I'm wondering if Merlin was, perhaps, the runt of a litter

[Siwsan]

His eyes have been fully open for a week and his ears have unfolded. He's pooing and peeing without assistance and his teeth are coming in. That's usually a sign of a 3 week old kitten. BUT he weights just under 8oz, which is below average for that age. He is active, sleeping well, his appetite is good and he's definitely gained weight so I'm not TOO worried. He's strong enough to get up, over and out from the playpen, via the opening. It's still a bit of a struggle, but he doesn't give up.

Tomorrow morning I'll be in line, on line with the vet to get an appointment for him as soon as the appointment portal opens (around 7:50). The place I use is 'first come/first serve' but they have you register and then let you know how many are in front of you/if there are any appointment times left. This vet is VERY popular so even this early in the day, there's a good chance they are already fully booked. Especially on a Monday.

This is one lovely little boy. I think Merlin will be stiff competition for Arthur when it comes to who is the sweetest kid cat in the household.

[niyad]

1. Thank you for keeping us posted on this sweet baby's progress. It starts my

day with a smile.

We need PICS!!!

[Siwsan]

2. I'm going to find a well like place to get some photos

Otherwise he looks like a shadow!

He does have a little white patch just below his neck. And does he LOVE to snuggle.

[duncang]

3. Just from my latest cat.

Who separated from his mother and hand fed he turned up smaller than my other cats. My other cat who showed up at the garage was too early to be away from her mom. She’s also kind of small. I’m not a vet but think that’s kind of normal for a cat that doesn’t have a mom.

[Siwsan]

4. Thanks!

I'm going to try giving him a very thin slurry. Probably mix some baby food with the replacement milk until I can get some kitten wet food.

[duncang]

5. Btw

They’re both perfectly healthy cats.

[3catwoman3]

6. Only 8 0z!!!!!!!!

Damn - that's really little. It must be a hoot to watch him motoring around.

[Siwsan]

7. I'm trying to get him to hold still for a photo

He is a wiggle bug AND he looks like a micro-bear cub. This afternoon he just wants to sleep on my shoulder so I haven't gotten much done.

[3catwoman3]

8. Having a kitten sleeping on your shoulder sounds very therapeutic/beneficial.

I'm a firm believer that doing nothing is doing something, especially this kind of nothing. You are getting good stuff done for him and for yourself. Relish every moment.

[Figarosmom]

9. Too early to annoint him with best

He may grow to be a real trickster like the Merlin of myth.