Hand raising kittens (Full Version)

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ScarletKissesx -> Hand raising kittens (4/14/2013 7:12:25 PM)

My cat gave birth today at approximately 2pm, one of her kittens died and she rejected the other smaller one, i decided at 10pm seeing as the kitten was barely breathing to intervine and brough it inside, placed it on a blanket which is heated by a hot water bottle and fed it approx 40mls of diluted milk with water, 1:10 ratio, she is now thriving but I cannot seem to make her go to the bathroom when using the rubbing with tissue method,


any adivce in raising kittens by hand would be welcomed as I dont want little storm to perish as her sibling did.



UllrsIshtar -> RE: Hand raising kittens (4/14/2013 7:16:29 PM)

Why exactly is your cat not spayed?



SeekingTrinity -> RE: Hand raising kittens (4/14/2013 7:35:03 PM)

Use a cut up piece of towel dipped in warm water. Wrap it around your fingertip and then wipe the kitten's bottom with it. Momma cats use their tongue to stimulate their babies to go to the bathroom. You are replicating the sensation and the action using the towel. Have a shallow pie pan for it to use right now and not too much litter in at all. Wobbly little legs have a hard time trying to stay stable on sandy ground.

Pick up some KMR for the kitten to eat. Cow milk and derivatives of it aren't very good for kitten digestive systems and can cause diarrhea and other digestive problems. You can also look at getting some colostrum to add to the milk replacement. Holistic vets and holistic stores are generally where you can find it. It comes in powder form and colostrum is what gives babies that immune system kickstart that they need.

Use a small box for the kitten and put the heating pad only under one half of he box. That way baby has a way to get to a cooler spot if it gets too warm on the side with the heating pad. You can add a small stuffed animal for the kitten to snuggle with as a comfort measure.

I've raised a few orphaned kittens in my day and these are the tips I've picked up along the way. It's hard work, but can be very rewarding. Also keep trying to introduce baby to momma, but stay right there in case it doesn't go well.



VideoAdminAlpha -> RE: Hand raising kittens (4/14/2013 7:35:33 PM)

You might want to try a warm washcloth instead of a tissue.,



ScarletKissesx -> RE: Hand raising kittens (4/14/2013 7:40:05 PM)

My cat is feral and its near impossible to catch her.


Thank you for the nutrition advice, sadly I'm in ireland and dont think we have thhe brand your speaking about, but i have everything else right so far it seems :) also thank you both for the advice on the toilet task, hopefully when she wakes she'll be able to go



SeekingTrinity -> RE: Hand raising kittens (4/14/2013 7:47:25 PM)

Kitten Rescue

This is a pretty good page to check out about raising orphan kittens. Talk to your local pet store about what is available in your area as a kitten milk replacer. I'm not sure what brands Ireland carries, but here in the US...we've got brands like KMR and JustBorn. Just check with places there to see what you can find. You want a kitten milk or as close to it as you can get. Cow milk is not good at all. The diarrhea it can cause can kill young kittens like your baby.



LafayetteLady -> RE: Hand raising kittens (4/14/2013 7:51:48 PM)

Some pet store near you should sell kitty "formula" so you can bottle feed the kitten. Keep in mind, at this point, you need to use an eye dropper or very small nippled bottle and it needs to be done every two hours at least.

SeekingTrinity's litter box suggestion will be good for later when kitty opens its eyes and start eating solid food. This won't be until kitty is at least 4 weeks old or more.

I don't envy your position. Bottle feeding a new born kitty (or puppy) is not for the weak willed. Feeding every couple hours, stimulating the bladder, and then the bowels. And all for the next month or so....



Duskypearls -> RE: Hand raising kittens (4/14/2013 9:41:34 PM)

There is little more rewarding, Scarlet, than successfully hand-raising little feline furballs. Have fun, my dear, it's worth the lost sleep.



ScarletKissesx -> RE: Hand raising kittens (4/15/2013 12:46:19 AM)

Thank you everyone, she made it through the night and is taking regular 4 hour feeds :) toilet problem solved and im feeling like a proud mama while shes tucked up in her basket



Kirata -> RE: Hand raising kittens (4/15/2013 1:43:32 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: ScarletKissesx

Thank you everyone, she made it through the night and is taking regular 4 hour feeds :) toilet problem solved and im feeling like a proud mama while shes tucked up in her basket

Fantastic!

I've raised kittens, and the only thing not mentioned so far is to pet and snuggle and play with them.

A lot. [:)]

K.



ScarletKissesx -> RE: Hand raising kittens (4/15/2013 1:50:39 AM)

Have been :) she loves going under my neck and sleeping, not even 24 hours old but shes recognising my scent and voice :D



angelikaJ -> RE: Hand raising kittens (4/15/2013 3:48:44 AM)

Congrats on making it through the night!
Today you really will want to ask a vet or pet store about a substitute for momma's milk.
Cow milk is missing some vital nutrients that are essential for cat's health and proper development.
For example: without taurine, (which your kitty can not synthesize) cats will go blind. A lack of it can also cause cardiomyopathy in cats.
The second is reversible with supplementation; the first is not.
Your kitten especially needs it while it is still developing.



needlesandpins -> RE: Hand raising kittens (4/15/2013 12:31:18 PM)

i have no advice to offer other than what has already been said....although she may need feeding more often than every 4 hours. good luck with her, and little scritches for her from me.

needles



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