12 day old kittens

[Vanessa]

I have been feeding the kittens Cat-Sip. It says to use 1/4 of a cup. It also says that it is not intended as a fully balanced diet by itself. I'm thinking that the 1/4 cup is for bigger cats. I have been putting it in a 60ml bottle and they have been drinking about a tablespoon each. Does anyone have any ideas as to what I can give them as a nutritional supplement? Their eyes are fully open now and they are less wobbly when they walk now. They seem to be doing very well so far. Once again thanks to everyone for all your help. I'm really sorry to hear about Lisa's cat having a murmur. I'm sure that with all of the technology that is available today that things will turn out alright.

Thanks, Vanessa

[kate & kobi]

Hi Vanessa, I urge you to please get some KMR formula or another formula that was designed for kittens. CatSip is cow's milk, and does not have the proper amount of nutrient for any cat, young or old. Kittens require extra nutrients, even more so than adult cats do. CatSip is meant to be a snack, not a fully balanced diet, as you say.

A nutritional "supplement" will not address this - please get some kitten formula today and not a day later! (KMR can be purchased at a pet store or your vet can advise you where to get it.) Please, this is not a judgement on you, but this is really serious. Your kittens can not survive on cow's milk.

[Traci]

Vanessa, I must concur again with the others.....catsip is only intended as a treat for adult cats, it is NOT a proper kitten supplement or formula, not in the least!

Please, get to your nearest vet clinic or pet store and pick up a canister of Kitten KMR, it is the safest, most properly formulated kitten formula on the market. The package directions for feeding and weight are appropriate for most kittens. Use the directions accordingly. (I recommend the dry KMR because it is is easier to mix and stored unmixed in fridge will last up to three months. The pre-made liquid KMR I do NOT recommend because it has a tendency to spoil, despite the package statements)

Your kittens are crying and probably severely malnourished because the catsip is not the proper formula. Please get the KMR immediately and follow the package directions for feeding amount and feeding schedules.

[Vanessa]

Thanks so much for everyone's advice. After you told me that the Cat-Sip had no nutritional value for the kittens I rushed to Grand Rapids to the pet store to get some of the KMR that all of you suggested. I fed them a couple of times during the night and I just couldn't believe the difference. They were so active and wasn't crying like they had been. Once again thank you for all your advice. Vanessa

[kate & kobi]

YAAAAY!!! I'm so glad they're feeling better!

Gosh I've never used such funny emoticons before. btw, I have a bunch on in-laws who live in Grand Rapids and East Grand Rapids and Holland, we go every year to visit - it's a beautiful area of the country & very nice people (in-laws included).

[Traci]

Oh what a relief! Thank you Vannessa for getting the KMR, I know you'll see much improvement now!

These little ones need so much in this stage in their lives, and once you see them growing, developing and becoming individual personalities, all of your efforts will pay off, such wonderful rewards...

Please keep us posted on their progress, we are always here to help, no question is too big or small...

[melissaranks]

WOOHOO!! I'm so glad that there is improvement!! Just you wait, now that they have their eyes open, you'll soon see all the little personalities come out!! AND watch your toes! Kittens LOVE to chase toes!!

[Vanessa]

Hello Everyone. I just wanted to thank everyone for your help and to up date you on the kittens. They all survived and are doing great and growing like weeds. If I had a scanner I would send a picture. They are so cute. One is all gold, one is gold with white on it's neck, one is gold and white with white on the very tips of it's ears, and the other one is gray and white with long hair. The three gold one's eat out of a bowl but the gray and white still eats from a bottle. She did drink some milk out of a bowl but she refuses to eat food from a bowl. Of course none of them are spoiled . But they are doing great. Thanks again for your help. Vanessa

[MA]

No thank YOU, for rescuing these babies, and for listening to the advice you were given here and not dismissing that advice.

Enjoy Kittydom- don't plan on getting much sleep here in a couple of months, when they start their crazyness in the nighttime! LOL

[Guest]

Yes the kitten smust have fomula like KMR or Just Board to thrive. YOu can buy in a powder form and mix with sterile water too!

Thanks for saving these babies and keep up the good work.

Mona, HOneybun and Chloe