Bluebell's brother, Marcel, seems to be healthy and eats dry kitten food provided, Bluebell on the other hand prefers softer food - we've given her tuna in spring water and yet still her stools are slightly soft and she seems physically smaller weaker than her brother. She's still full of life, quite vocal and seems clean, i.e. not noticed any tapeworm/ roundworm in the stools/ bedding. They both had fleas and when we first got them (at 8 weeks) we took them to the vets who gave them Frontline and said they were not badly infested - we've not noticed them scratching recently but given they have the same diet could it be tapeworm? They seem to young to treat with over-the-counter products as were born 14th June (are they as effective anyway?) - obviously worried about her and wondering would it not have affected him also as they play-fight a lot!

Our vet says: Female kittens are often smaller than their male counterparts and this often causes concern. If a female kitten is smaller than her brother it is not in itself something to worry about.

However, soft stools and needing to be tempted with food is suggestive of possible problems.

In general, it is a good idea to find a diet which is balanced and wholesome and then stick to it as far as possible. Often when kittens experience changes in their diet their stools can become loose so a consistent diet can help a great deal.

You should practice regular worming for both your kittens too. Roundworms are much more of a problem than tapeworms at this age and you will not often see any evidence of worms even if they have lots of them! Many products are effective for roundworms but it is important to get the dose correct for your kitten's weight.

It is worth getting your female kitten checked at your local vet and it may be useful if you take a fresh stool sample along with you when you go. The fact that your kitten is active and playful will hopefully mean there is nothing serious going on but at this young age they can rapidly deteriorate so do go along and get her checked.

Article links (based on content matching) which might be relevant:

Socialisation of Kittens

Teeth and Diet

Roundworms in Cats: Toxocara cati

Parasites on the Skin- an Itchy Problem

Dog Tapeworms

Answers to Your Pet Healthcare Questions

Showing similar questions and answers in this category

Worm symptoms after already being wormed

Species: cat | Category: parasites | Submitted: 06-Sep-07 06:44AM | viewed 7153 times

cm asks:

Our cat has just been treated with a worming and flea treatment and he still has some undesirable symptoms. He smells bad and is still dragging his bottom on the ground like it is irritated.

Our vet says: It would be worth taking your cat to your local vet. Worms are not the only reason for this type of behaviour. Problems such as diarrhoea and anal gland impaction could be involved which can cause considerable discomfort. The only way to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment is to get your pet seen by your vet.

Article links (based on content matching) which might be relevant:

Anal Sac Impaction in Dogs

Behaviour Problems in Dogs and Cats

What to do if you are unhappy with veterinary treatment

Cat abscesses; common causes and treatment

How often should I worm my cat?

Small Black Worms

Species: cat | Category: parasites | Submitted: 24-Aug-07 10:37AM | viewed 7117 times

Louise asks:

It has been noticed on Chili's bed that there are lots of small black worms sometimes and others flea size. I have groomed her but nothing comes from her fur. What could these be and how do I treat them?

Our vet says: Could they be flea faeces? Are they comma shaped? If you make them damp on a moist piece of kitchen roll does a red ring appear around them? If so they are flea faeces- otherwise I could not say what they might be. It would be best to take a small sample of them along to your local vet for identification.

roundworms

Species: cat | Category: parasites | Submitted: 02-Mar-07 10:26PM | viewed 6034 times

Sally asks:

We have tried lots of treatments but still she carries on getting them both sides are really big could she get pregnant even after being done?

Our vet says: She should not be able to get pregnant after being spayed and her increase in abdominal size might indicate that something is wrong. Take her to your vet to be checked. Roundworms can reappear following treatment (the treatment only kills the roundworms present at the time of treatment, it does not prevent re-infection). If your cat is a hunter she might be picking them up that way. It is a good idea to worm your cat at least every three months.

Article links (based on content matching) which might be relevant:

Roundworms in Cats: Toxocara cati

What to do if you are unhappy with veterinary treatment

Cat abscesses; common causes and treatment

Can I keep a cat indoors all the time?

How often should I worm my cat?


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