New Kitten - Advice

[Rubyrose]

Hi,
I got a new 12 week old kitten on Wednesday this week. He seems in good health (other than some light sneezing, which I am going to book him a vets appointment for) and happily plays, naps, has cuddles and purrs, but should I be worried that he hasn’t drunk much at all since I’ve had him and he has only pooped twice?

He was being fussy about itv his food (even though it was the same food the breeder used) and only licked the jelly off the meat and didn’t eat the meat. I gave him some Tuna which he liked so I went out and bought him some kitten tuna pouches and he seems to be eating them. His belly feels really full and he has popped since Friday evening.
I’ve not seen him touch his water either. I have moved his water bowl away from his food and I have now bought him a small cat water fountain too.

Should I be worried?

[Buenchico]

I'd mention it to a vet (or, at least, to a veterinary nurse at the surgery) but I wouldn't be panicking too much about it if it was my kitten.

Cats get much of the fluid they need from their food. A rescue cat I had didn't take a single drink from his bowl until more than three years after he'd come into my home!

[david small]

If I was a cat Chris I’d head straight for your house.

[pixie374]

I wouldn't, as long as it's available. He'll use it when he wants to.

[Prudie]

I'm not sure I've ever had a cat that drank from a water bowl, dirty rainwater in the garden maybe. My current two certainly don't (and obviously I have put it for them in the past). I wouldn't be that worried unless the lack of poo goes on another day or two in which case I'd probably check with my vets. I know many owners will say it was pointless or even bad for them but I always gave any new kittens branded Kitten Milk to drink for the first couple of months.

[tiggerblue10]

My cats didn't drink water either and I think it's because of the chlorine content. I know I can smell and taste it and cats senses are stronger. Try filtered water or collect rain where/when possible.

[pastafreak]

My 2 are the first I've ever had that do drink water. Toby in particular can wee a lot.

[Rubyrose]

Ok, I feel better on the water front then. Apparently cats aren’t allowed filtered water… But the small water fountain I got him, his a filter in so who knows.

The poo situation is worrying me more but I know he can poo as he has done it. I’m looking out for signs of lethargy but it’s hard to tell when it’s so hot and everyone feels lethargic!

[rowanwitch]

Leave water to stand in an open jug for at least 24 hours , they often don't like fresh tapwater

[calmck]

He needs time to settle in. Are there any poops anywhere in the house. Is he in one room. You could shut him in at night and see what happens by morning

[Rubyrose]

I’ve left a bowl out with water in and he still doesn’t drink it. Apparently they like moving water (hence the fountain).

Nope, no poops anywhere. I’d be able to tell by now as it’s a one bed flat. He knows where the litter tray is and used it within the first 24hrs.
I’ve never been wanting an animal to poo so much!

[calmck]

Take a damp flannel and massage his but like a mother cat would wash him

[Rubyrose]

Funny you say that as I did that about an hour ago and thought I was perhaps being a bit mental! Haha. Phew.
Ok, might do it again then.
Thanks everyone x