Prayers needed

[Patti]

7.5lb at 9 months is a little on the light side depending on her body habitus, but I've had adult girls who only weighed in at 7lbs. I can't comment on diet recommendations since cats have different dietary needs than humans so wouldn't know what would be appropriate. Possibly your vet can help you there?

As for the testing - no one can make that decision for you. If it was me I would want to know right away what I am dealing with, but I understand that you and she have both been through a lot and probably need a mental vacation from all the stress.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

I completely agree with Patti, if I were you I'd want to know as soon as possible what I am dealing with.As you mention, if that is an issue then the diet you feed could well be important!

As to the weight, I don't think it is outside the range. I know of an F2 litter that had a male that was over 35lbs and his littermate sister only ever reach 8lbs... and she was a perfectly healthy female that successfully had a number of litters without issue. The female Savannahs can be petite, it can surprise us but it doesn't mean they are failing to thrive. Whether that is what is happening here I don't know...

 

[KMcgown]

Also, Ive been wondering, how concerned I should be about this “failure to thrive” direction? How much of a weight variation in kittens from a same litter is normal? And is 7.5 lbs at 9 mos old a weight to be concerned about?
She is super finicky, but I have been able to get her tho eat something several times a day. It is getting exhausting, and expensive. Although, I hate to complain, this week I have found two rather healthy (I think) commercial brands that she isnt turning her nose to; Primal freeze dried raw (chicken & salmon) & Tiki Cat (chicken) Before she got sick, I was feeding her Nature Variety frozen Raw patties… But she seems to have tired of them. And If this is a “liver shunt” here I am choosing these all meat foods… thereby creating more of a problem…. But, I just dont feel ready to put either of us through the stress of the testing process right this week. Even though, I think it is just a 12 hour fasting blood test and then eating then another blood test. So what are your thoughts?

My F4 is only 8 lbs at 3 years. My other girls are light as well. I think 7.5 doesnt' seem out of line.

 

[Mrs.CC]

This is her just last week. She loves, bug slaying! And being with us outside.

Prayers are going up for you and your beautiful baby girl!

 

[SV Dad]

Also, Ive been wondering, how concerned I should be about this “failure to thrive” direction? How much of a weight variation in kittens from a same litter is normal? And is 7.5 lbs at 9 mos old a weight to be concerned about?
She is super finicky, but I have been able to get her tho eat something several times a day. It is getting exhausting, and expensive. Although, I hate to complain, this week I have found two rather healthy (I think) commercial brands that she isnt turning her nose to; Primal freeze dried raw (chicken & salmon) & Tiki Cat (chicken) Before she got sick, I was feeding her Nature Variety frozen Raw patties… But she seems to have tired of them. And If this is a “liver shunt” here I am choosing these all meat foods… thereby creating more of a problem…. But, I just dont feel ready to put either of us through the stress of the testing process right this week. Even though, I think it is just a 12 hour fasting blood test and then eating then another blood test. So what are your thoughts?

Diane, that is about what my two F3 boys weighed at 9 months. Rascal is 4 yo and maybe is hitting 12 pounds. Mayhem is coming up to 3 yo, and if I give him a shower he will hit 11 pounds.
The boys are also finicky eaters and driving me nuts trying to find foods they will consistently eat. I am seeing a pattern on these forums, we are being trained to get increasingly more expensive and more exotic foods. (I should have trained my parents like this!)

 

[DianeBC]

I LOVE this group! I can stop the questions from whirling around in my brain!!!! Yes, I DO have to know. So I will be calling my vet on Monday. It is a huge Holiday week around here (end of Cape Cod). This weekend is the Portuguese Festival/Blessing of the Fleet and wraps right into 4th of July. So I dont imagine that I’ll have much luck getting in right away. But as soon as possible will be fine. The good news is, Anaya is returning to herself! and I am so relieved. Still in the back of my head I worry that it may be Asthma, so I will be on the watch for that as well. But at list the possibilities are now things we can deal with. Also, as far as her size goes, Great! I have never felt that she seemed unhealthy or scrawny, just petite. And that is certainly fine with me! Actually I could use a little petite myself lol
So hopefully I will be of sound mind enough to return to my business, which is running itself like a motherless adolescent child at this point. that could have dire consequences, especially when I want to pick out my NEXT savannah kitten! Because yes, I too have fallen in love with this breed!

 

[John Popp]

I am seeing a pattern on these forums, we are being trained to get increasingly more expensive and more exotic foods. (I should have trained my parents like this!)

While our boy Chongo certainly loves rabbit, he would prefer using his intellect to extract kibble out of an egg shaped puzzle feeder. Put the exact same kibble in a bowl and he won't touch it. If I could have a wet food puzzle feeder of some sort, I would be golden!

 

[SV Dad]

JP, I tried a commercial cat food with rabbit. I don't want to give it too often as they ate it like a thanksgiving dinner. This is what I mean they find ways to get fed like kings!

 

[John Popp]

I totally agree! I think with all the variety of servals out there, and their somewhat varied diets the majority of those that make their way into the Savannah breed were largely based in a rodent diet. That's why so many have found a comfort food in rabbit for their cats. I'm guessing if I was able to find squirrel meat they would eat that up as well as mice.

 

[SV Dad]

I'm guessing if I was able to find squirrel meat they would eat that up as well as mice.

Ahh, plenty in my backyard. Really annoys the cats also.