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Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / October 2006URGENT: my 4.5-5 wk old kitten won't drink and barely eats
Please help I adopted a 4.5-5.5 week old kitten on friday since then she has only used the litter box 5 times 2 times were #2 and 3 times were #1 she sleeps all the time her little eyes are watering and all nasty been cleaning with a warm wet paper towel I made the mistake of giving her cows milk for the past two days by warming it and feeding it to her through a straw please help i love my little angle and in addition to her eyes she sneezes and has a stuffy nose when i got her she also had fleas i gave her a warm bath and took tweezers and picked the fleas off as many as i could see anyway!! Concearned new mommy Steffanie TAKE HER TO THE VET. SHE PROBABLY HAS AN UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTION AND NEEDS ANTIBIOTICS. Gail > Please help I adopted a 4.5-5.5 week old kitten on friday since then she > has [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > Concearned new mommy > Steffanie > TAKE HER TO THE VET. SHE PROBABLY HAS AN UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTION AND > NEEDS ANTIBIOTICS. > Gail Yes, please take her to the vet immediately. She probably has a URI and an eye infection. You also need to give her kitten specific milk and start trying to wean her (gradually) to solid food. Discuss this with your vet, and good luck with your baby! They are very fragile at this age, but with the right care and love, I'm sure she will be fine. I would avoid bathing such a tiny kitten, though. Talk to your vet about what you can do about her fleas. Mine gave me a liquid flea killer to put on my tiny kitten. Basically I put it on him with a cotton ball, and then wrapped him in a towel to keep him warm while he dried. Don't let you baby catch a chill. GOOD LUCK! Why was she taken from her mother? Unless the mother has passed away there is no reason on earth this kitten should not be with her. Whe is entirely too young to be taken from the mother. Celeste > Please help I adopted a 4.5-5.5 week old kitten on friday since then she > has [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > Concearned new mommy > Steffanie She was taken from her mother by someone other than myself I do not know why the previous owners did it all i know is that I love her and i want to do whatever i can to help her get well!!! >Why was she taken from her mother? Unless the mother has passed away there >is no reason on earth this kitten should not be with her. Whe is entirely [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] >> Concearned new mommy >> Steffanie You need to get the kitten to an emergency vet NOW! Kittens that young can die very easily. If you love her go to the vet now. > She was taken from her mother by someone other than myself I do not know why > the previous owners did it all i know is that I love her and i want to do [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > >> Concearned new mommy > >> Steffanie > Please help I adopted a 4.5-5.5 week old kitten on friday since then she > has [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > Concearned new mommy > Steffanie Please have her seen by a vet *immediately.* There is no time to waste! Kittens that young can decline (and die) very quickly. Next, why did you adopt her at such a young age? Is the mother missing? If not, the kitten should be returned to her mother until she is a more suitable age. Kittens should not be removed from the mother until they are *at least* 8 weeks old, and 10 to 12 weeks is preferable. This is needed for the health of the kitten. A "bonus" is that she will be much easier for you to care for at that age. Good luck with your new baby...but please put off the adoption for a few weeks (but return her to her mother AFTER she is seen by a vet and received proper medical treatment). MaryL I called the previous owners and the mother cat abandoned them when they were younger and the other owners just can't take care of her anymore so i am doing the best i can !!!! >> Please help I adopted a 4.5-5.5 week old kitten on friday since then she >> has [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > >MaryL She needs to see a vet. That's what I and others are telling you. Gail >I called the previous owners and the mother cat abandoned them when they >were [quoted text clipped - 26 lines] >> >>MaryL she is going too i dont have an emergency vet here so 1st thing in the morning >She needs to see a vet. That's what I and others are telling you. >Gail [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >>> >>>MaryL Good. Kittens can die very easily and she is very, very young. Gail > she is going too i dont have an emergency vet here so 1st thing in the > morning [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >>>> >>>>MaryL > I called the previous owners and the mother cat abandoned them when they were > younger and the other owners just can't take care of her anymore so i am > doing the best i can !!!! Don't panic, just be vigilant. And take her to the vet first thing in the am, or sooner if she is in distress. I recently adopted a 4 week old kitten who had been abandoned by his mother. He also had a URI and an eye infections (turns out he has FHV) and he is just fine now at 9 weeks. Keep her warm and give her a few tablespoons of kitten specific milk every few hours (around the clock). Keep fresh water near where you feed her, and keep her warm. Hold her a lot and pet her a lot, see if she wants to suckle on your pinkie (mine suckles on my lips). After she is treated by the vet, start trying to wean her. I would give Levi a few tablespoons of milk on a saucer (after he swallowed a nipple, no more bottles) and then I would put a few pieces of food in the milk so he could eat some that was softened. After she eats, rub her all over, gently, like a mama would do to clean her. If she goes for too long without urinating or defecating, you may have to rub her genitals to stimulate this (do this over a towel with a plastic bag under it). She's young, but I know for a fact you can take care of her. Levi is the second kitten I've adopted at this age. The other one lived to be 20 years old, and I hadn't a clue what I was doing back then. Yes, even with all your loving care she may not make it, but your heart is in the right place and all you can do is your best. Good luck to both of you! Also, Google "hand raised kitten" for some great tips on how to take care of her. >I called the previous owners and the mother cat abandoned them when they >were > younger and the other owners just can't take care of her anymore so i am > doing the best i can !!!! Okay, in that case, be sure to ask the vet for special instructions on how to care for such a young kitten. For starters, you will want to get some KMR (kitten milk replacement). Thank you for adopting this little kit!! MaryL Well, the computer ate my 1st reply :-) As everyone has said, get thy self and thy kitten to the vet. Next- buy KMR or another milk replacer. Thank you for adopting the little one, I know the feeling. Right now I have a four week old that I found when she was 10-14 days old. The people in this forum are godsends- feel free to ask them questions- they will help you! Some links that may help you out: http://www.catvet.homestead.com/orphan1.html http://www.rescueguide.com/orphkits.html http://www.alleycat.org/resources_care.html#10 There are dozens more on the net. (Most of the links I have right now are for weaning) Good luck- we will fight the kitten raising battle together- feel free to ask questions. Our little ones are at the same age Derek http://www.catster.com/pet_page.php?j=t&i=390077 Thankyou yes its very nerve wracking i think she's doin a little better she is up and moving around now atleast after eatin some kmr and all about being close and being held i made her a rice/ corn bag for heat and i bought a baby toy with a little heat imation sound and took that out and put it near the corn bag thinking maybe she'd sleep in her bed but nope she meowed all night and i got her out and put her with me she slept the rest of the night so any ideas on what you do would be great!!!! >Well, the computer ate my 1st reply :-) > [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > >http://www.catster.com/pet_page.php?j=t&i=390077 Did you call the vet? > Thankyou yes its very nerve wracking i think she's doin a little better she > is up and moving around now atleast after eatin some kmr and all about being [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] > > > >http://www.catster.com/pet_page.php?j=t&i=390077 That's what I've been waiting to hear. If an URI isn't addressed promptly you can end up with a cat with chronic sniffles for it's lifetime. > Did you call the vet? > [quoted text clipped - 35 lines] >> > >> >http://www.catster.com/pet_page.php?j=t&i=390077 > Thankyou yes its very nerve wracking i think she's doin a little better > she [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > any > ideas on what you do would be great!!!! Warmth from the rice bag sounds good -- just make sure that it isn't *too* hot for such a little kit. Some people put a clock (the type that makes a "tick-tick-ticking" sound) close to a kitten's bed. The sound can be soothing to them. On the other hand, I actually enjoy having my cats sleep with me. I miss it if I wake up and don't find a warm bundle of fur beside me. You may soon find yourself in the situation. What did the vet say. You said in one of your messages that he gave your kitten a shot, but you didn't say what the diagnosis was. Will she need any follow-up care? Again, thanks for adopting. This is wonderful for her, and you will be repaid with lots of love. MaryL yes upper respitory infection as well as eye infectionshe is wanting to be close to me all of the time she is more like having a baby than a cat whoever said they were independant must not have a baby like i do because i try to put her in her bed and she just won't stay there its all about being close i have also found that the little pouches that they use for sugar gliders and wear around their necks i think they are called bonding pouches are working wonderfully and hoodies with front pockets she'd ride around all day if she could!!!! >> Thankyou yes its very nerve wracking i think she's doin a little better >> she [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > >MaryL > yes upper respitory infection as well as eye infectionshe is wanting to be > close to me all of the time she is more like having a baby than a cat [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > she > could!!!! Yes, she really is a baby, and she needs lots of attention since she lost her own mother. I think people who only stress the "independence" of cats don't have much experience with them. Each cat is unique with his or her own personality. Some are independent, some are lap cats with an inordinate need for affection -- we don't "train" them to be a certain way. Holly follows me around like a little shadow (which is appropriate because she is black). As soon as I sit down at the computer, she sits beside the keyboard or walks back and forth in front of the monitor. She brings me the same little toy mouse as a "gift" every evening. Duffy is a little love-bug. He will climb up in my lap and rub his little chin against mine, and he is an absolute joy to see. I love it, and neither one would fit the old stereotype of "independence." On the other hand, they are independent in the sense that *they* decide when it's time for all this loving! MaryL > Please help I adopted a 4.5-5.5 week old kitten on friday since then she > has [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > Concearned new mommy > Steffanie As others have said you need to feed KMR (kitten milk replacer) not cows milk. Cows milk can give cats diarrhea. If you end up trying to bottle feed or syringe/dropper feed this little one because of the URI, be very careful to go slowly. They can aspirate formula or food which can cause aspiration pneumonia. This is deadly in kittens under 8 weeks old. If you see any formula coming out of the nose, immediately hold the kitten upside down to let it drain. She's kind of at that in between age where some fight the bottle and others still want it so she might not be all that interested in formula. They sell small premixed cans that might be the best bet until you find out if she'll take it or not. You might want to steam up the bathroom and put her in there. The humidity helps keep the nose open. If cats can't smell they won't be interested in eating. She does need to see the vet. They will probably put her on antibiotics and possibly eye ointment if it appears she has conjunctivitis. Ask the vet to show you what to look for to monitor her for dehydration. If she's not eating well that is one of the things you need to watch for. They will probably be able to give you something for the fleas too. If you have to bathe her just make sure you get her completely dry afterwards. You can use a hair dryer on low heat. I usually rub the hair with one hand while using the hair dryer so I can feel how much heat is getting on the kitten. Good luck with your new baby. I know how nerve wracking it can be worrying them through an URI. W > Please help I adopted a 4.5-5.5 week old kitten on friday since then she > has [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > Concearned new mommy > Steffanie As others have said you need to feed KMR (kitten milk replacer) not cows milk. Cows milk can give cats diarrhea. If you end up trying to bottle feed or syringe/dropper feed this little one because of the URI, be very careful to go slowly. They can aspirate formula or food which can cause aspiration pneumonia. This is deadly in kittens under 8 weeks old. If you see any formula coming out of the nose, immediately hold the kitten upside down to let it drain. She's kind of at that in between age where some fight the bottle and others still want it so she might not be all that interested in formula. They sell small premixed cans that might be the best bet until you find out if she'll take it or not. You might want to steam up the bathroom and put her in there. The humidity helps keep the nose open. If cats can't smell they won't be interested in eating. She does need to see the vet. They will probably put her on antibiotics and possibly eye ointment if it appears she has conjunctivitis. Ask the vet to show you what to look for to monitor her for dehydration. If she's not eating well that is one of the things you need to watch for. They will probably be able to give you something for the fleas too. If you have to bathe her just make sure you get her completely dry afterwards. You can use a hair dryer on low heat. I usually rub the hair with one hand while using the hair dryer so I can feel how much heat is getting on the kitten. Good luck with your new baby. I know how nerve wracking it can be worrying them through an URI. W yes she went to the vet this morning and they gave her a shot and she's been asleep about all day but has been eatin some occasionally so thankyou all very much for the concern >> Please help I adopted a 4.5-5.5 week old kitten on friday since then she >> has [quoted text clipped - 31 lines] > >W Please Keep us informed. I arrived too late to add anything else helpful. Phil's website has some good information on it to help with new kittens owners http://www.maxshouse.com/Database_toc.htm > yes she went to the vet this morning and they gave her a shot and she's > been [quoted text clipped - 42 lines] >> >>W > yes she went to the vet this morning and they gave her a shot and > she's been asleep about all day but has been eatin some occasionally > so thankyou all very much for the concern How is she doing today? The antibiotic shot will probably make her feel better pretty quickly. It's wonderful that you are carrying her around in your pocket and letting her sleep with you. She needs that warmth and physical contact. She will look at you as her mama and I think you will find the bond to be very strong and very rewarding. In just a few weeks she will be out of the woods and you will be able to breathe easier. Please keep us updated and, if you are able, share some photos! Have you named her yet?  Signature"Lynne" lover of mutts and feral kitties she is doing alot better i couldn't figure out why she was walking around meowing and i forgot i got her more food and didn't give it to her in the usual spot so she is doing better yes she is a long haired grey and white little girl and i'm from a place called Ashe and so her name is Ashe is is very very loving and loves to be held ALL the time thankyou all for all your help I have been steaming up the bathroom and putting her in there kinda like a humidifyer seems to be helping too!!! >> yes she went to the vet this morning and they gave her a shot and >> she's been asleep about all day but has been eatin some occasionally [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] >Please keep us updated and, if you are able, share some photos! Have you >named her yet? on Wed, 18 Oct 2006 00:23:26 GMT, "ashesmommysteff via CatKB.com" <u27911@uwe> wrote: > she is doing alot better i couldn't figure out why she was walking > around meowing and i forgot i got her more food and didn't give it to [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > and putting her in there kinda like a humidifyer seems to be helping > too!!! that is WONDERFUL news! Sounds like you are doing everything right. Remain vigilant, as things can change very quickly with such a young kitten, but don't worry as long as she continues to improve. Thank you for the update! Signature"Lynne" lover of mutts and feral kitties Awwww she sounds like a real sweetie, I'm so glad things are working out for you both! Keep posting about her!! > she is doing alot better i couldn't figure out why she was walking around > meowing and i forgot i got her more food and didn't give it to her in the [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] >>Please keep us updated and, if you are able, share some photos! Have you >>named her yet? So what kind of shot did the kitty get? You are sounding as if you are making up this vet visit to satisfy us. > Please help I adopted a 4.5-5.5 week old kitten on friday since then she has > only used the litter box 5 times 2 times were #2 and 3 times were #1 she [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > Concearned new mommy > Steffanie > So what kind of shot did the kitty get? You are sounding as if you are > making up this vet visit to satisfy us. No, she gave some details in a reply to one of my messages -- see her message posted 10/16/06 at 5:56 p.m. MaryL i'm really sorry you feel that i would be such a bad pet owner my kitten has been taken care of and if i didn't want to take care of her i wouldn't have looked up this website and taken into consideration everything that all these very helpful individuals has given to me so please do not make assumptions about me thankyou Steffanie >So what kind of shot did the kitty get? You are sounding as if you are >making up this vet visit to satisfy us. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >> Concearned new mommy >> Steffanie Hi Steffanie, I haven't replied yet as everyone else seems to be covering it; I disagree with the previous poster, I think you're doing a wonderful job! You must be in Australia, you mentioned sugar gliders. I'm another Aussie, I'm up in Cairns, and I think some of the overseas poster don't understand how different things are over here. There is a lot less education on pet owning, a lot less products, and a lot less services. The larger cities (of which there are under 50 nation wide) are the only ones who even have emergency centres, Animal Hospitals are few and far between, and rural towns may often share a vet; my hometown only just got a 2nd vet's office last year, and their first mobile vet. So to the posters who were harsh to this lady, have some compassion for hoomins as well as cats, and stop for a minute and think that others may not be as well educated as yourselves; re-educating and changing long-held and ingrained opinions takes time and kindness, not a whack over the knuckles. As I thought you would have learnt from training your cats. Save the hostility for the trolls. > i'm really sorry you feel that i would be such a bad pet owner my kitten > has [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] >>> Concearned new mommy >>> Steffanie Some of us Like myself I am guilty of it We forget that our comforts that are in easy reach but take one away most a crying like babies Happy little one is better. > Hi Steffanie, I haven't replied yet as everyone else seems to be covering > it; I disagree with the previous poster, I think you're doing a wonderful [quoted text clipped - 34 lines] >>>> Concearned new mommy >>>> Steffanie :) I spend a lot of time jealously prowling US pet sites....you guys get everything :( I only know of 2 aussie ones similar, and they charge waaaay more. Oh well. I'll get over it one day. I wish aussie attitudes to cats where different; I had to bite my tongue when my friend was over the other day; she has a 'problem cat' apparently and was trying to 'do a swap' for one of my carefully raised boys....not on your life. I wish I could take the poor thing, but I am at full capacity and if I take another, esp. with the baggae this one has, it would be too hard for mine to cope with. Although I'm very tempted; the outlook for this poor boy isn't good. What to do, what to do.....at least steffie here is going in the right direction!! which is more than I can say for most aussie 'cat lovers' grrrr lets keep the nice ones.... > Some of us Like myself I am guilty of it We forget that our comforts > that are in easy reach but take one away most a crying like babies [quoted text clipped - 39 lines] >>>>> Concearned new mommy >>>>> Steffanie I hope I wasn't one of the ones who seemed harsh because I certainly didn't intend it that way, but your point is very well taken. Unless it is someone I already recognize, I never seem to think about the fact that the person could be writing from another country. Even within the US, many simply do not have easy access to resources. Thanks for writing! MaryL > Hi Steffanie, I haven't replied yet as everyone else seems to be covering > it; I disagree with the previous poster, I think you're doing a wonderful [quoted text clipped - 34 lines] >>>> Concearned new mommy >>>> Steffanie >I hope I wasn't one of the ones who seemed harsh because I certainly didn't >intend it that way, but your point is very well taken. Unless it is [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > MaryL No, you weren't harsh :) And I hope I wasn't too harsh in return; some things get my goat at times. It's easy to forget that usenet is international.... and that some people love their pets but don't have as much $$ as they would like with which to pander to every whim of their masters...doesn't mean they don't wish they did :) >> Hi Steffanie, I haven't replied yet as everyone else seems to be covering >> it; I disagree with the previous poster, I think you're doing a wonderful [quoted text clipped - 34 lines] >>>>> Concearned new mommy >>>>> Steffanie And I really wouldn't want someone who is obviously wanting to be a good cat mummy being driven away by someone not taking 2 minutes to cool off for replying. The more aussies we can get on the side of responsible pet ownership, the better for aussie pets. I've been reading the post about catching and releasing feral populations, and wishing something like that were done here. Although I'm not sure it would work as well; our native animals would still be killed by the ferals. It's a hard question. >>I hope I wasn't one of the ones who seemed harsh because I certainly >>didn't intend it that way, but your point is very well taken. Unless it [quoted text clipped - 50 lines] >>>>>> Concearned new mommy >>>>>> Steffanie |
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