Kitten issues...? I have never had a cat before?

Question

I have a 7-month-old kitten. Im not sure of the breed, but he is grey and has long, fluffy fur. He is about the average size of a cat, length wise. But his stomach has gotten to hang loose and get almost, well, jiggly. As if he were really fat. He is pear-shaped now. He is going to the vet soon, but I just wanted to know if this is normal. He doesn't gorge himself or over-eat. If he were a girl I would almost suspect pregnancy. If I dont feed him when he's hungry he cries. What should I do? I have never had a cat before.

Answer 1

No the stomach thing is not a pregnancy. The best thing to do is ask a professional all your questions like the vet and the vet would be the best person to get advice from. Its good to let the vet know your concern. It would also be good to let the vet know that you don't know much about cats.

Answer 2

Stand above your cat and look down on him.  Is there a slight indentation after his ribs? When you run your hand down his spine, can you sense his vertebrae?  They shouldn't stick out like a mountain range, but should be easily felt. As you move your hands down his ribs, can you feel the bones, or are they completely padded with fat? Normal domestic cat weigh between 8 and 10 lbs. depending on the breed.  Get on the scale with him in your arms, then put him down and weigh yourself.  Subtract. How much does kitty weigh?

Are you feeding him dry kibble?  Switch to a wet, animal protein based food with minimal plant ingredients. Read the label carefully.  Feed him only twice a day, giving him 2 1/2 -3 oz each time ( 1/2 can).  Play with him and get him moving chasing ribbons, jumping after feathers on strings, batting balls of paper.  Cats will be couch potatoes if they're not engaged by their companions.

It is normal for him to have loose skin back by his hind legs. That's necessary for when he leaps onto something.

When he cries,  give him love and attention, not food.  He is training you.  It should be the opposite.  Your vet will tell you if he needs special diet food.

Answer 3

Is he neutered? Sometimes, cats who are nearing their season carry more fat on them.

The vet will know best, but it also might be that he might need a special diet food. It's not that he's overeating, but his metabolism just might be slower, so that he's holding on to more fat.

Answer 4

maybe he needs a de-worming.

uhm i think it only costs somewhat 20 bucks.

Answer 5

dont worry too much as long as you dont over feed him....  

Answer 6

A lot of house cats have a belly like that.

You don't have to feed him every time he cries. You may end up with a big fat cat.

Feed him the daily recommended amount on the back of the food bag.

Make sure you're giving him high quality food.