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Yet another constipated kitten. Advice needed!
Home › The Daily Kitten Cat Chat Forum › Cats & Kittens › Yet another constipated kitten. Advice needed!
Tagged: constipation, glop, messybeast, orphans
- This topic has 29 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 8 years, 6 months ago by
Jeankit.
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30 September, 2015 at 7:22 pm #838432
LucaParticipantHello everyone! Been lurking a lot this past week absorbing information, now its time for my first post!
…Go figure, its about constipation lol.
Sunday, the 20th, I received 2 kittens that were about 4 days old. The had the typical “switching to formula” constipation and we got past that, however now we are at another crappy crossroads. Its been a little over a day since the last bowel movement and while I know that it is not uncommon for babies to go a day without one, the straining and general fussy behavior tells me I should take action sooner rather than later.
I have been giving them about 5 drops of olive oil daily for the past two days to smooth things along since their poo was already a little firm to begin with and I have read a lot of material on constipation (chaos’ wonderful post included!) tried the “triangle method” as well as adding Karo syrup to their formula (hopefully I was adding enough). I currently am mixing their formula with Pedialyte in hopes of softening their stool a little with some good ol hydration. I also gave them a warm bath and massage this morning to no avail. Lot of pushing and crying. Is there anything else I can do besides keep trying what Im doing, hope, and take them to the vet when it gets too much? I have heard that I can use milk of magnesia to stimulate a movement, though I wanted to ask about that first since I have only seen it mentioned once in all of my reading and research.
One male, one female. Both of them are nearing 2 weeks of age and weigh roughly 9 oz. each. They eat between 2/3 and 1 Tbs of petAG KMR powdered formula every 4 hours. Both are still eating normally and are still active, albeit somewhat fussy. I can tell they are starting to feel it though.
I would really like to take the best course of action here as I really adore both of these babes a lot and I would hate to make an ignorant and costly decision!
Thank you in advance for your help!
30 September, 2015 at 7:59 pm #838440LucaParticipantId like to add a couple of things since it doesnt want to let me edit my original post.
Feeding ever 3 hours, not four, typo!
Also, I am a newb with raising newborn kitties. I have rehabbed other baby and injured wildlife and have owned cats all of my life, though this is a first time thing for me!I am also reading that goats milk might be a good solution. Is it nutritionally sufficient for these guys?
30 September, 2015 at 9:09 pm #838446Anonymous
InactiveHi Luca,
Welcome to TDK land. Concats on being adopted by these wee kits.
TDKers swear by Goats Milk. It’s easier on their tummies, doesn’t cause constipation and provides probiotics. You can feed your kits this exclusively.
Call the vet. Even though they’re young the vet. may decide to give them an enema. Once they have a movement then start feeding them Goats Milk.
PG
1 October, 2015 at 12:33 am #838457LucaParticipantYeah, ill be going to the vet tomorrow if they do not have a movement by the end of the day. Itll be the 2 day mark at that point.
Do you have any info on whether or not milk of magnesia is a viable option? And if so what the dosage for a young kitten would be??1 October, 2015 at 2:19 am #838467InactivePedialyte is ok for your kits. I would prefer you feed them Goats’ milk.
And no Milk of Magnesia is not safe for your babies. It could be given to an older cat ONCE but only under a vet. supervision.
When they’re about 5-6 months old, you can add natural Metamucil to their wet food or give a weekly dose of Lactulose. Lactulose is used mostly for hairball prevention but can be used to “grease” them up. My cats like the tuna or fish flavor.
PG
1 October, 2015 at 2:50 am #838470LucaParticipantThis is embarrassing to admit, especially under the circumstances, but I panicked and gave them a small amount of the magnesia about an hour ago as I read in another forum that it was safe. I just got your message and now I feel like an awful cat parent. Will they be ok? Did I screw this up bad?? I only gave them a few drops each with their formula. I am so scared now.
Thanks you so much for your advice and help. I feel pretty lost right now.
1 October, 2015 at 3:03 am #838473
KittyzeeParticipanthttp://www.felineconstipation.org/acutetreatment.html
Luca, I posted a link that may help you with your kittens. Let’s hope all will be well with your babies and nothing bad will happen will the magnesia. The goat’s milk works wonders and you can use it instead of formula which constipates. You can get it in the refrigerated milk section of the grocery or in the baking aisle in cans. The canned is condensed so add water 1 to 1. Keep us posted on their progress please!1 October, 2015 at 3:15 am #838474LucaParticipantThere is so so so much contradicting information out there as a first timer I am constantly on pins and needles raising these guys, its terrifying! Even when I did my research about the goat milk I found a bunch of mixed information. Its driving me crazy.
I am feeling a lot less shaky now however and the babes did have a wee (but quite firm and strenuous) bowel movement a bit earlier, so there is that. This constipation really feels like an uphill battle. Ill be looking into the canned goats milk tomorrow. Its somewhat frustrating since I just bought a new can of KMR and the stuff isnt cheap!I will definitely be coming back with updates. I am in love with this community!
What should I look for as far as ill effects of the MOM btw???1 October, 2015 at 3:47 am #838476KittyzeeParticipantI’m going to post some links for you for hand rearing kittens–I have used them myself so I know they are full of wonderful information. I don’t know what the effects of the MOM would be, I have not used it. I have used mineral oil in the milk, as well as olive oil.
http://messybeast.com/handrear.htm
http://www.safehavenforcats.com/newborn.htm
I know the KMR isn’t cheap, that’s why I recommend the goat’s milk. I raised my last kitten on it entirely, and he never had any poop issues. Others I raised on KMR were always constipated and it drove me crazy worrying about them, taking them to the vet for enemas, etc. That’s why I think it’s so important for those who have hand reared kittens, to share their knowledge with others struggling through this process. A lot of vets have never done it and many don’t know the complications you run into.1 October, 2015 at 4:05 am #838477LucaParticipantThanks! I actually have those two pages stashed away in my “Kittens” bookmarks folder :). They have both been really helpful. So far the babes seem to be doing ok. They have been sleeping, but when I check on them the still wiggle and mew a little like normal. I did not give them very much of it, so perhaps the effects in general will be null.
I agree though. It seems like were sort of on our own out here. Before the cats were brought to me, the person that found them originally brought them to the vet and they just said they were just going to put them down. No advice on a safe place they could be brought, no information at all. Sad really.
But you are right, I have been worrying like crazy. Its like Im raising two “constipations” rather than kittens sometimes because of how much I think about their bowel movements. And I know its so stressful for them too. Hearing their straining cries as the squeeze almost makes me feel sick and it even makes my normally aloof adult cat concerned. Ive only been dealing with it for a week and I am very done with the concept.
1 October, 2015 at 5:10 am #838478KittyzeeParticipantI know Luca, it becomes all consuming. When you aren’t feeding the cats, you are trying to get them to poop or pee, changing their bedding, holding them–and when you aren’t with them all you can do is think about them and worry! Seriously, it’s like having kids. 😛
I scoured the internet for info on raising kittens and came upon those two good links and it was a lifesaver for me. The goat’s milk did more for my kittens than anything else I’ve tried, I can’t say enough good about it. That’s why I’m here to help anyone I can.
Very sad about someone wanting to put kittens down and not try and help them. I just can’t walk away like that.
Once they get a couple more weeks on them, you will notice such a change in them!1 October, 2015 at 5:28 am #838479InactiveBreath deep Luca. You’re not very helpful if you freak out. You are doing a great job. When you have wee kits dropped in your lap it’s easy to get flustered.
fyi only – It is fatal for kittens/cats with kidney or heart disease. Also, they can get very sick by the effects of the electorlyte changes that can occur in their GI tract when MOM is given. Ironically, the pedialyte will help counter balance those changes.
I forgot to mention that cats are lactose intolerant so cows milk is not good. Goats milk has less lactose and is easily digestible.
Re: If you still have the receipt for the KMR you should be able to get a refund…even if the can is open.
Let the vet. know you administered some MOM and the results.
Yes, it is difficult with all the information on the internet. We have had many experiences with these same issues. We are not vets but we will help you as best we can. Regardless, we most often recommend contacting the vet. for further information/guidance.
1 October, 2015 at 5:37 am #838480LucaParticipantBoth babes are perky and goofy. The boy had another BM. It was nice, solid and moist and he didnt squeal a bit!
Yeah I dont particularly mind all of that other stuff. Its quite fun for me, I do enjoy taking care of them:). I work from home, so its nice to have a couple of fuzzy babies to dote on. I definitely spend less time at my desk! I just dont like watching them suffer.
Oh yeah ive been digging and digging myself. I think my folder is now around 13 pages strong i think. Its always growing too.
Well I am sure thankful. I really havent seen much supporting goats milk outside of TDK, but paint me sold already. Im going to the store first thing in the morning. I probably wouldnt have even found out about it if i spend the extra time here nosing about.
Oh I know thats for sure. They change a little bit every day at this point, its really fascinating. They are a couple of little weirdos and Im looking forward to the antics they have in store for the future:P.@PG
Yeah I know. Ive had them for about a week and I think the stress spilled over some. The constipation is real man. I am better now. Thank you.Well I definitely appreciate your input. Its nice to be able to admit my weakness and mess up and still have support. Its rare on the internet.
Oh yeah no cows milk, I know thats for sure. Not good for any cat, big or small. Sadly I cannot think of where that reciept is at all :/. Oh well, it happens.
Thank you guys again for your calm support despite me spazzing out a bit there after I felt like I made a very poor decision.
I should probably post pics of these little guys huh lol?
1 October, 2015 at 6:06 am #838485InactiveWe would love it if posted pics of your babies! You can go to the “Add Your Kitten” link and put them in for The Daily Kitten. You need an online photo management site. Many TDKers use Photobucket.com.
How about naming them Perky and Goofy? 😮 Just kidding
1 October, 2015 at 6:38 am #838486LucaParticipantHehe I still need names for them! Ill add that to the potential list^^
Heres some links to some pictures of them. They are all from this weekend. Their eyes have opened fully since, but these are still cut! I need to take more pics!
and a cute gif!
http://gfycat.com/HiddenAngelicBarasinga1 October, 2015 at 9:30 am #838488
catsgomeowParticipantawwww :3
1 October, 2015 at 9:37 am #838489catsgomeowParticipanthow about, huggle and snuggle
1 October, 2015 at 1:54 pm #838491Cheri Hoyt
ParticipantI love the video 1!!
1 October, 2015 at 2:00 pm #838492KittyzeeParticipantOh how sweet! I love putting kittens up by my neck after they have eaten, burping them, and letting them fall asleep there….awwww. I can’t tell really well by the pics, but the darkest one looks like a tortiseshell, meaning she is most likely a girl! ConCATulations!
1 October, 2015 at 4:12 pm #838497InactiveOh my gosh, Luca – They are so precious and adorable! The video brought tears to my eyes. Thanks again for being their guardian angel.
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