Need advice on a kitten

Last 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.

Its been a long time since i've have a kitten so I have a few questions.

How long is it before they open their eyes ? (this way we can try to guesstimate how old it is)

How long is it on this formula before you can give a kitten regular kitten food?

How do you litter box train a kitten ?

Any other advice is welcome ! Thanks

Gravatar for jenninjgirl jenninjgirl Message jenninjgirl
May 13, 09 8:22 am

Usually with the litter you can just place them in the box and instincts take over.

They open their eyes in 1-2 weeks.

They should start getting regular food gradually at about 4 weeks.

Nicole already answered about litter training - just put them in, they *hate* going other places naturally and often seek something like sand right from the start.

I'm wondering why the vet did not answer these questions?

Post a picture of the little one when you can. There are lots of cat lovers on here.

Re: Need advice on a kittenThank you for the responses, I just got back from the store with more formula and a bottle, so we will see how she does.

I am not the one who took it to the vet so I am not sure what exactly my neighbor asked the vet.

Does anyone know how often she should be going potty at this point ? She has not gone on her own and I have to stimulate her so i am curious how often i have to do this?

Here is a pic we took last night.

Gravatar for jenninjgirl jenninjgirl Message jenninjgirl
May 13, 09 10:25 am

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.

omg what a cute little ball of fluff. :)

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!

That is such a cute kitty :) How precious!

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.

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 !

Gravatar for jenninjgirl jenninjgirl Message jenninjgirl
May 13, 09 9:40 pm

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! : )

O...& the vet recommended to me to use the KMR canned kitten milk instead of the powder that you mix yourself. It's a little more expensive but because it is pre-mixed it's a better consistency. A lot easier too. PetSmart usually has the bigger cans. What you don't use you put in the fridge. Next feeding I would fill a bottle and warm it up by putting it in a cup of hot water from the sink. Doesn't take long. And of course test on your wrist to make sure it's not hot. Ok...I've probably told you more than you need to know, lol!

Gravatar for major cat lady major cat lady Message major cat lady
May 14, 09 12:20 am

Thank you everyone for the help ! She is doing well, eating well and quite active for her size !

My 3 year old daughter has requested we name her 'Ratcheese' ... i am not sure that will stick tho lol

Gravatar for jenninjgirl jenninjgirl Message jenninjgirl
May 14, 09 9:44 am

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.

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.

Thanks again for all the advice !!

here are some photos taken today
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pennuja...57618151413136/

Gravatar for jenninjgirl jenninjgirl Message jenninjgirl
May 14, 09 8:37 pm

Jenninnjgirl,

All of your kids (2 legged and 4) are adorable!

Glad Rat-Cheese is doing well!

Gravatar for Lori...since '73 Lori...since '73 Message Lori...since '73
May 14, 09 9:13 pm

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.

It seems like a lot of people around here have found furry "presents" dropped off for them???

We had a kitten left by our mailbox last year (in a paper bag, can you believe it?). Chance, whom we originally tried to put up for adoption.... well, he's quite the family member now.

Jenn OMG your daughter is getting so big! How do you feel.?

Thank you everyone ... Ratcheese is doing great !

Christine, I am feeling well, I have approx 4 weeks to go, hoping more like 2 weeks. I am so ready to meet this baby as is Riley. She is so excited to be a big sister, she packed the hospital bag for him this weekend and also her overnight bag complete with a gift for Baby P.

Will let you know when he arrives. I also plan on calling you when I get my next batch of items ready !

Gravatar for jenninjgirl jenninjgirl Message jenninjgirl
May 17, 09 11:26 pm

Thats good to hear Jenn, Let me know if you need anything.

Just looking for a Ratcheese update :-)

Re: Need advice on a kittenThank you Calico for asking but Ratcheese did not make it. We got him on a Wednesday and Monday he was not doing good, we took him to the vet and he didn't make it home with us. The vet said that I did everything I could but he was just too little and sick.

I was absolutely heartbroken as I fell in love with the kitten immediately. My 3 year old daughter was also heartbroken so we did end up getting her another kitten approx a week after. She also named him Ratcheese, he is an energetic kitten and they are in love. i will attempt to post a pic.

Thanks again for checking on Ratcheese, very nice of you !

Gravatar for jenninjgirl jenninjgirl Message jenninjgirl
Jul 4, 09 2:48 pm

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?

Christine, I am feeling well, I have approx 4 weeks to go, hoping more like 2 weeks. I am so ready to meet this baby as is Riley. She is so excited to be a big sister, she packed the hospital bag for him this weekend and also her overnight bag complete with a gift for Baby P.

Will let you know when he arrives.

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.

I will have to get some pics from DHs computer and post them tomorrow !!!

Gravatar for jenninjgirl jenninjgirl Message jenninjgirl
Jul 5, 09 12:27 am

Re: Need advice on a kittenHere is a pic of little Ryder

Gravatar for jenninjgirl jenninjgirl Message jenninjgirl
Jul 5, 09 10:53 am

jenninjgirl,so cute he looks like his daddy. Glad to hear that things are going good. Best wishes to you and the family.

Ryder is soooooo cute!

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