Week old orphaned kitten HELP!!

[Guest]

I found a kitten by one of our older cats (first time mom) the kitten was with 2 others who didn't survive. She is very small and I am not sure if she is eating enough or too much. In a surunge she eats to what I think is the 1 mark (1 to 10 used for infants). She has a belly now, when before she was skin and bones. She does not relieve herself everytime she eats and when she does it is very liquidy. I have not consulted a vet yet, but I did a vet tech, she was incitful about how to keep the kitten warm and times and amounts to feed. I have a heating pad on low with a towel over it placed in a box along with a folded up sock (heard that it is a close replica of more kittens in a litter). I know I should go to the vet, but I was hoping I could receive some help from here first. Please anyone with the slightest bit of information and/or advice will be greatly appreciated. I want this kitten to survive and I can only do that with your advice. Thank you!

[Ash]

Please get her to a vet immediately! You need specified intructions on how to feed her, how much, how often, and how to make her go potty. It is very important that she always relieves herself after eating and a vet will show you to stimulate her abdomen so she does. Otherwise you run high risks of her getting very ill.

You can check out this thread about a 3 weeks old kitten http://www.cathelp-online.com/forums/vi ... php?t=6683, but it will be different four such a young cat. Please go to a vet!!

Don't wai till tomorrow, go NOW, young kittens can go downhill in a matter of hours.

[Tambrey]

what kind of formula are you feeding the kitten? I always use KMR, powder form, that can be got at any pet store or vets office...and I use bottled water to mix it with...
also get a kitten bottle and package of assorted nipples to feed with...use the syringe only if you cannot get the kitten to suck from the bottle...and be careful only to let the kitten either lick at the syringe or VERY gently and slowly express the formula into the side of the kitten's mouth

after EVERY feeding...which needs to be every TWO hours at this time...AROUND THE CLOCK...you will need to take a warm cotton ball and gently wipe the kitten's rectal region and belly to encourage going potty...they do not do this on thier own without stimulation...if the kitten was still with momma, she would be licking it to encourage it to go, but we use warm cotton balls!!

You should get the kitten in to a vet ASAP for an overall evaluation, and get a notebook to write down times of feedings, and amounts eaten and if pottied afterwards...also keep note of weight...I took mine in every week or every 3-4 days to the vet just to be weighed and they never charged me for that...

I use soda bottles and very warm water tucked in under old soft towels or baby blankets...arrange the bottles in a square so there is a little nest for the baby...and maybe a small soft stuffed animal to snuggle with as well...

Good luck...this is a HUGE but very rewarding task...the baby will keep you very busy and responsible for the next three months or so...so I hope you are up to the challenge !!!

[jenni0214]

Thank you so much for your help! I didn't know I was not signed in earlier due to the fact that I've never been in a forum before (sorry about that). But I use the KMR kitten formula and my dad and I share the responsibility of feeding her every two hours. We do clean her rear with a cotton ball (will a soft warm wet washcloth do as well?) she also has a cake like substance on her head (sack that wasn't cleaned off????) and I have repeatidly tried to clean it off but it's almost as though it hurts her. What should I do about that????

[Tambrey]

unless you use a baby washcloth, I think the nubbiness of a terrycloth washcloth might be too rough for the kitten's tender skin...

I just used cotton balls, or when I ran out and could not get to the store, a little wad of soft toilet paper...then you can flush that away...

I would leave her head alone for now...especially if it bothers her...ask the vet to check that too when you take her in for her first checkup...which will hopefully be today?!

DO you use the KMR powder or ready made in a can?...the powder is alot more economical...the canned needs to be used up within 24 hours, or toss whatever is left...and that is alot of waste when one kitten is not drinking that much yet...
you can mix the powder as needed right into the bottle...
and then the powder keeps in the fridge for up to three months...that one can should last pretty much until your kitten is beginning to eat soft foods and kibbles...

Keep us posted and lots of us here have been where you are with babies...it is alot of work, but so fun to do...

[Traci]

Get her to your vet immediately....if she is underweight, sickly, etc, you cannot afford NOT to wait on this....your vet can weigh her, determine her general health status and instruct you on feeding amounts, schedules, etc.

[jenni0214]

I am using the liquid kind, and I will dispose of that as soon as possible.. And I am taking her to the vet today!! Thank you so very much and she appreciates it too!!!!

[Tambrey]

let us know what the vet says...keep us posted on progress!

[Ash]

Good to hear that you're taking good care! Keep us posted.

[jenni0214]

I am sorry I haven't kept you informed. But I went to the vet, and he said her lungs and heart sound great. She is getting bigger, but I am worried that her eyes have still not opened. She is getting bigger and now rolls over after she has eaten to get her belly rubbed (SPOILED ROTTEN!!). I hear her motor and it is so cute. Is it bad that she is over a week old and still has not opened her eyes. I would still like more advice about what to do when she finally does, approximate times I should start putting a (short and small?) baby litter box (not clumpable) in her area for future notice to prepare. Any little advice for future reference would be greatly appreciated.... Thank you so much!!