Young kittens
#1
06-19-12, 08:07 AM
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Young kittens
I have another animal question here. I recently got lured into fostering two kittens. When I got them they were 11 days old, now 15 days old today. I was told they are supposed to be drinking half a bottle every 4 hours. They eat good every 4 hours, but not half of a bottle. Sorry for all of you that have weak stomachs, but it is a serious issue- I am worried. One of the foster kittens is not having enough bowel movements- especially compared to it's brother. I don't know if this is normal or not, but since Friday he has maybe had one and a half bowel movements. His brother has had probably 3 or 4. Should I be worried?
#3
06-19-12, 10:10 AM
Super Moderator
Doesn't seem normal to me. As I remember our young ones would BM about twice a day. Of course I really only remember when they were on soft or solid food...not nursing.
What about urine output? About the same between the two?
Are they both equally active and alert? I'd be concerned if one seemed listless and had a lack of energy.
You should be able to call the group that asked you to sponsor them...they may have a professional who can answer your questions.
What about urine output? About the same between the two?
Are they both equally active and alert? I'd be concerned if one seemed listless and had a lack of energy.
You should be able to call the group that asked you to sponsor them...they may have a professional who can answer your questions.
#4
06-19-12, 10:12 AM
Group Moderator
You know that cats have trouble digesting cow's milk or baby formula and that it can make them sick, right?
#5
06-20-12, 06:48 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
Wadebeyond
As mentioned kittens cannot digest cow's milk, so I wanted to ask what you are feeding? The kits should be on a Kitten Milk Replacer, if they aren't you need to get some ASAP.
As for bowel movements, at that age, they should be having them after each feeding (more or less). Urine output is also important. Are you stimulating them, before and after feeding to encourage them to potty? A cotton ball wet with warm water is the easiest (and gentlest) but you can use a soft washcloth with warm water as well. Also be sure you're feeding them on their belly and not on their backs, as that can cause aspiration. (fluid into the lungs)
I would definitely encourage you to call your vet and see what they have to say as well. At that age there could be a blockage, especially if you have not been using the milk replacer.
Do keep us posted.
As mentioned kittens cannot digest cow's milk, so I wanted to ask what you are feeding? The kits should be on a Kitten Milk Replacer, if they aren't you need to get some ASAP.
As for bowel movements, at that age, they should be having them after each feeding (more or less). Urine output is also important. Are you stimulating them, before and after feeding to encourage them to potty? A cotton ball wet with warm water is the easiest (and gentlest) but you can use a soft washcloth with warm water as well. Also be sure you're feeding them on their belly and not on their backs, as that can cause aspiration. (fluid into the lungs)
I would definitely encourage you to call your vet and see what they have to say as well. At that age there could be a blockage, especially if you have not been using the milk replacer.
Do keep us posted.
#6
07-04-12, 04:54 PM
Join Date: Apr 2012
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I was feeding them the milk replacement, I am aware that they cannot digest cow's milk. They ate fine and were active. But the one kitten didn't end up having a bowel movement for a few more days. So the vet told me to take him in to get an enema. I felt so bad for the little guy, but he felt extremely better afterwards. The other one I suspected had a UTI because his urine wasn't urine. It was just yellow discharge that looked like nasal mucus. But they both got put on some medication and they are doing great. I felt like a bad foster parent though :/
#7
07-04-12, 07:24 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
Wadebeyond,
You were doing the best you could. I am glad that you took them to the vet. Young kittens get infections and it is no fault of yours most often with fosterlings.
I am glad they are doing so great now! Bless you for caring for them.
You were doing the best you could. I am glad that you took them to the vet. Young kittens get infections and it is no fault of yours most often with fosterlings.
I am glad they are doing so great now! Bless you for caring for them.
#8
07-30-12, 07:33 AM
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Thank you I had a great a time with then. I was very attached to those little guys. It's hard giving them back.
I had a great a time with then. I was very attached to those little guys. It's hard giving them back.
#9
07-31-12, 09:03 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
I totally understand having a hard time giving them back. When I did rescue work, I was both really sad and really happy when I was able to find a forever home for my rescues.
#10
07-31-12, 09:10 AM
Super Moderator
You are both better people than I. I'd have a house full of cats if I did fostering. How could I ever trust anyone else?
Best I can do is one or 2 at a time and keep 'em forever.
Best I can do is one or 2 at a time and keep 'em forever.
#11
07-31-12, 08:42 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
Vic,
That is exactly how we (my ex and I) ended up with 10 cats for a while...sadly over the years, the numbers have lowered as they have aged and crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Now, I have only 1 and he has 5. All except the one I have, are rescues, and elderly now.
That is exactly how we (my ex and I) ended up with 10 cats for a while...sadly over the years, the numbers have lowered as they have aged and crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Now, I have only 1 and he has 5. All except the one I have, are rescues, and elderly now.
