Found Lost Kitten In Crete Need Help With Excrement

Tagged: abandoned kitten, constipation, excrement, international kitten, pooping problems

This topic has 80 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 9 years, 9 months ago by Buttons.

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8 July, 2014 at 4:17 pm #812752

Koren
Participant

So my friend and I found a kitten in Crete yesterday. It was struggling across the road and trying not to get killed by cars.

We believe it to be about 3 weeks old. It is eating kitten formula mixed with water pretty well. Doesn’t seem interested in wet canned kitten food just yet.

Eating, sleeping and activity aren’t a problem. The little thing sleeps a ton and when it isn’t sleeping it is up and trying to walk around on shaking legs. It meows a lot.

However, we have done a lot of reading and watched videos on how to stimulate it’s nether regions to help it pee/poop… We’ve had it for about 24 hours and it has yet to do either. It meows and screams when we go down there.

I’m afraid it’s poop is too hard and it is difficult to get out.

It’s belly isn’t hard, but it seems a bit stiffer than yesterday… still plenty squishable though.

I guess I’m just concerned. Being in Greece makes finding a vet very difficult. I have emailed several organizations, some more helpful than others. I guess I need to know if I am over worrying, doing something wrong or if my friend and I need to prepare for the worst.

If anyone knows anything about Veterinarians in Heraklion by some miracle that would be nice too xD

8 July, 2014 at 4:27 pm #812753

Buttons
Moderator

I’m assuming the eyes are open she looks to be about 2 weeks old try adding veg oil to KRM… Or goats milk too

8 July, 2014 at 4:54 pm #812754

Koren
Participant

The eyes are open. It reacts to movement and noise. It is a curious little thing. We have olive oil. Is it appropriate to add it to the powder/water kitten formula…. How much do we add to it?

I feel like I ask such stupid questions… I’m just concerned and want to do everything I can. I’m worried about death, which is a possibility in something like this… but still. Little thing breaks my heart and want to try to save the little one.

8 July, 2014 at 4:55 pm #812755

Koren
Participant

8 July, 2014 at 5:10 pm #812756

Buttons
Moderator

Oh he’s just so adorable! Yup I’d put 2-3 weeks on him.. He looks very bright eyes that’s a good thing.. Yes death in young abandoned kittens is a high risk.. Your an angel for rescuing this little fella..

Yes olive oil is fine to use add about a teaspoon to his milk formula and you should be able to get goats milk in Greece..

You’ll need to expect diarrhoea when his food is changed to solids in about 2 weeks time and goats milk will help with that.. Parasites will also cause diarrhoea too so he’ll need to be wormed in a week or so and wormed again 4 weeks later..

8 July, 2014 at 6:21 pm #812758

katzenjammer
Participant

Buttons and others have the expertise on baby kits. I just want to say how adorable he is. I have no sense of geography whatsoever, but would a major city, like Athens not have vets, who could perhaps refer you to one in your area? Just wondering and wanting to help. Does this little one have a name as yet? Like purrhaps Theseus, a hero and survivor and in keeping with your locale. Anyhow I hope that things go well with this cutie. And no questions or concerns are “stupid”, for sure not on TDK, where we all love and want to do the best for our kits, and help whenever we can.

8 July, 2014 at 6:53 pm #812766

Koren
Participant

You guys are simply amazing! I’m on holiday here. I was supposed to go to Dublin on the 11th, but I’ve canceled and extended my stay until the 22 or 28th. There is a local animal rescue group a few hours drive called VOCAL (I really suggest you guys go read up on what they are doing, the animal situation here breaks my heart) which I am going to give him to until the end of my travels. At that point I will take him back the the States (provided he can survive).

Speaking of which, does anyone know US laws for taking a pet abroad. I believe I need a pet passport as well as a rabies shot 21 days before we leave. I’m also trying to get him tested and vaccinated for feline leukemia.

If anyone is curious I will try to take some photos of the stray cats here. It’s absolutely heartbreaking. The dogs too. But what can you do? The culture here views cats like rats. I got yelled at for feeding one the other day.

This little guy is a heart stealer. He likes nuzzling noses and holding fingers with his paws. An absolute delight. I really hope he can pull through. No!!! He doesn’t have a name yet! My friend and I keep rolling around ideas but until it lives a few more days I am trying my hardest not to get too attached (though I fear it’s already to late. His death would be heart breaking). Trying to think on the positive side.

I have 3 cats at home and a dog. All are rescue animals and two of which came from an abusive relationship. A third was taken away from it’s mom too soon and has some social problems…. but he’s a sweetie. All my animals are sweethearts

This little guy will be a welcomed addition provided we can keep him alive and get him State side.

Again, thank you to the both of you for being so helpful and putting up with me. I’m not new to cat owning or rescue animals, but a tiny kitten? This is a first. In a foreign country where I’m dependent on other people’s cars and to be able to communicate? A tad stressful.

Thank you to ALL OF YOU!

Also, Athens is about a 1 night boat trip from here. Heraklion is the closest ‘big’ cities. I emailed some organizations in Athens. They offered some advice, but everyone here in Greece is very overwhelmed with the stray population.

UPDATE: He did pee quite a bit. Still no poop but we will hopefully get into a vet tomorrow. Virginia at VOCAL has been a blessing with all her help and information. What she is doing is inspiring and I owe her so much for helping me out with this cutie.

He has eaten A LOT and seems quite active. He meows but that usually means he wants to eat or nuzzle our noses. He likes exploring. I’m hoping all these things are a good sign.

8 July, 2014 at 7:10 pm #812770

Kittyzee
Participant

Don’t worry about him fussing when you try to get him to pee/poop, they do it but they HAVE to go, LOL. The peeing is easy, it’s the poop you have to work at. But since you have seen videos, just keep at it and you will have success. Listen to Buttons good advice about kits, the goat’s milk works wonders and KJ always has good advice about cats too. AND I must say your kitten is ADORABLE and I would whisk him away back to the states also! It seems he has your heart already wrapped around his little paw. I sure hope you can get him home, I can’t bear to think otherwise. Let us know how the visit at VOCAL goes.

8 July, 2014 at 7:18 pm #812773

katzenjammer
Participant

Yeah, please keep us posted. US embassy/customs must have info about pets and travelling. Tks Kittyzee for compliment but my advice stops at the practical/general logistics info, It’s you Buttons, Jcat and others who have actual hands-on experience with raising baby kits. 🙂

8 July, 2014 at 7:21 pm #812774

Buttons
Moderator

Yes you would need a pet passport which basically consists of a vet giving him the all clear for infectious diseases and will need all vaccinations and blood work done within two weeks of travel.. You also need a special crate to transport on the flight and your airline should be able to tell you all the criteria I think most flights cost from $300 ( sometimes into the thousands) upwards depending on the airline and the destination too…Being that he is from Greece he will be place in quarantine for period of time too and you will be expected to cover the quarantine cost too..

It can be pretty expensive but if you can get him to the rescue they might be able to organise his transportation if you can cover the costs.. At least you’d know he’d be safe while your still travelling..

I’m actually in the West of Ireland and the Irish kinda have the same views on cats 🙁 but their attitude is slowly changing.. If you have been shipping him from Ireland, England, Norway or Sweden there would have been no quarantine because we are classed as a rabies free country

8 July, 2014 at 9:12 pm #812784

Koren
Participant

kittyzee: I had read it is normal for them to pitch a fit. The whining I can deal with. It’s just hard to hold him in place without hurting him. He’s so tiny. I’ve been trying to walk that fine line of trying to get him to poop and not wanting to irritate him. It totally has my heart wrapped around his tiny paw. Had the moment I saw him struggling off the street, poor baby. He is a sweet heart. Here is hoping we can keep him alive and there wont be too much social development problems.

I love how I am assuming it is a boy. I have no idea what gender it is.

ALL of you are amazing! Thank you so much for your kind words and all your wise advice! I’m working on vet and goats milk tomorrow.

It has been eating a lot today. Is there such a thing as it over eating?

Buttons: Oh! I thought because Greece is part of the EU and under the pet passport thing that as long as the kitten got a rabies shot 21 days before traveling it wouldn’t need quarantine. At least that was my understanding while trying to plow through a very legal document. I shall do more reading on the subject tomorrow too, as well as send an email to my travel agent who might be familiar with such things.

Went to dinner with my friend down the street and you guys were all I could talk about!!! I can’t say thank you enough!

8 July, 2014 at 9:12 pm #812785

Koren
Participant

kittyzee: I had read it is normal for them to pitch a fit. The whining I can deal with. It’s just hard to hold him in place without hurting him. He’s so tiny. I’ve been trying to walk that fine line of trying to get him to poop and not wanting to irritate him. It totally has my heart wrapped around his tiny paw. Had the moment I saw him struggling off the street, poor baby. He is a sweet heart. Here is hoping we can keep him alive and there wont be too much social development problems.

I love how I am assuming it is a boy. I have no idea what gender it is.

ALL of you are amazing! Thank you so much for your kind words and all your wise advice! I’m working on vet and goats milk tomorrow.

It has been eating a lot today. Is there such a thing as it over eating?

Buttons: Oh! I thought because Greece is part of the EU and under the pet passport thing that as long as the kitten got a rabies shot 21 days before traveling it wouldn’t need quarantine. At least that was my understanding while trying to plow through a very legal document. I shall do more reading on the subject tomorrow too, as well as send an email to my travel agent who might be familiar with such things.

Went to dinner with my friend down the street and you guys were all I could talk about!!! I can’t say thank you enough!

8 July, 2014 at 9:36 pm #812794

Kittyzee
Participant

Turn that little kits butt around to the camera with someone holding the tail up, I bet between all of us we can tell you if it’s a girl or a boy!! LOL!

8 July, 2014 at 9:53 pm #812795

Koren
Participant

I think it is a girl. I certainly don’t see any balls. But once it is up again and there is some day light here I will shoot your a photo . HAHA

Oh question, you should feed them about every 2 hours, correct? Do you wake it up for feedings? I have been, but just want to make sure.

8 July, 2014 at 10:11 pm #812798

Kittyzee
Participant

I don’t think you need to wake it up to feed it if it’s sleeping. At three weeks, I don’t think I woke Willow up, he waited until morning. If she is crying to be fed, then I certainly would.

8 July, 2014 at 10:12 pm #812799

katzenjammer
Participant

Kittyzee, I probably wouldn’t be able to tell if kit was boy or girl, not without an explicit diagram, LOL. But was wondering Koren, kit looks like calico and believe they are almost 100% girls? In which case I’d call her Ariadne (same reasoning as for Theseus). But he/she is your kit so up to you when you decide that naming is appropriate.

8 July, 2014 at 10:26 pm #812804

Koren
Participant

Kittyzee: Okay, I kind of like that idea more. So, I wouldn’t need to wake up every 3 hours to feed it? Do I stick with every 2 hours during the day or only when it is up. It seems to have gotten into the habit of being loud and informing us it is time for food even though we fed it ten minutes ago. haha The little guy/girl is big on eating. I’m sometimes afraid it is over eating, but I’m trusting it knows what it is doing in that regard?

Another silly question: do I leave it alone when I am sleeping or keep it in the same room so I can hear it meowing? Right now in my current situation it can either sleep on the couch next to where I sleep or it can sleep on it’s nest in the bath tub so it doesn’t go anywhere… but if we go in the night flushing wakes it up and scares it a little. I just don’t want it falling off the couch….

Kat: It’s kind of like a white cat, with tabby furred patches. Or a tabby cat with white patches… I don’t know if that would be considered calico? NO!!! I LOVE YOUR NAME SUGGESTIONS! PLEASE GIVE THEM TO ME!!! It’s like I don’t want to get even MORE attached to the little one, but I’m totally hooked sooo…. why not!? I LOVE Theseus to be honest with you and may just name it that regardless of gender. Though getting to know its personality might be a good idea too… I’m always so indecisive with pet names. My cat Scruffums was the only one whose name was given the moment he and I set eyes on one another.

8 July, 2014 at 10:58 pm #812810

Koren
Participant

I also read somewhere you’re supposed to be around it so it doesn’t get lonely or something? OR is that being too worried? lol

8 July, 2014 at 11:04 pm #812811

katzenjammer
Participant

KJ here! Cool you put kit as avatar! And in that orange nest! Since you asked, I’m still taken with names from Cretan mythology. Gender doesn’t matter, it’s what you like. And I find names tend to get shortened. As in my first kitty’s “official” name was Dominick, but he was always called Nicky. Current owner (in my avatar) is silver grey tabby with “official” name of Dorian Gray Esq. (as in book by Oscar Wilde), but he is always called Dorry unless formal introductions are required. LOL.
So I still like Ariadne (or Ari for short); Leto; Artemis; Hippolyta (or Polly for short); Minos (or Mini). Or Aphrodite as she is such a beauty. I’d better stop while I still can! I have a passion for mythology (Greco/Roman; Celtic), stemming back from childhood.
I recall that I used to leave radio on for my first kitten so he would hear voices and not feel alone. But other TDK’ers can help you out way more with how to raise kitten questions.

8 July, 2014 at 11:38 pm #812812

Koren
Participant

Ohh yeah! Scruffums (Scruffums von Kittynip — apparently he has a facebook) is always called scruff. Mokuba, Moki. Tiny is… well just Tiny. Allegro is Aleg usually. Then our newest addition is almost a year and named Westwood, or Westie for short. My dog is Sebastian, or Seb/Sebby for short.

NO worries! I have a small (read: large) obsession with Sherlock Holmes. Two of my pets are S.H. references. (Westwood off of the BBC adaptation which is the name of the suit designer worn by J. Moriarty) and Sebastian for Sebastian Moran, a sniper who worked for James Moriarty. SO NO WORRIES!

I LOVE Dorian Gray! That is too adorable!!!!!

Oh my gosh!!! ALL OF THOSE NAMES ARE PERFECTION!!!! I will have to look up the few I don’t know tomorrow as it is 1:30am and I am sooo tired from every 3 hours bottle feeding since yesterday x.X

Currently I am on the couch and the kitten is in my suitcase on top of a pillow and a blanket and it’s little orange friend is seems to love. That way if it meows I will hear it. It will be easier to organize myself once I’m out of my friends house and into a hotel. I wish I had a clean box… hope it doesn’t suddenly grow a urinary track and try to pee in the suitcase tonight ><

Would appreciate ANY tips/suggestions/ideas from anyone, to be honest. This is my first time and I’d rather defer to those who have some knowledge like every one of you!!!! You’re all BRILLIANT!

OH! Another concern, do I need to be worried about mosquitos with a kitten? They’re eating me alive, but they don’t seem to be bothering her so much…. but still something I need to take care of as soon as I can. I’m hoping I can move into an air conditioned hotel on the 11th with her… which I think will help with the bug problem.
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