Is this normal??

Question
QUESTION: My boyfriend and I adopted a 9 week old kitten a bit over a week ago. Everything has been fine and dandy until a few days ago when he started to dry nurse. I've been searching the internet for information about it and from what I've read, it seems to be ok and a source of comfort for the kitten. Except that he's now eating only the gravy in his wet food. He'll come crying for food when there is fresh food in his bowl. He eventually eats the chunks in his wet food. There was one night that I hand fed him the chunks. Is there something I can do? Do you think it has to do with the dry nursing? If it does, should I try to stop him when he wants to suck on my fingers?

ANSWER: Hi Wendy, the dry nursing won't have anything to do with your kitten not eating the chunks in his food. Is it possible he just doesn't like this brand of food or that the food is contaminated in any way?? As you know we have had a few scares this year ! Has the kitten had his vaccines? If he is not vaccinated he could have an upper respiratory virus that gives him mouth ulcers which makes it really hard to eat. Maybe you could give me some more info.. ie have you tried various kinds of food, does he have diarrhea, vomiting or any discharge from his eyes and nose??
Teresa

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: He was vaccinated with his first shot last week. He's supposed to get a follow up in 3-4 weeks. The food he's eating is the same brand and kinds as the ones he ate from when we brought him home. He liked it the first week. There's no diarrhea, vomiting or even sluggishness. He's still very active and happy. I'll try giving him different brand of food.

Answer
Hi Wendy, well it sounds like you are doing everything right! it is possible that he may have had a reaction from the vaccine but normally you see other signs like runny eyes, sniffling etc... if you are seeing none of that and he is active and alert, then he may just need a food change. If he gets drowsy or feels hot or any odd symptoms .. get him to the vet right away. With a kitten this young when they get sick they really go downhill quick.. but at this point he doesnt sound sick at all ! Teresa