Kitten not grooming itself

[Sauercat]

Male kitten about 14 weeks old now, been with us for 2 but not noticed him grooming himself at all & he’s a bit whiffy especially around bottom, we have an older cat who came to us at a younger age than he did and she is always cleaning herself, they both get on very well, he eats plenty, toileting in the tray, no signs of illness he’s a happy playful little thing.

any suggestions?

Male cats can be a bit lackadaisical with grooming compared to girls. My worst was a white Persian who really only started after several baths as an adult.

You may have to do it for him until he gets the idea - there are lots of videos online about how to wash kittens if you have a look. The Kitten Lady is a good resource for stuff like that.

My male is 1 and a half. I have to clean his bum often

Do you know for certain that the kitten is 14 weeks old? If so, you'll probably need to use a soft flannel and some warm water and clean him until he gets the idea.

We used to have to wipe our kitten's bum after a poo with a wet wipe, but he soon got the hang of it by the time he was 3 or so months old, and is now 2 and keeps himself very clean.

Just checked date (DH arranged pickup etc) hes 13 weeks so came to us just before 11 weeks.

thank you for these tips, will try a warm flannel & see how he goes!