Orphan kitten update

kit42, has this baby been to a vet? The white specks are probably ok, and it’s not odd she’s looking for something to suckle. But she shouldn’t be having that much trouble pooping–if it’s so difficult it’s making her cry, she needs to see a vet asap. Mom cats stimulate newborns to poop by licking their bottoms after they eat. (ick) This baby shouldn’t need her tummy rubbed and that’s probably not a good idea. You can imitate the mom using a cotton ball soaked in water that is barely warm to the touch. Best of luck to you. You may have already heard all of this, but I don’t see it anywhere. So if this is duplicate advice, forgive me!! Take care…Lisa

Vet please!!!

You’re doing well with the kitten so far. However, there are some things I’d consider doing, if I were you.

1. Vet visit – This will be relatively inexpensive, as the vet will just be checking over the kitten, possibly looking at a thing or two under a microscope, and talking with you about what the kitten’s doing, and what you’re doing. This sort of professional evaluation and advice is worth every single penny!

In addition, the vet can advise you on when to bring the kitten back in for vaccinations, as well as what kinds of problems might indicate a need for a return visit. (When unweaned kittens become sick, they can often become very ill, very quickly.) There’s also a bacterial supplement you may be able to feed the kitten, which will help substitute for the natural immunities that the mama cat would normally be passing on via breast milk and grooming.

2. Feeding – Are you feeding the kitten a commercially prepared kitten formula? If so, poop should be very soft and gushy, but probably not yellow. And the kitten shouldn’t be crying to pass it! When you pee & poop the kitten, you should be taking a slightly damp, warm washcloth and gently massaging the kitten’s genitals directly. (Gentle is the key; you don’t want the kitten rubbed raw.) You’ll want to do this both before and after eating. The kitten should both pee & poop into the washcloth, which is what you want. If the kitten is straining or crying, there may well be a problem – another reason to see the veterinarian.

(Note that rubbing the kitten’s tummy isn’t really what’s needed, and that the genital stimulation is as necessary as proper food, warmth, and air to breath; there’s nothing optional about it.)

3. Tiny kittens don’t usually overeat. When the mama kitty is present, they nurse nearly continuously; they’re attached to a teat at least 50% of the time, and eat a tiny amount all day long. When in doubt, feed more often, not less often.

Please, seriously consider taking the kitten to the vet. You may be surprised at how much useful information and feedback you will get!

Good luck!

Right now, in my litter of 3, Zelda has taken to sucking on the tiny ribbon bow on the front outside neckline of my pajamas. She’s so silly! Not a bit of food, but it apparently brings her comfort.

My giggling starts when Mimi starts trying to nudge her out of the way, to hog the bow for a minute or two. It’s so funny!!!

We need new pictures Anncetera……….pleeeeeeeeeeeeeze?

Definitely take it to the vet. Just to echo what has already been said. I went through this with one of the kittens from Calico’s second litter (little Mookie) he was declared permanently incontinent and needed daily medications as well as pretty much 24/7 care. Luckily the woman who took him was able to provide all the care he needed, although, sadly, he only made it a few months. But it wasn’t because of his incontinence.

*bump*