Theodore doesn't gain weight

[keykitty]

I have a 5 month old kitten who is very tiny and hasn't grown like his two siblings. He's always hungry, he eats all the time and he defecates several times a day. I've given him a wormer and I see no signs of worms in his feces or around his anus. I've suspected a tape worm but don't see the normal signs. He's small and bony with a little pot belly and he keeps to himself and sleeps often. Any ideas??

[Dr Lee]

This isn't normal. Even if worms were present. A veterinary exam would be a good idea. We need to look for not only parasites but make sure there is not any congenital problems or infectious causes.

Is the stool normal? soft? discolored?

[badger]

If you've given him an OTC wormer, there's a good chance it didn't work or half-worked (which comes to the same thing). When you go to the vet, take a stool sample with you, he will check not only for worms but also bugs that aren't visible to the naked eye.
'He keeps to himself and sleeps often' means he probably feels lousy. Please don't delay getting him some relief. Animals are incredibly brave, it is not in their nature to show weakness.
I hope the vet can help him. Please come back with an update.

[keykitty]

Stool is soft, lighter in color than his brothers - it looks like his food at times.

[catlover2]

Aw, poor little guy. He sure isn't well. If stool looks like his food, doesn't sound like he's metabolizing his food properly. Let us know what the vet says.

[Dr Lee]

Originally Posted by keykitty

Stool is soft, lighter in color than his brothers - it looks like his food at times.

Blood work is likely needed. Let's get him to the vet.

[sandyrivers]

When I rescued my eldest cat, Tonali, she was no more than 3 or 4 weeks old, she was covered in feces and had been severely neglected by her humans at the time, she was all bones and her condition so severe that we were uncertain if she would make it... She is now a beautifull cat!!!

Your kitten is older than Tonali was, but have you tried giving your kitten some specialized kitten milk in addition to the food you are serving... It surely can't harm to have an extra protein option available to your kitten! I am no expert, but my Tonali was fed specialized kitten food in combination with the kitten milk until she was about 5 months old, since she was so small and bony. She is still on the small side; 7lb and now 17 months, but I am certain the kitten milk did her some good.
The brand I gave her was 'Nutrience' biolac, it comes in the powder form, in a pink plastic jar of 100g, it was recommended to me by the people at the specialized pet food store in my area (Croq en Bol, in Montreal). I was told to prepare small portions at a time and to discard any milk left overs after 6 hours, and to then make new milk so that she had some at will.
I was told never to buy the milk for cats in the grocery stores...as it did not contain enough protein/nutrients.
At the time I was also told of an 'old school' option, which is to give the kitten goat milk-in a side dish, along with the kitten food- that comes directly from the goat (not baught in stores). Perhaps an option if you live in the country!
Good luck with your little one!

By the way, how much does he weigh... I use an antique kitchen scale to weigh my cats every 2 weeks, i guess going on a regular scale with and then without the kitten would do the trick also!
Sandy

[keykitty]

Thank you all for your input. I took Theodore to the vet right after the holidays. The vet gave him another wormer and we went back a week later for a second dose. He had gained a little (very little) but his stools are now looking normal and he only goes twice a day instead of numerous times a day. That in itself should help him gain some weight. He's still very small but he's looking better and seems more active. It has only been three weeks since the vet visit, so there hasn't been too much of a change. It's hard to see when you're watching him every day. I don't have a scale that would weigh him that accurately to tell if he's gained a few ounces. I'm hoping he'll keep improving.

[hazelrunpack]

Sounds like a step in the right direction Does he have a followup appointment to see if he's gained more weight?

for continued improvement and a long and healthy life for Theodore!

Um...would now be a good time to ask for pictures? We love pictures, and Theodore hasn't been properly introduced....

[chico2]

As do we,also we love kitten-pics,do you have any to post??
Hope the little one will be fine