Expert: Kate Tilmouth - 8/13/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have an approximately 7 week old kitten.  We got him from a cat santuary, we have taken him to the vets where he had his first jab, we were told he was healthy.  I have two children and they really wanted a kitten, but the kitten doesn't seem playful at all.  Will he become playful as he gets older?

ANSWER: Hi
Kittens should always be playful. however this little guy is very young indeed and normally would still be with his mother until at least 8 weeks. So he has got off to a bit of a shaky start in life. he will also be feeling a little stressed with all the changes to his world so it is not surprising really that he is still not relaxed enough to be as playful as normal kittens.

So yes give him some time and space to get used to his new surroundings etc, a calmer relaxed cat is more likely to abe a friendly cat and at this tender gae he will be learning how to be and react to things. So the less he is stressed or frightened etc the better.

i have some pages on my web site about lots of different aspects of kitten care from socialising to nutritional requirements etc. you may find them helpful.

here is the first page

http://www.our-happy-cat.com/kitten-care.html

best wishes Kate
http;//www.our-happy-cat.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello again!

What should I be feeding my kiten 'Jack' on?  At the sanctuary they were given him dried food.  I started getting him some Whiskers Junior kitten food. When  I took him to the vet he said Jack was too young for Whiskers kitten food.  He said to boil up some chicken, which I did but Jack refused.  Also Jack's nose is very dry, shouldn't a healthy kitten have a wet nose?

Thank you for your help

Debra Lynn

Answer
Hi
if you read all my kitten pages i suggested you will have a better idea on how to feed your kitten. he may still be at the age where he is still weaning, so a combination of cat food and cat milk or kitten formula may have to be continued until he is weaned properly.

if you check on the side of the kitten foods available where you are they should indicate from what age to give them. your vet is right kittens cannot take too rich food and that is probably why the shelter were feeding him dry only.

Anyway check out the kitten weaning page for some more information

best wishes kate
http;//www.our-happy-cat.com