4 week old kitten urinating problem/crying a lot

Wow Kimberly, you have your hands full with this one. I would say he has got an okay litter, as we recommend non clumping clay litter to start out with. And you are doing all you can under the circumstances with providing pee pads and peeing and pooping him over the litter and in the litter. Patience is key here, but I would take him to the vet to rule out that he doesn’t have a urinary tract infection. Is he getting enough liquids such as his milk? I would see about getting him on goat’s milk (pasteurized) as it’s full of probiotics and very good for your kitten. It is better than KMR in my opinion and have successfully raised a kitten on it entirely. He may still be hungry and that could be the reason for him crying or cold. Kittens need to be kept warm in order for digestion to occur correctly. I place a heating pad wrapped in a towel and a place for them to crawl off if they get too warm. A hot water bottle or something that creates heat that you can re heat may help. I will post some links for you for general kitten care. Good luck! Keep us posted on him!
http://www.safehavenforcats.com/newborn.htm
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj70bbhgOHLAhVhn4MKHbGVAgQQFggcMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmessybeast.com%2Fhandrear.htm&usg=AFQjCNEx7vmx1NnPbt0VW0vg4FW3Jtd4CA&bvm=bv.117868183,d.amc

Kimberly, I have not had experience with a blind cat, but I think that someone here may have. In any case, this kitten is so blessed to have you to care for him. A lot of times vets aren’t really knowledgeable about hand rearing kittens. Some are and they are the ones who have actually done it or been in contact with people who have. The goat’s milk is a lifesaver IMHO just because it’s so much cheaper than KMR and better for them because it’s non constipating. He is too young yet to go the next step, but trying to get him used to wet food would be what I would try. Around 5 weeks, mixing wet food with the milk and making a gruel. Put some on the roof of his mouth and then leading him to the bowl. You will have extra challenges with him if he can’t see, but nothing that can’t be overcome. Check out the links I provided, they are full of good information for you and your kitten. Keep us posted!

Aww thanks for giving this wee guy a chance at life, Kimberly. You can get goats’ milk at a farm but it must be pasteurized or you can get pasteurized goats’ milk in the dairy section. You may possibly to find it in the baking aisle. It’s a concentrated dry powder mixed 1:1 with water. I’m not sure what the mail service is but you can order it online.

Here’s some basic info on testing whether he is blind: Bring him under a bright light and see if his pupils contract. If they don’t, that’s a pretty good sign that there is something wrong. However, he’s so young that he may have trouble organizing his senses. I adopted my LilBit at 3 weeks and he does well but sometimes he can’t always focus esp. on smaller items. I guess you can treat him as if he’s blind until you’re sure. The reason I say that is if he’s blind he’ll get the guidance he needed.

Good luck and keep in touch
PG

Good for you for taking the little guy in! I’m sorry about his sister and mommy though… All the kittens I have ever had have been really good with potty training, so I’m not sure what I can help with that these guys haven’t already covered. As far as the little guy crying, he’s just adapting to not having any other kitties around. I have a six week old baby, and she constantly cries. She’s just lonely. Try giving him a hot water bottle or warm blankie if he keeps you up at night. He’s used to being with his warm cozy family because he’s so young, so he’s just getting used to being on his own. Good luck!