A warm hello to everyone! I'm a new poster, and I've already learned a lot by reading the previous posts, but I still have some questions that I hope you'll be able to help me with...Here's a brief history:
A little over a week ago I received a frantic call from a friend who "rescued" 3 kittens that were barely 4 weeks old, and then realized that she wasn't able to care for them. She figured since I have 4 indoor cats I'd know what to do with these babies. (I never did this before, but I'm learning!)
So...I started them off with the KMR, and have been gradually adding in the canned kitten food, making the mixture a little thicker every other day or so. 2 of the 3 are doing beautifully, eating out of their food bowl and using the litter box. The third doesn't seem to be doing as well. She's smaller than the other two, refuses to eat from the food bowl, although we've finally conquered the litter box. She's the only one who still needs to be hand fed, and she trembles while I'm feeding her, which the other two don't do. She also seems "slower" in general, compared to her litter mates. I don't know if this is a normal kitten quirk for one so young, or if I should be isolating her from the other 2 in case it's a sign of disease. It doesn't appear like she's having a seizure when I'm feeding her, just a lot of trembling. And so far, nothing I've read addresses this. Any ideas?
FWIW, they all appear healthy, no discharge from eyes or nose, bright eyed, alert, good appetites, playful, eliminating on their own...but the trembling concerns me. If there's anything I'm doing wrong, or anything else I can do, or should be doing, please let me know. I'm currently in the process of screening potential adopters as we can't keep them all, but I want to give them the best care I can while they're with me.
Thanks so much for reading this (long!) post, and for any advice you may have!
Dana
First time Foster with 5 week old kittens
Hi Dana,
My first thought is that she might be suffering hypothermia as a result of anemia (have you checked for fleas?) or any other health concern. Ultimately, she should be examined by your vet. If she is not developing as quickly as her siblings, your vet can help determine why, such as a congenital defect, a hidden health illness, or even malabsorption of her formula/food. Hopefully, it is not as serious as that, but play it safe and get her seen immediately.
She may also be a slow weaning kitten and may need to be supplemented with her formula for another week or two, which would be fine, but she does need to be gaining sufficient weight on a weekly basis. If she is not gaining weight, then your vet needs to determine why and find the solution quickly.
In the immediate sense, hold her in a warm towel when you bottle feed her, watch her urination and bowel habits, her energy level and attitude. If she seems lethargic in the least or seems dehydrated or pale mucous membranes (gums), etc, it's important to get her evaluated right away in the event she may be suffering from anemia. Can't delay this in tiny young kittens.
My first thought is that she might be suffering hypothermia as a result of anemia (have you checked for fleas?) or any other health concern. Ultimately, she should be examined by your vet. If she is not developing as quickly as her siblings, your vet can help determine why, such as a congenital defect, a hidden health illness, or even malabsorption of her formula/food. Hopefully, it is not as serious as that, but play it safe and get her seen immediately.
She may also be a slow weaning kitten and may need to be supplemented with her formula for another week or two, which would be fine, but she does need to be gaining sufficient weight on a weekly basis. If she is not gaining weight, then your vet needs to determine why and find the solution quickly.
In the immediate sense, hold her in a warm towel when you bottle feed her, watch her urination and bowel habits, her energy level and attitude. If she seems lethargic in the least or seems dehydrated or pale mucous membranes (gums), etc, it's important to get her evaluated right away in the event she may be suffering from anemia. Can't delay this in tiny young kittens.
..........Traci
Re: first time foster...
Hi Traci,Traci wrote: My first thought is that she might be suffering hypothermia as a result of anemia (have you checked for fleas?) or any other health concern. Ultimately, she should be examined by your vet.
Thanks for the reply. I checked all the kittens over for fleas with a comb, when I first brought them home, haven't found any, and I periodically re-check them and their bedding, just in case. Still nothing.
We just moved to the area so I'll have to find a decent vet for these kittens, and my indoor cats as well. I'll keep you posted on how the babies are doing after I get them to a vet. (Might as well bring in all 3- in for a penny, in for a pound)
Thanks again!
Dana
Dana since you are new to this- there is something very prevalent in young kittens called Fading Kitten Syndrome. Bluntly, one moment they are alive, the next they are not.
I would not hestitate to get this kitten seen. It could be nothing, but then again, she shouldn't be trembling in fear- and so she needs to be looked at and quickly. And I know that even if you don't see fleas, does not mean they aren't there, or that she might have other problems unable to be seen at a glance.
It is hard enough under the best of circumstances to hand raise kittens. I wish you the best and hope that you will take her to the vet and soon.
I would not hestitate to get this kitten seen. It could be nothing, but then again, she shouldn't be trembling in fear- and so she needs to be looked at and quickly. And I know that even if you don't see fleas, does not mean they aren't there, or that she might have other problems unable to be seen at a glance.
It is hard enough under the best of circumstances to hand raise kittens. I wish you the best and hope that you will take her to the vet and soon.
The smallest feline is a masterpiece.
Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci
I am in the middle of making calls to the vets in the area right now, trying to get the earliest possible appointment. So far, every place is telling me next week sometime, which is completely unacceptable, especially now that you mention fading kitten syndrome.MA wrote: It is hard enough under the best of circumstances to hand raise kittens. I wish you the best and hope that you will take her to the vet and soon.
As hard as I try not to get attached to these guys, it's impossible not to! If push comes to shove and I can't get kitty an appointment today, then I'm bringing her into an animal hospital, even if I have to lie to get her in the exam room.
Thank you for your advice and best wishes, will keep everyone posted on Figaro's progress.
Dana