Ollie Uses The LitterBox - Raising a Ragdoll Kitten :)

I was so excited today. I went into Ollies's room and saw something in the litterbox. I knew it came from him and not his mom Dolly as it was too small. I was so thrilled. This is like when your child is toilet trained or pull-up trained. The days of smells and cleaning and just plain stinky stuff is hopefully gone. Also, no puddles this morning :)

So I fed Oliver and then he tapped my knee and jumped int the litterbox. He squatted but nothing came out. He fumbled out of the box as it is still pretty big for him. He looked proud and right into my face with his BIG EYES. Good boy!

It is amazing as he really is doing this on his own. I remember reading some breeder's websites and they state litterbox trained. If you adopt a 8-12 week old and he isn't using the box you have a problem. Most of this is instinct and with proper care and supervision should be a done deal by 7 weeks the latest. Most I have trained by 5 weeks of age. Some sooner.

Weaning is another story. Oliver will not go and eat on his own. He takes his bottle and then I hand feed him a bit. His teeth are sharp now and he has chomped down on me and made me cry a few times. I have had kittens in a litter who needed or wanted the extra attention. They usually were the smallest ones. I hope he gets it soon as then he can eat whenever he wants and doesn't need me around. Talking about food I am hungry AGAIN!

Hey readers- please leave comments so I know what you like or may want to know more of.

Also please take the poll on the right column of my blog ;)

Oliver the Ragdoll Kitten - Growing up will continue ..................

The Scoop on Cat Poop

The photo on the left is of two ragdoll kittens training for using the litterbox here at Megailee Ragdolls.

I am going to give you the scoop on poop. To be specific diarrhea. I am not a vet and when there is an issue you should consult a professional. I read a lot about the issue and in 90% of the time it does resolve within 48 hours.
For new pet owners it is sometimes a major concern.





Color
Yellow or Greenish stool - fast transit within the system
Black - indicated bleeding in the upper digestive tract
Bloody - lower bowel (colon) bleeding
Pasty or light colored stool - lack of bile
Grey large rancid smelling stool - indicates inadequate digestion

Consistency
Soft Bulky stool - overfed or poor quality food high in fiber
Watery stool - bowel wall irritation with rapid transit and impaired absorption
Foamy stool - bacterial infection perhaps
Greasy stool - malabsorption syndrome

The concern is usually dehydration. In kittens this is critical but always a concern with any pet or person.

I have found the Iams Hairball dry food helps bind the stools.
Again, when in doubt a vet visit is suggested.