I THINK SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH MY KITTEN

Question
MY CAT GAVE BIRTH ABOUT 4 WKS TO 5WKS AGO. ALL THE KITTENS SEEM FINE, BUT THEY HAVE VERY LONG BACK LEGS, ALMOST FERRETT LIKE. AND THEIR EARS ARE SHAPPED DIFFERENT  ARE POINTED AT THE TIPS. BUT TWO DAYS AGO I NOTICE ONE OF THEM SEEM DIFFERENT. SOME OF HIS ACTIONS TO INDICATE HE MIGHT BE BLIND, LIKE WHEN WALKING HE'LL START WALKING IN CIRCLES. SOMETIMES A STAGGER WALK. BUT IS STILL REALLY PLAYFUL. COULD HE HAVE BEEN PICK UP WRONG OR DROP. THERE ARE SMALL CHILDREN IN THE HOUSE. THANK YOU SHANNON

Answer
Shannon,

There are several possibilities that can explain what is wrong with this kitten. I always recommend constant adult supervision when any child is interacting with pets as accidental injuries to both the children or the pets can occur if nobody is supervising the activities. This kitten could have a previously undiagnosed congenital disability, he may have had head trauma due to being dropped or an accidental fall. Kittens also tend to be somewhat like toddlers in that they are everywhere and into anything that they can reach. Odd gaits and seeming off balance could also indicate toxicity due to ingestion of medications or household cleaners. I am not sure whether mom is an indoor/outdoor cat or how current her vaccines and treatments for internal and external parasites are. You may even be seeing the results of exposure to contagious viral infections such as distemper. Kittens, like small children grow at different rates. You really do need to have mom and her babies evaluated by a qualified vet for any medical concerns. As I mention in my profile I am not a vet and therefore can't offer any medical advice or diagnoses. I can only suggest that medical attention may be necessary based on my prior experiences. The biggest tip that I can offer is to kitten proof your home or keep mom and her babies behind a closed door that the children are not allowed to enter unless an adult is present. I do think that the signs you are seeing could be due to a neurological issue caused by anything from a fall, accidentally being stepped on or shut in a door, toxic substances or medications that the kitten may have found. The possibilities are endless and can only be diagnosed by a qualified vet. Hopefully you find this information helpful. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me again.