My foster kitten seems sad and has a neck deformity. Is he in pain?

Question

One of my foster kittens just hasn't ever seemed like a typical kitten. He rarely plays, always has a very sad look in his face and I just get the sense he has no joy in life. He eats and sleeps. I think he has some kind of deformity as he has literally no neck, it goes straight from shoulder bones to the base of his head. He doesn't cry like its painful tho. What kind of deformity or defect could this be? Could he be in pain even tho he doesn't cry? Is it fixable? I'm lost. Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | unneutered | 2 lbs

Makenzie Kurth, DVM · Accepted Answer

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. There is definitely a possibility of congenital defect. He could be the runt of the litter, he could have dwarfism, or he could just have an abnormal skeleton. The runt of the litter or a "depressed", poor doing kitten often has an underlying reason for being that way. Is there a liver shunt? Heart defect? Brain abnormality? If you want to know for sure, you'd need to see a vet who may be able to tell some based on the physical exam but who may also recommend bloodwork and/or x-rays. Pain assessment is difficult to begin with in cats but I certainly could not tell you if he were in pain without an exam. My gut says he is likely not painful because he is eating and resting comfortably - but again, no way to know for sure without an exam. Long story short, get a vet involved soon to help weigh in on what might be going on. For now, keep doing what you're doing: feed him plenty, love on him lots, treat him gently, and keep watching. Best of luck to you and the kitten!

My foster kitten seems sad and has a neck deformity. Is he in pain?

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