermates are gone.

I don't know what to do for her. I have 4 others inside -- 2 adult -- 2 12-wk. old kittens. I have no problems with them interacting to keep her company but because she is so tiny (7 wks. of age but looks 5 wks.) I don't want her to get hurt by the other cats & kittens...they play rough.

She is eating (not much), drinking and using litter pan but she does nothing but sleep or sits in a corner and cries. Very sad. At this age, she should be playing a lot and poky/curious about everything.

I did call my vet. this morning and she will be going in Monday afternoon just to make sure she is okay.

Absolute cutie but very depressed....help...what can I do for her?

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leesali

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Thank-you for your suggestions.

Within the last hour-or-so, my depressed kitten has developed a good of the "runs". Very liquid-like poop and not a healthy color...very light. She was dewormed about 1-week ago.

I have been giving her premium kitten dry and introduced some premium kitten food wet. Now what? I put out some cooked chop meat...I read somewhere else on this forum that it could help. She doesn't seem very interested in any food at the moment. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
 

hissy

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She could just be stressed. I don't understand why you aren't allowing your other cats to offer her comfort? Cats need to be around each other, and if they are used to seeing her, they are not going to be roughhousing with her. They sense when others are sad or off a bit- There are runts in every litter and for the most part, they can hold their own with other cats-
 

laceydf

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Hissy's suggestion is a good one. You should introduce her to the rest of them...slowly though. They will warm up to one another and she will soon be comforted by them. They might even take to her like she was their own kitten!!! SHe will love it!!!
 
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leesali

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I have let my 4 interact with the little one. They definitely like her...no spitting or hissing from day one. Keep in mind, this kitten has been in my house for weeks and my other 4 have her scent, etc. The problem is that she is so tiny that when they play with her she cries. They nip and swat (in play) and she seems to get tossed around. Should I just let her hold her own with them?

Any suggestions on what to do to help with her diarrhea? Again, I have a vet. appointment on Monday. I would hate to see her get dehydrated. She doesn't seem to eating much.

Thanks again for the suggestions.
 

nano

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Yes, personally I would let her play with the other cats even if they gently toss her around a bit. The potential damage from isolation and loneliness is worse than any physical bumps she may take from roughhousing. One thing I always tell myself -- if any of the bigger pets actually meant to seriously harm or kill the smallest one, it already would've happened.

I think the "runs" are a symptom of her depression and loneliness.
 
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leesali

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Thank-you Nano. As I type, the little one and Bob (12 wk. old) are sleeping side-by-side in the sun


One thing I always tell myself -- if any of the bigger pets actually meant to seriously harm or kill the smallest one, it already would've happened.

I couldn't agree more. When they all wake-up from their afternoon nap, ll supervise their play.

Thanks again & have a great day.
 
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