Refuses 'Bottle'

I agree with jcat on trying the bottle again. Using a syringe is good to tell how much kitten is eating but it misses the soft nipple that the kittens enjoy. One possible reason for the refusal is that possibly the kitten is starting to get teeth. I have found that with the babies I foster, letting them chew on the nipple a little bit helps with the pain. It is hard to eat if she is in pain. I would test this out by having her chew on your finger so you can see if this would be the case. I once had a kitten that started having teeth break through the gum at 1 week, before her eyes were even open. It was a big surprise, but once I knew what was happening, I was able to help her through it and feedings became less of a hassle. the kittens i Am fostering right now are 21 days today.

I wouldn’t try actually weaning her yet, but I would put a little wet food in the bottle. Shake it up, and I always cut the end of the nipple off so they can suck it out easily. My kittens would get frustrated if they couldn’t get the food out fast enough and almost frantic acting because they are so hungry. You can control the amount of liquid that comes out by tipping the bottle back or up whichever the case may be. Just make sure she doesn’t aspirate milk into her lungs, this causes other problems. She is letting you know *her* schedule, when she wakes if she is hungry. I’ve noticed how it can change suddenly with kittens, how one day they just start doing some milestone thing and never go back to their before baby-like behavior. Kittens progress so rapidly in the first weeks of life, and some faster than others. If you notice teeth, you could even offer wet food and see if she’s interested. If not, put a little dab in the bottle and see if this helps. I agree with Rachel above, the nipple has a calming affect and kittens way past weaning may not need the milk as much as they do the comfort of suckling and cuddling that comes from the mother (you)!!

I have had problems with the nipples on the bottles myself. The pin method just doesn’t work for me. The criss cross doesn’t either, but it’s better than the pin. Kittens get soooo frustrated sucking and not getting enough milk to come out. I then cut the end off the nipple (not for tiny day old kittens) and they amazingly are much happier. Blows my mind how much milk a kitten can drink so fast!

How often are you feeding her Eric?

Eric, have you started her on solid food yet? She is more than old enough to try and have wet food. She may not be interested, but you really can’t over feed a kitten, they will stop when they are full and let you know when they are hungry.

I’ve been feeding her crushed up kitten formulated canned food with kmr added to it.

She’s been licking at it, which is a start because with just kmr she wouldn’t successfully lap, but she hasnt actually started to eat any noticeable amount as much as drink the KMR off of it.

I think she’s making progress now, I was just worried because I read that if you feed them too often they’ll get potentially fatal diarrhea.

I would worry about over feeding her, she will let go of the bottle when she is full. If she starts to get diarrhea, let up a little bit With how often you Feed her. I do agree that she is old enough to start weaning. I would start other with putting some wet food on the nipple and luring her into the bowl with It. Mix the canned food with kmr to make a kitten soup. She will get messy, so make sure to clean her up afterwards.

Eric, I’ve never heard of a kitten getting diarrhea because of feeding too often. Disease, worms and one-celled parasites are the most common cause. At about 4 weeks, the vet should see her and show you how to worm her. Then again in a few more weeks, she will need the second dose. That’s when she can begin her vaccinations.