New Cat pics and a few questions - Paw Talk

pinkie1205 · #1 03-05-2007, 12:03 AM

This is my brother's new cat Crunchy.

I was kind of against my brother getting this cat. My brother can't take care of himself let alone an animal. I learned this when he got mice.
Well my brother told me that his therapist suggested that he get a cat because they provide better companionship then a caged animal, and they don't have much care. I mean that in that there is no cage to clean and stuff like that.
The cat is kind of like a family cat now, we all play with him and he doesn't sleep with just one person. He's never with my brother but usually chilling in the living room. He is REALLY sweet. I've never met a cat so nice I don't think. He's really soft.

My question is, he's really skinny. He doesn't look so skinny because of his fur. When I pick him up, I can feel ALL his bones. He is getting fed and and has dry food available 24/7. He doesn't seem to be eating much. I've had cats before, so I can't really remember how it was with him. I'm going to talk to my brother about getting him to a vet just for a check up. Is there a certain type of food that I should tell my brother to get him? Maybe a food higher in protein since he is still just a kitten?

Also he was in a basement his entire life and he is kind of dirty. Should my brother give him a bath? I told him not to right now so he doesn't freak out. He's only been home a week. My brother is brushing everyday and that is helping. I also want to start him on a flea/tick treatment. Even though he is an indoor cat, you never know.

tarita2004 · #2 03-05-2007, 12:29 AM

i would def. take him to a vet, you probably need to make sure he has all his shot and etc.
Personally, even if there is nothing wrong w/him building the chart and records now will be great so IF anything ever happened they'd already have his info

geegeorge · #3 03-05-2007, 12:31 AM

Make sure to feed him a good quality kitten food, it's recommended for cats of all ages if they're slightly underweight. As far as a bath goes, let the cat clean himself, and keep up with the brushing. Cats hate baths so, unless he gets really yucky let him do it himself. Cats are pretty independent and respond to the amount of care and attention you give them. As long as your brother feeds him and changes his litter, the cat should be fine. If he gets more attention he'll love it, but if not he'll keep himself occupied.

pinkie1205 · #4 03-05-2007, 12:35 AM

Yea, he has a bottle of animal shampoo but I told him to just brush him and he'll clean himself. He doesn't stink or anything...the only smell I can smell on him is my dad's cologne, and that was because he was sleeping in his bed today.
I'm going to talk my brother into getting him a good quality kitten food. Is it okay to mix maybe a good wet food in with the dry once a day? I am also going to talk him into taking him to the vet for shots and a check up.

geegeorge · #5 03-05-2007, 12:40 AM

If you mix wet with the dry make sure he eats it all right away, the wet food can get moldy pretty quick. I don't think wet food will help him gain weight any better then dry, if that's what you're trying to achieve, and if you give him too much wet food he might get diharrea. But if it's just for a treat once in a while is ok.

pinkie1205 · #6 03-05-2007, 12:56 AM

I've just never seen him eat. Maybe I'll give it a try to see if he likes that. He might just not be a big eater.

LOL I didn't realize how dirty my kitchen floor was. It snowed and no one took their shoes off when they came into the house, draggin mud everywhere..LOL

Kendalle · #7 03-05-2007, 02:42 PM

he may have worms, and normally cats go threw a lanky stage when they are kitten/adults where their body grew really fast and they are very lean.. also if he isnt neutered its more noticible that they go threw a lanky stage... i wouldnt mix his wet and dry food, you could put the wet in a different bowl and give it to him once a day and let him have dry avalible all the time, as for the bath i would go with a wet wash cloth and wipe with that then paper towel off no shampoo it will get the light dirt off and help him out with it, plus a pet wash cloth (just damp) mimics the mother cats tongue and most cats like bonding that way as cats groom each other too...

luvnature · #8 03-05-2007, 02:47 PM

Oh my gosh he looks just like our Michivieous Buddy!!

LOOK!!

Ambieruns10 · #9 03-05-2007, 02:52 PM

I agree, he needs a vet check up. The reason he is so skinny could be worms. They can get tape worms from eating fleas. Have you noticed any on him? If he was living in a basement, he probably has some parasites. It will also be good to check for feline lukemia.

Is he neutered? How old is he?

As for eating, soft food might help him with his appetite. You need to monitor him and see if he is eating at all.

Bathing is probably not the best idea right now. If he doesn't stink, then let him clean himself. You can use the waterless shampoo if needed.

pinkie1205 · #10 03-05-2007, 05:26 PM

I think he said he's about 6 months. He isn't neutered. I have to talk my brother into taking him to the vet because I can't afford it. I have my own animals to take care of. I'll talk my brother into that soon .

millie121 · #11 03-05-2007, 05:50 PM

Worms are definitely something to be concerned about. Also, is there any sign of respiratory illness? If he's having anything like that, resulting in decreased olfactory sensation he could have some inappetence...I ran into that with one of my kitties. In that case, you can try something really strong smelling, like a liver-based food, which was my vet's recommendation, along with antibiotics.

Also, if he's only been in your house for a week it could take him some time to adjust to a new situation. Is he drinking water, or does that also appear decreased?

I do agree that he needs a vet check up in any case. They'll screen for FLV and give a de-wormer in any case. There are also screens for FIP, but they're not very reliable (FIP also causes inappetence, but FIP occurs in conjuction with fever and some other clinical signs).

Good luck with kitty, he's adorable!