I hear everyone say to watch out for bloating in kittens, how exactly can you tell they are bloated. Their tummies aren't pooched out , but they look really fat from the sides. I don't know if they are just getting fat from actually being fed or if they are bloated. Thanks for the help!
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Bloating
- Thread starter hayley79
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That is a great question. My two newest additions have really round tight stomachs. I am hoping its just worms
Worms? Why would they get worms? My little 5 day olds have big tummies too but I figured they were just little pigs. Should I be worried too?
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Yikes, I didn't want to create mass hysteria. I was under the impression that all cats (at least most cats) had worms at one time. I just know that my kittens stomachs are bigger than the rest of their bodies. Since I don't know anything about where they came from or who their mom is, I freaked
I'm just being an overprotective kitty gramma. Hopefully someone comes along with some answers.
I have been doing alot of reading and they say if their stomachs are tight that it could be worms..they say that the mom can carry them but she never show signs of having them and they not affect her until she has babies and they are "activated" during pregnacy and she passes them on to the babies. I have pasted what I read about it. It is below.
Pre & Postnatal advice - young stray cat
Q: Hi Dr. Mike! We will be having kittens very soon and we were wondering if you could give us a little pre & postnatal advice for mother & kittens. Here's a little background: We took in a stray kitten just a few months ago, so I'm assuming she hasn't a shots. She is still very young - will she take care of her kittens? We are setting her up with a space in the linen closet for her labor. What indications should we look for when she is birthing? Also, how old should the kittens be when we give them away (we have some good homes already!) When and what should we fed kittens as they get older? Basically, we need the rundown! You're help is greatly appreciated! Great web site! The H. Family
A: I think it is a good idea to change gradually to kitten chow as the mother cat's diet, starting about 3 weeks before she is due.
It would be a good idea to have her dewormed for roundworms as soon as the kittens are born. These are often "activated" by the pregnancy. It would be a good idea to get her vaccinated, too, but I might wait until after the kittens are weaned if she stays inside.
Cats are usually pretty secretive about having their kittens and it is likely she will have them somewhere you didn't expect and that the signs will be kittens in your sock drawer or something like that. Providing a safe secure place like you have is still a good idea, though.
Kittens should be introduced to solid food at about 4 weeks of age (3 weeks is OK if necessary). Using moistened dry cat food works best for us. They should be eating almost entirely solid food by 6 t 7 weeks of age. I think it is best to keep them with their mother until 8 weeks of age but many people let them go to new homes after 6 weeks.
Kittens should be dewormed starting at 6 weeks of age and vaccinated for the first time between 6 and 8 weeks of age.
Hope this helps.
Mike Richards, DVM
Pre & Postnatal advice - young stray cat
Q: Hi Dr. Mike! We will be having kittens very soon and we were wondering if you could give us a little pre & postnatal advice for mother & kittens. Here's a little background: We took in a stray kitten just a few months ago, so I'm assuming she hasn't a shots. She is still very young - will she take care of her kittens? We are setting her up with a space in the linen closet for her labor. What indications should we look for when she is birthing? Also, how old should the kittens be when we give them away (we have some good homes already!) When and what should we fed kittens as they get older? Basically, we need the rundown! You're help is greatly appreciated! Great web site! The H. Family
A: I think it is a good idea to change gradually to kitten chow as the mother cat's diet, starting about 3 weeks before she is due.
It would be a good idea to have her dewormed for roundworms as soon as the kittens are born. These are often "activated" by the pregnancy. It would be a good idea to get her vaccinated, too, but I might wait until after the kittens are weaned if she stays inside.
Cats are usually pretty secretive about having their kittens and it is likely she will have them somewhere you didn't expect and that the signs will be kittens in your sock drawer or something like that. Providing a safe secure place like you have is still a good idea, though.
Kittens should be introduced to solid food at about 4 weeks of age (3 weeks is OK if necessary). Using moistened dry cat food works best for us. They should be eating almost entirely solid food by 6 t 7 weeks of age. I think it is best to keep them with their mother until 8 weeks of age but many people let them go to new homes after 6 weeks.
Kittens should be dewormed starting at 6 weeks of age and vaccinated for the first time between 6 and 8 weeks of age.
Hope this helps.
Mike Richards, DVM
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I didn't realize I could de-worm the mom now. I will do that to start with. I thought I had read about kittens having worms. I remember the vet referring to a fat belly as a "worm belly".
I'm getting my two foster kittens de-wormed tonight, depending on the type you may need 2 treatments. My wild mom on the other hand...i haven't figured out how to get her de-wormer into her.
My little ones have very round firm bellies. When i first found Lucky she had the same thing, one pill and out came a 3 inch long round worm (barf!). Her energy level, appetite etc went way up...those worms sure do hold the little ones back.
My little ones have very round firm bellies. When i first found Lucky she had the same thing, one pill and out came a 3 inch long round worm (barf!). Her energy level, appetite etc went way up...those worms sure do hold the little ones back.
Most kittens have worms/parasites...yuk
I find that a two-treatment program of Strongid or dewormer rids them of it permanently. Last week alone, I had 8 fosters ranging from 5 to 6 weeks...all got a dose of strongid with excellent results.
I find that a two-treatment program of Strongid or dewormer rids them of it permanently. Last week alone, I had 8 fosters ranging from 5 to 6 weeks...all got a dose of strongid with excellent results.
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Where do you get the Strongid and do any of you vaccinate your own kittens? With 11 kittens I am exploring all options
Yep...my two little ones are on their way for that tonight. And Mr. Kitty (now known as Ernie) is on his way for his vaccinations and drontal i believe tonight. How did your's respond? Do any of them get sick, lethargic from Strongid?Originally Posted by leesali
Most kittens have worms/parasites...yuk
I find that a two-treatment program of Strongid or dewormer rids them of it permanently. Last week alone, I had 8 fosters ranging from 5 to 6 weeks...all got a dose of strongid with excellent results.
