Summary
Carefully observing the daily changes of weaned kittens from their weight and eating, defecating and urinating habits to energy level is very important. Such changes can be the first indication that there is a problem that needs to be addressed.
Problems to Watch for in Weaned Kittens
Some common issues arise during the weaned stage of kittenhood. It is important to observe and record any changes or concerns and contact a veterinarian or the foster/rescue as soon as you see something that does not seem normal. Some issues include:
- Litter Box Use. When kittens first start urinating and defecating on their own at approximately four weeks of age, it is not unusual for them to cry in the litter box. Do not be alarmed, but make sure they are urinating and defecating and note the color and consistency of their feces.
If kittens are old enough to use the litter box but do not use it or are not consistently using it, try the following:- Provide a litter box big enough for the number of kittens using it; you may need several litter boxes for larger litters.
- Ensure at least one side of the litter boxes is low enough for the kitten(s) to walk into easily.
- Place litter boxes as far as possible from food and water dishes.
- Scoop the boxes often and dump all the contents every few days or as frequently as needed. Wash the boxes with hot water and soap, thoroughly dry them and start with fresh litter.
- Reduce the size of the kittens’ space so that litter boxes are always nearby.
- Clean up any soiled areas immediately with an enzymatic odor eliminator so kittens do not associate the smell with that spot as an option for relieving themselves in the future. Then, put a new litter box in exactly that spot and continue to monitor the area.
- Put feces you find outside the litter box into the litter box so that kittens can smell its location and understand the litter box is where they should be eliminating.
- Sprinkle a little kitten litter attractant, such as Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract Litter Additive (a natural herbal litter attractant, not the clumping litter with cat attractant in it), over the top of the litter. Do not use perfumes to cover odors.
- Praise kittens when you see them using the litter box. If you see them starting to eliminate outside the box, clap your hands to interrupt the behavior and gently place them in the box. Never yell, hit or punish a kitten for failing to use the box.
- Weight. Failure to gain weight or weight loss may be the first signs of a medical issue needing prompt treatment. Kittens this young are fragile and waiting even one or two days (depending on their age) can be fatal.
- Diarrhea. Diarrhea causes dehydration (fluid loss) which, if severe, can be very dangerous for young kittens. They may become lethargic and stop eating, so getting medical care right away is very important.
- Vomiting. Vomiting is different than regurgitation. If kittens regurgitate just-eaten food, and it happens only once, it may be that they just ate too fast or are too active immediately after eating. Observe their overall behavior. Vomiting includes forceful retching from the stomach and core muscles. If there is repeated vomiting or decreased appetite or activity level, reach out for help.
- Sneezing. An occasional sneeze is nothing to worry about. If it happens often and there is discharge from the kitten’s eyes or nose, it may indicate an upper respiratory infection (URI). Kittens with yellow, green or bloody discharge need medical attention; a full-blown URI may cause kittens to stop eating, which leads to dehydration and other medical issues.
- Hair Loss. Keeping kittens clean after eating helps to eliminate random hair loss. A small, crusted patch of missing fur could be ringworm, a fungal infection. While not life-threatening, ringworm is highly contagious to people and animals. Contact a veterinarian or the shelter/rescue organization if you’re working with one to investigate the cause of the hair loss and to see if treatment is needed.
