I am awaiting my Bengal kitten from a breeder. Date of release mid December when she reaches 3 months old. 3 weeks ago when we confirmed the kitten, she was healthy and active. Today, when I asked the condition of the breeder, he sent a video and I realised that the kitten lost alot of weight. I could not even recognise the kitten. The breeder said that the kitten lost weight due to poor nursing. Is this a cause for concern?

I read up as much as I could about weight loss for kitten. I hope any Bengal experts here can give me some advise. I am due to visit the kitten tomorrow.

I appreciate any help or advise. Thank you.

If your kitten is over 8 weeks of age, she should be pretty much weaned. The breeder should be feeding her a complete, solid diet.

If she is losing weight, I would want to know what the breeder's vet has suggested in terms of helping her gain weight. How does she compare to her litter mates?

Don't take her home if she is not gaining. You should be buying a healthy kitten.

Have a frank discussion about this with your breeder tomorrow. If the breeder will keep her until she is back up to weight and gaining, I would suggest that. Otherwise, walk away.

Also, be sure to take her to your own vet within 72 hours of taking her home for a well-visit. This is usually part of the purchase contract with a breeder anyway.

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~ Kyenta

I hate to say it, but I would walk away from this. Getting the breeder's take on the kitten's health is kind of worthless to you at this point. You can't trust what she says because she has a vested financial interest in the outcome. You could take the standpoint that you insist on taking the kitten for a visit to an impartial vet that you trust, and get an assessment etc., but honestly at that point, it's already a problem for you. I know how much you were probably looking forward to bringing a kitten home etc., but health has to be the #1 priority. I feel really bad for the kitten, and maybe for the breeder, but you really need to focus on getting this right, and your goal from the start should be to bring home a healthy, happy, well-adjusted kitten.

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The little monsters 3

I agree with Brian. I know a breeder who will hand feed any kitten who is not getting enough nourishment from the mother (and she weighs her kittens weekly). One of her queens had 9 kittens and she had to feed a few of them, including the tiniest one that they thought would never survive but flourished -- so I'm not sure why this breeder did not take the time to make sure this kitty caught up and did not lose weight.

Another concern would be damage to organs and other "systems" due to the lack of nourishment. This is not the fault of the kitten, but the bad breeder! And do not trust any vet reports that may be forged. I'm just not sure I would trust this breeder. While it is common for kittens and infants to lose weight immediately after birth, if it is really noticeable, then it is a huge problem! You saw it.

You can either step away or save this little thing from possibly going to a home where the owner may be just as bad as the breeder. My heart would be torn. You are paying good money for a healthy kitten. If this kitten does not appear healthy and is small compared to her siblings, then I would have a hard discussion with the breeder.

I would appreciate it if you would PM me the name of the breeder and the cattery. In my research for F generations, I'm familiar with a lot of them -- what does concern me is that the breeder is a HE! Not sure most men are cut out for this without the help of a woman. Seriously!!!

Please keep us posted.

I've taken on underweight cats as a rescuer, and each time it resulted in significant veterinary care. I didn't pay for the cat, but that money went into vet bills. You may be facing double financial outlay in this situation. Which, if you have fallen in love with the cat, may not bother you at all. But if there is no emotional connection, might be a good time to walk away.