Newborn Kitten-I have no $ for vet

[rocknrollgirl]

I found a kitten Sunday night. He looks to be about a week and 1/2 old. I waited for the mom cat to come back for him and she never did so I took him in. I got him formula and a bottle. He takes the bottle well. But I have a couple of problems I need advice on.

On Monday night he pooped. I have not problem getting him to pee. But he has not pooped since then. I called a vet and they said to give him mineral oil. Which I did a couple of hours ago. Is there any other suggestions as to what else I can do?

Second is that one of his eyes is opening fine but the other one is matted shut. I read the kitten care page and it says he may have an infection.

My biggest problem is right now I am very broke and have no $$ to take him to the vet. No vet in town is willing to take a new kitten and I refuse to leave him on their doorstep or turn him over to the SPCA where he might be put to sleep if they don't find him a home. It will be a couple of weeks before I can afford a vet visit.

What can I do!?!?!?!?

[Traci]

Unfortunately, this little darling *does* need to see a vet......since you don't know his exact age or the mother's history, it's in his best interest to get a full exam by a vet.

Right now, he definately needs Laxatone, available at any vet clinic or pet store. This will help smooth the way for normal stools. Unfortunately, he probably needs a kitten enema, to be given by your vet....constipated kittens can fail quite rapidly if constipated longer than two days. Mineral oil is NOT the solution, Laxatone would be more effective, better yet the kitten enema. (Do NOT attempt this yourself)

He also probably has an upper respiratory infection, that without treatment, is detrimental to his health and life at such a young age. Your vet can prescribe antibiotics, and an eye ointment to help clear up the infection.

Ask vets in your area about payment arrangements....if you can at least offer a downpayment on services and then leave a post-dated check, some vets may accept that. Otherwise, sell something of value, borrow a credit card or other funds from a family member or friend. Your kitten needs to see a vet ASAP.

[rocknrollgirl]

Well I think I will try to sell some of my CD's tonight. I called and found a vet who's office visit is only $20....hopefully the rest won't cost to much. If I have to I'll write a check and take an NSF fee for this little kitten.

thanks I'll let ya'll know.

[rocknrollgirl]

Quick update. Kitty finally had a few bowel movements overnight. I will still be taking him to the vet today to get his eye looked at. After he has his bowel movements he is has more energy and seems much happier now

[canine14]

Just a note to let you know that I think that you are a great person. You are willing to sell your CD's for a little one. You have restored my faith in humankind.

Pls. let me know how the little one is doing. I have nursed newborn kittens and may be able to offer some advice (harryis21@yahoo.com).

[Jodi]

Best of luck!!! You are a great person for being willing to go out on a limb for this kitten. Please let us know how the vet visit went!!! I'm pulling for you and your new kitten!!!

[rocknrollgirl]

Thanks for the encouragement
The vet visit went really well. I found one with a $20.00 office visit. I was actually able to borrow the $$ from my job until payday. The vet gave him some cream for his eyes ($15).

He is doing really great today and last night. He is pooping pretty good and learning to pee A LOT Right now he is sleeping in my lap.

Thanks again. Wonderful forum.

[Jodi]

So glad all is going well!!!! So what's the kitty's name gonna be???

[Phoebe's human]

Good luck with your new kitten!

I'm really impressed at how your luck got better and you were able to find ways of getting your kitty to the vet in spite of your lack of $$$.

Good people came through and helped me, too, when my cat needed vet care not so long ago and I was unable to pay for it. The vet would have been willing to make arrangements for delayed payments (I had been a client for 11-plus years), and there was a special credit-card offered by the vet clinic that I often used.

Friends and relatives helped out too.

[rocknrollgirl]

Yes my luck did get better! And for that I'm grateful.

The kitten is an orange tabby and we have named him BUTTERS!