Conference misery::feline_v1

>    Is it dangerous to put a flea collar on a six week old kitten? 
>    Is it better to give him a flea bath?
    
Hobbes is too young for either -- take your kitten to a vet for an
exam - always necessary for a new kitten - and ask about flea control.
Generally, you will be pointed to a flea powder....anything else
can make a kitten very sick and even can kill.

>    Hobbes isn't eating anything but milk.  He seems very happy with
>    us so I don't think he is not eating because of an emotional state.
>    When do kittens begin to indulge in 'real' food?  Also I've heard
>    pure milk isn't good for cats/kittens.  Should I be diluting it?
    
Cow's milk is not good for kittens/cats.  There are enzyme additives sold
at pet supply houses or possible through your vet that may be added to make
the milk digestable.  Your kitten does not sound like it is weaned so you'd
better ask your vet about weaning your kitten to solid food.  Please be
sure to get the necessary shots to keep Hobbes healthy and start establishing
a relationship with your vet now to assure a long, healthy life for Hobbes
happiness for your both.

		Good luck to you both!

    At six weeks old, your kitten is ready for a diet of regular cat
    food.  Try mixing some canned food with a *little* milk, or maybe
    some dry food with a tiny bit of milk, just to soften the food,
    and have the familiar scent of milk on it.  If the kitten has teeth,
    then it should be eating solids.  
    
    As mentioned, cow's milk is not good for your kitten.  Borden makes
    a food supplement called Kitten Weaning Formula that you could try
    if you have no luck with the canned and dry food mentioned previously.
    
    Your kitten will need to have his first shots right away since he
    is no longer receiving immunity via his mother's milk.
    
    And no, I wouldn't put a flea collar on him at this age.  Check
    the labels on any flea product you are thinking of using, most are
    not supposed to be used on kittens under the age of 8-12 weeks.
    The vet can help you find a safe way to combat fleas.  
    
    Jo

    re: fleas - A 6 week old kitten shouldn't be going outside anyway
    and unless you have other outdoor cats that would be bringing
    fleas into the house, I don't think you'll have a flea problem.
     If he already has fleas, then I recommend a flea bath.  My
    personal opinion is that flea powders and sprays are potentially
    dangerous, especially for such a little guy, and the bath is
    preferable.
      Let us know how you're doing.
       Nancy DC & the Furry Foursome

    Hi!!   Hobbes and Melissa here -
    
    Hobbes is doing great and he's even started to eat!  I got some
    soft food and some 9 lives soft (hard) food - I'm really not sure
    of the exact name of it.  As for the fleas, I think he just has
    some itches, but I am going to put a flea collar on him at the end 
    of the summer when I move to Amherst where I go to school.  By then 
    I think he'll be running around enjoying the great outdoors.  
    
    Thanks so much for replying.  Hobbes and I are very greatful.

    From what my vet says, flea collars don't really do a lot of good.
    Maybe get him used to being bathed occasionally is a better idea.
    Just regular pet shampoo will do the trick - bathing will drown
    most fleas - I think that even the end of the summer he will
    be too young for those chemicals.  Just an opinion.....
    
    

    Hi...I agree with the flea collar being too much for the little guy. 
    They just can't handle that kind of stuff.  They're just babies.  By
    the end of the summer you won't have to worry so much about fleas
    anyway.  Do check with your vet about what's best for the little one. 
    Have you made an appointment yet?  He really is in need of the first of
    his shots, especially since he doesn't have Mom's milk any more.
    
    As for food, he needs baby food.  Try the Friskies kitten formula if
    you can't get something like the Iams kitten food or Science Diet
    growth formula.  He needs much more nutrition than the regular food
    will provide.  The Friskies dry kitten food is little tiny nuggets that
    aren't too big for his little mouth.
    
    The sooner you get him off milk, the better off he'll be.  Cows milk
    isn't suited to a growing kitten, anyway.
    
    I miss having babies in the house.....
    Mary
    

    I agree with going to the vet ASAP.  If he does have fleas
    he can get feline infectious anemia and/or tapeworms from
    them.  Flea collars don't do much good.  Trust your vet to
    give you the correct advice. 
      Nancy DC
    

    my vet had suggested feeding Gerbers strained chicken when nippa 
    was a baby.  she was not weaned properly and was very spoiled 
    when I got her.  I still give it to her from time to time when she
    isn't feeling well or as a treat.  after she gets used to that you can
    add some real kitten food in to help her adjust.  But if she eats
    kitten food now, I guess you don'\t have much to worry about.
    
    
    

    Are you going up to Amherst Massachusetts??
    
    Mr. Kitten and I went to U-Mass and there was a very good vet
    located on University drive.  I think the office was called
    the Hampshire Vet. hospital.  It would be located across from the
    new shopping center on University drive near the Southwest
    dorms.
    
    Good luck with your new kitten - they are so much fun!
    
    If you are interested I will try to come up with more complete
    directions.
    
    Regards,
    
      Kathy and her herd (Mr. Kitten, Lillie, Cleo, Molly Ann)

    Yep, I am going to UMASS, Amherst.  I would like to know the name
    of the vet or else the directions for future reference.  
    
    I just brough Hobbes to the vet the other day so he is set with
    shots for this year, but you never know when you need the vet!
    
    Thanks...