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NHunkele - 07 May 2004 21:25 GMT

I was given a 5 1/2 week old kitten for a Mother's Day gift. I've never had a
cat this young.

Are liquid bowel movements normal or does she have a problem??
Norma

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Jo Firey - 07 May 2004 21:28 GMT

He very likely has a problem, and if he can't be returned to his mother, he
should see a vet asap. He is barely old enough for really soggy kitten
food and cows milk is a big no no for a young kitten.

Jo

> I was given a 5 1/2 week old kitten for a Mother's Day gift. I've never had a
> cat this young.
>
> Are liquid bowel movements normal or does she have a problem??
> Norma

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Karen - 07 May 2004 21:50 GMT

I agree. Such a young one needs to see the vet to begin with. I would also
make a baby pen for such a little one to keep by you, but keep her from
getting hurt or in trouble. Keep us posted!

Karen

> He very likely has a problem, and if he can't be returned to his mother, he
> should see a vet asap. He is barely old enough for really soggy kitten
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> > Are liquid bowel movements normal or does she have a problem??
> > Norma

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Jo Firey - 08 May 2004 01:33 GMT

> I agree. Such a young one needs to see the vet to begin with. I would also
> make a baby pen for such a little one to keep by you, but keep her from
> getting hurt or in trouble. Keep us posted!
>
> Karen

Another way to keep a hand raised kit or pup happy to to really keep it
close. My Rosie is the most affectionate cat or dog I've ever met. While
she is healthy she is pretty small and I'm convinced she was the runt of her
litter. The breeder said she was going to go home and cry after she
delivered Rosie to us. That she had been carrying her around in a pocket of
even inside her blouse when she was home for quite a while.

It keeps the wee one out from underfoot, properly warm etc. Also a very
young pup or kit needs its face and bottom washed frequently.

Jo

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MaryL - 08 May 2004 00:41 GMT

> I was given a 5 1/2 week old kitten for a Mother's Day gift. I've never had a
> cat this young.
>
> Are liquid bowel movements normal or does she have a problem??
> Norma

Is there any reason the kitten was removed from the mother at such a young
age except for the fact that Mother's Day had arrived? This is really too
young, and it would be very beneficial if the kitten could be returned to
the mother for a few weeks of maternal care. Eight weeks is the youngest
age for separation (assuming there was no tragedy, such as the death of the
mother). Ten to twelve weeks would be even better. The kitten will
probably be healthier, and kits learn a surprising amount from the mother if
they are permitted to stay together a few weeks longer. If you could leave
the kitten with the mother and yet visit them regularly and handle the
kitten, I think the benefits to all of you would be great.

MaryL
(take out the litter to reply)

Photos of Duffy and Holly: >'o'<
http://tinyurl.com/8y54 (Introducing Duffy to Holly)
http://tinyurl.com/8y56 (Duffy and Holly "settle in")

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MaryL - 08 May 2004 03:29 GMT

> > I was given a 5 1/2 week old kitten for a Mother's Day gift. I've never
> had a
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> the kitten with the mother and yet visit them regularly and handle the
> kitten, I think the benefits to all of you would be great.

One additional suggestion: Please also take the kitten *and a stool sample*
to the vet. If the kitten has worms or other parasites, this should be
treated right away.

MaryL

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