Hi - do any of you know anything about kittens?  I have just got a six and a half week old kitten (though I think he looks younger), and in the 24 hours since we got him he hasn't pooed.  Does this matter?  I'm used to puppies who seem to poo non-stop, and I've never had this problem with previous cats.  Although he is supposed to be litter trained, he doesn't seem interested in the tray, but hasn't had the opportunity to go anywhere else as I'm watching him non-stop - and when I can't he is in the dog cage as he's so small that I'm worried he will be trodden on.  Thanks for any advice.

Cats (and kittens) do ometimes seem to be able to "hold on" if they are nervous of their surroundings.    If you are keeping him in the dog crate for his/her safety, make sure that s/he cannot get head stuck in the mesh   Their heads are a lot smaller than puppies!!!   Also, put the litter tray in the crate, posibly with a box acting as a "hood".    Are you using the same litter as the breeder?   I always make sure that kittens leave home with a little pack of "used" litter as well as a pack of the litter they are used to & advise the new owners to sprinkle the "home" litter on top of the new tray, just to show kitten where to go.  

Do make sure that you leave water down.

Margot

Thanks Margot.

I'm using the small crate (as he walked straight through the bars of the other one!), and I've checked that the mesh is small enough to be safe.  I've got the litter tray in there, but I didn't take note of the sort of litter the breeder used.  How long should I leave him until I intervene from the poo point of view?  Would it be OK to use a lubricated thermometer in the same way as you can with very young constipated puppies, or should I leave well alone?

Thanks for your advice - I wasn't sure anyone would answer, but I couldn't find a 'Champcats'!

Jan

Be very careful using a thermometor - I think I would prefer to go back to the "natural" method used by mum - ie cotton wool, dipped in warm water then rubbed around the area - I've never known a kitten not "go" after the stimulation method - he has had his supper??

Hi, I remember when my mum got her kitten it didn't go to the toilet for quite a while.  She was beginning to get concerned, but it did finally go - without any intervention.  I think it was quite a bit longer than 24 hours, so I wouldn't worry too much yet.  The kitten was eating and drinking normally though.

good luck with your little one.

Fiona

If wiping the bottom doesn't work I would go see a vet incase there maybe some sort of blockage.....Do hope kitty goes for you soon :)

Thanks everyone for all your advice.  Hovis has just pooed, and is now tucked up with one of my bitches!