feral kitten OCD?

Question
Hi,
On October 6th, I rescued a kitten born to a feral mother. Titan, the kitten, was about 4 weeks at the time. He's getting his shots and everything, he's slowly gaining weight. He was 7oz when I got him. Two weeks later he was up to 1 lb. And we just went back to the vet on Nov 11 and he weighed 1.2 lb. (he gained about 2 oz in 3 weeks.

About 2 to 3 times a day (maybe more) he will lay flat on his belly and sort of knead the carpet with his claws, and as he is kneading the carpet he licks it. I think he might be suckling the carpet fibers. I don't know if this is because he left his mom too early (she abandoned Titan and we rescued him from getting hit by a car) or if it's just his goofy personality. I'm just curious as to what it might be.
And also is this normal for him to be gaining so little weight? He eats his dry food very well. Although he is no longer interested in wet food. I just want to make sure he is gaining weight like he is supposed to.

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Alayna,

Yes, the fiber sucking and kneading is common in kits that have been removed from their mothers very young. His weight gain, (or lack thereof), is what concerns me. Being put on dry food so early may not be helping. Try feeding him Kitty Glop. I am attaching my recipe for this. Also, here's a good link about cat nutrition. http://catinfo.org/index.htm
The Kitty Glop should help put weight on him. Feed him that as well as the dry food. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen


KITTY GLOP

INGREDIENTS:
1 can evaporated milk (not sweetened condensed)
2 tbsp. plain yogurt (not low or non fat)
2 tbsp. mayonnaise (real not light or No-Fat)
1 tbs. Karo Syrup (light)
1 pkg. Knox unflavored gelatin
1 egg yolk (beaten,)
1 cup Pedialyte (unflavored)
1- 2 jars Stage One Baby food (chicken or turkey)

INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix milk, yogurt, mayonnaise, baby food, and syrup together well. Bring 1 cup pedialyte to boil and mix in Knox gelatin. Set aside. Mix egg yolk with small amount of milk mixture and beat well.

Add gelatin and pedialyte to milk mixture and beat well. Add in egg yolk mixture and beat well. Remember to not use egg substitute and keep egg white to a minimum.

Pour into bowl (with cover) and set in refrigerator. Glop will last for two weeks covered in refrigerator. Try freezing the mixture in ice cube trays and store the cubes in the freezer, thaw as many as needed.
Always warm glop to room temperature ,(milk form), or a little warmer, before feeding.