Need advice on a kittenLast night my neighbor found an abandoned kitty in a box, the mother is nowhere to be found. She took it to the vet and they gave her some formula for the kitten, which we have to feed it by a dropper. Usually with the litter you can just place them in the box and instincts take over. They open their eyes in 1-2 weeks. I'm wondering why the vet did not answer these questions?
Oh she is very young! My daughter found an abandoned kitten several years ago. We took him to the vet about a week after she found him and at that point the vet estimated he was about four or five weeks old. Other than worms, he was fine and able to eat soft foods on his own so we didn't have to do bottles or formula. That was in 2002 and he's a beautiful, healthy cat today. Even if it weren't for the cute picture, from their eyes still closed you'd figure they're probably not more than a week old. Be sure to stimulate her with a warm washcloth at the least every time she eats. It may take a couple of feedings before she has a BM. If she has not gone in 24-36 hours I would call the vet. She may need an enema. It also is a good idea to wipe her eyes with a warm cloth once or twice daily till they open. Kittens can get pink eye if not kept clean. Most kittens will open their eyes by 10 days. She is a sweetie....best of luck! BTMom May 13, 09 12:22 pm OMG so cute did you name it yet???? Boy or girl???? Everybody is giving you great advise Good luck keep us posted on its progress. City Chick May 13, 09 12:44 pm She should be fed every 2-3 hours, stimulated to go to the bathroom everytime you feed her. Forget the litterbox until it is 3-4weeks old, and yes it will know to go. As the kitten gets bigger, the diet needs to change. Your vet obviously did not give you the right information or even enough of it. I can sit and write you for quite a while, but would rather speak to you in on the phone. I hand raise baby kittens and teach others the way to do so. I work with Operation Sanctuary-a no kill rescue for cats and kittens. Please call the main line at 610-628-9160. Linda is the director and either she or I (Andy)can advise you as to the proper care for your new baby. Andy, that is so very nice of you to offer your services. I hope the OP takes advantage of your kindness. Good luck with your kitten! One of my cats was abandoned just like that in front of someone's house- only they left 4 of them there. The lady who found all of them had to bottle feed them, etc. just like you are. Today she is 11 months old and a big healthy girl. We use Blairstown Animal Hospital- and I'm sure if you call there they may also give you some tips on feeding, etc. thank you Andy for your advice and I will give you a call tomorrow ! I appreciate the help ! I've bottle fed kittens as young as yours before and it can be tricky because you have to be careful not to cut the hole in the nipple of the bottle too big or too small (for some reason they don't come pre-cut). & you have to be careful to not squeeze the bottle or get more milk in the kitten's mouth than it can handle because it might get in her lungs...which is very bad. Because of how tiny she is, it might be best to stick with the eye dropper for now because it can be easier to make sure she doesn't get too much at once. I use Blairstown Animal Hospital as well and they took their time and showed me exactly how to feed them and stimulate them. It can be tricky so it really does help to watch & learn from someone who knows what they're doing. Hope that helps! : ) Thank you everyone for the help ! She is doing well, eating well and quite active for her size ! Perhaps you can find a nursing mother cat who just had kittens and introduce this little guy to her nipple. I did that years ago when I found an abandoned kitten and it worked like a charm. The mother cat took care of it just as if it were her own. Maybe call some Vets in the area (Dr. Blease outside of Washington comes to mind) to see if you can find a mother cat. Best of luck. BlueLeopard May 14, 09 4:30 pm Just got back from taking kitty to the vet. She is actually a he ... and he is doing well. He did have to have an enema bc he still had the mucus plugging him up. He is otherwise healthy and the vet says he is approx 10 days old. Jenninnjgirl, I love Ratcheese, he's so cute. Hope you keep the name. As far she now being a he, that often happens. Sexing young cats is difficult for most people. Glad he's doing well. Please keep us posted with progress photos :-) Jenn -- Your daughter is beautiful, your dog is funny, and Rat-Cheese, well, who couldn't fall in love with a kitten. How in the world did you come up with such a great name? Love your photos. Thank you everyone ... Ratcheese is doing great !
Ahhh, Jenn I'm so sorry to hear it. I thought of Ratcheese this morning when I was out for my walk couldn't help but wonder how he was making out. Poor little guy, so nice of you to have tried your best to help. I hope your family enjoys Racheese II for many years. And now the update on the newest addition? jenninjgirl , what a beautiful shot! I am so gald that Riley is enjoying her kitten. How is she doing with the new baby? Everything is really good with our new baby boy. He is 16 days old and Riley is sooooo good with him. She helps with everything ... feeding, burping and talks him thru diaper changes. jenninjgirl,so cute he looks like his daddy. Glad to hear that things are going good. Best wishes to you and the family. This topic has not been commented on in more than 6 months.
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