foster kitten does not like cat food and other has food agression

[christianmomof3]

We are fostering 5 kittens - 2 from one litter and 3 from another - I think they are around 5 or 6 weeks old. One of them does not like cat food - the shelter gave us dry IAMS kitten food and I also tried giving her our older cat's dry food (it is eagle pack brand). She meows loudly when we eat yummy smelling food and loves chicken (we just gave her a little).
I tried moistening the cat food with water but she still is not real interested. The other kittens are fattening up well - we have had them for a week now and can tell they are gaining weight except this one seems the smallest.
She does eat some kitten food, but seems not to be as interested in it and wants people food.
Suggestions?

Another kitten growls when she eats - and we are supposed to be socializing them to get adopted so that is not good. She was the lightest weight one when we got her and she was very scared of people - hissed and spit at us, but she is now very friendly and a snuggle cat. However, she growls when she eats and the other kittens are around. She has gained weight and is not as skinny as she was so she is definitely getting food.
Suggestions?

Thank you very much!

[sugarcatmom]

Originally Posted by christianmomof3

One of them does not like cat food - the shelter gave us dry IAMS kitten food and I also tried giving her our older cat's dry food (it is eagle pack brand).

I don't blame her, dry cat food is basically cereal. What about trying some quality canned food like Wellness, or even better, a balanced raw diet? In fact, all cats should be eating wet food. Here is more info for you: www.catinfo.org

Originally Posted by christianmomof3

Another kitten growls when she eats - and we are supposed to be socializing them to get adopted so that is not good.

I really wouldn't worry about the growling. Some cats, especially those that have to compete for food, can be rather protective of their meals. She'll probably outgrow it when she's in a calmer, less competitive environment.

[14+kitties]

SCM has given you a terrific site to read. It contains tons of shocking, eye opening information. Please take the time to read through it. You will be amazed.

As for the growling... SCM is again right. I have been priveleged to have co-raised (with the moms) 9 or 10 litters of semi feral kittens. In most cases the mom would bring them mice to eat at the appropriate times of their lives. The growling is just a warning that the littermates better not try to take away the prize they are enjoying. I still have quite a number of those kittens. Now cats. None of them growl when eating unless they are eating raw. It's just instinct. It has nothing to do with being socialized. Well, let me correct that. They are socializing with each other. It will not affect the way they are with humans unless they are adopted out to someone who teases them at feeding time by trying to take away their food.

[rainbow]

You have been given advice from two of our best cat experts here ....you won't find better information anywhere.

I'm just here to ask for pics since they forgot to do so.

[diandpat]

Originally Posted by rainbow

You have been given advice from two of our best cat experts here ....you won't find better information anywhere.

I'm just here to ask for pics since they forgot to do so.

I agree with Rainbow 100% about the experts and the pictures

[lUvMyLaB<3]

I agree, often with litters that I have fostered there have been kittens that growl at the other babies when they are eating, it seems to be at the time that solid food is a novelty I think they like it and dont know when they will get more. When they realize that there will be more food they stop. Probably something left from when their relatives were wild and then they really didn't know when their next meal would be coming and they had to fatten up for the best chance when they leave mom? Just a thought.

For the baby that is not eating have you tried canned food? It is really better, especially for babies, I don't give babies that young kibble ever even if their mom came to me on it. Try warming up the babies ration a little bit and feeding him seperate from the others, see if you can find something he likes. Sometimes with babies when they are new at it they just have to realise it is food, you can help by getting a bit on their paw or nose, they will lick it off, and love it!! Or your finger and offer it that way. He might not realize it is food, or may not be comfy with the whole thing! I have been there, you will find something to get the little guy to eat! GOOD LUCK!

[Love4himies]

I had a litter of starving semi ferals that growled when they ate, as they realized food was plentiful and they gained weight, it stopped.

I currently have a foster kitten that won't eat canned, only raw even if there is a bit of canned food mixed with it she doesn't like it. Maybe some have better sense of smell and they just don't like processed food .

[christianmomof3]

Thank you. Those kittens did great and got very socialized and healthy and we took them back to the animal shelter and hope they will be adopted into good homes soon.
We now have another set of foster kittens. One of them is very malnourished and another was sneezing. They gave them shots and I think the sneezing is less today. They gave them a flea bath, but they still have a few fleas. They also said they gave them worm medicine. I have never had a kitten this skinny as the malnourished one. She is so sweet! She is cuddly and lovable, but it is like petting a skeleton with her sharp little bones.
Any advice on what is the best way to fatten her up?
Thank you!