Hey everyone 🙂 I have a kitten that a friend found about a week ago. I think that the kitten is around 3 weeks old. She has ears and eyes open, is very alert and feisty and can walk around but is a little wobbly. She has little teeth that are visible. She is also very vocal! I got the kitten three days ago and she has yet to poop. She pees every time I stimulate her before and after feedings. She’s on KMR powder formula and eats a lot. When I got her she had been with someone who didn’t really know how much she needed to eat so her ribs were showing and she was a bit underweight. She has started gaining and I’m wondering if this is why she hasn’t pooped yet. I work at a vets office and I’ve had her dewormed already. She seems completely normal and healthy besides her not defecating. I have read a few places that you can give them vegetable oil to go but has anyone tried this? I don’t want to upset her stomach. She is purring in my lap right now! If anyone has any advice I would appreciate it!
Thanks to you and your friend for rescuing the wee kitten. Kittens will eat as much as they need. KMR concentrate tends to give kits constipation and the liquid does the opposite. Some vets. don’t know about Goats’ milk but here in TDKland, we recommend Goats’ milk for kittens. Cats are lactose intolerant and can’t digest cows milk. Goats’ milk is full of nutrients, probiotics and gentler on their tummies. This can also regulate the poop. You can find it in the dairy section or the concentrate in the baking aisle. Mix the concentrate 1:1 with water or pedylite. If, at any time, they seem lethargic put a dab of Karo syrup or honey in their mouth. Also, a smidgen of mineral oil in their formula can usually help them poop. You can put a dab of Neosporin on his bum if he gets sore. He needs to poop but he doesn’t know how to do it on his own. Here’s a video showing how to help him poop.
Here’s some more information:
I’m guessing he has a warm snuggly space away from household traffic? If you haven’t already, make a nest for him. He cannot regulate body temperature so he must be kept warm. I think the best way is to place a heating pad, on LOW, covered by a towel and a soft blanket. Be sure to provide a “cool” spot for him to crawl if he gets too warm. I recommend getting him a soft squishy toy and put it in his nest. Wee kits usually snuggle up to the toy. It will give him comfort and extra warmth.
Here’s another link with good information on raising your wee kits:
I will try that, thanks! I have had a lot of foster kittens before but I’ve never had this issue! We have also been giving a few mls of lacerated ringers every 16 hours or so to keep her hydrated.
I do have a warm place for her and a plush toy kitten in her bed that looks like her!