DU kitten experts, HELP!

[goodboy]

we were given a tiny little kitten yesterday. She's been to the vet and has a respiratory infection, and the vet gave us some amoxicillin with a dropper to give her twice a day. She's really skinny, and we could feel all the bones in her. We bought some kitten formula from the pet store and gave it to her, and she's eaten 3 times so far today.

Question: How much should we feed her, knowing she's weak?

Also, her eyes are weeping with mucous from her infection, and it's caking around her eyes...what is the best method for cleaning that up?

[Liberal Veteran]

1. I use a moist warm cloth for cleaning eye mucous.

They hate it, but it doesn't hurt them.

[goodboy]

2. ok, will do...are there drops or anything we should check into?

[Beaverhausen]

3. Didn't the vet tell you how often to feed her?

I think its supposed to be every 2 hours if she is really that young.

Also, is she peeing and pooping on her own? If not you have to help there, too.

[goodboy]

4. our friends that gave her to us took her to the vet. she was dropped

off in their barn...and they have a dozen or so farm cats there, and I don't think she'd have made it there. So I apologize, I don't know much.

[Beaverhausen]

5. But the vet should be able to help and give you instructions

Is she using her litter box?

[goodboy]

9. yep...

she seems really lethargic...I wonder if it's just because of the infection. Maybe she'll perk up in a few days?

[Catchawave]

14. You're doing fine.....stay calm, and...

Keep her warm and close. If she's not acting hungry, please call your vet immediately. If there's no emergency number, here's a guide from a quick Google search until you can contact the vet:


http://www.fanciers.com/cat-faqs/orphans.shtml

[goodboy]

16. thanks for that.

:hug:

[Catchawave]

19. You're welcome!

Hope you've already visited the Pets Group, which was a great recommendation as I read further down the posts! Good luck to you and that precious baby.

Ain't DU Great, such a warm and loving family we have here:toast:

[goodboy]

22. posted in pet group...no replies yet...

[goodboy]

6. she pooped last night on her own, and peed twice today...

she's sleeping a lot, but she gets up and looks around when she has to go, and we just put her in the litterbox, and she goes on her own.

[Contrary1]

7. If she is very tiny...

I would feed her about every 3 hours until she
got some of her strength back. Her stomach is
tiny too, so she most likely can't handle too
much to eat at one time.

I once had to do that with a whole litter of
kittens when their mother quit nursing them.
Took about a week, and they bounced back really
fast.

[goodboy]

13. should we stick to formula, or give her some canned food too?

[Contrary1]

23. I think I would stick to the formula

for the first few days. It has better nutrition than
the commercial cat foods. You might moisten some
kitten chow with a bit of it, just to see if she is
ready to start on more solid foods.

I used to make my own kitten formula, but it has been
years ago. I know it had milk, salt, and corn syrup
in it, and I would add liquid feline vitamins.
I can't remember all the ingredients. You might check
around online and see if you can find a recipe somewhere.
The canned kitten formula can get pretty expensive.

[goodboy]

25. it is expensive, but the benefits are well worth it, I'm sure. the can

says it may help strengthen the immune system, and seeing as how she's fighting an infection right now, it can't hurt to give it to her for a few days...

[China_cat]

28. If you have a PetSmart, Petco, SuperPetz or one of those

type stores, get her some CatSip. It's a feline milk replacer. She may also not yet know how to eat...need some more suckling time. A pet nursing bottle or a feeding syringe, coupled with a wrapped hot water bottle will help. Some nutrition and, even more important, hydration, will help her get back on her feet. It's also important to make sure she stays warm but a heating pad is NOT a good idea.

A little wet catfood, kitten formula, mixed with some CatSip in the feeding syringe or on your finger, will also help but stay away from the fish flavors as they are too high in phosphorus for a kitten's kidneys to handle.

If she doesn't perk up in 24-48 hours, another trip to the vet is in order.

I've raised about 50 orphaned kittens in the last 30 years...some of them so young their eyes weren't even open yet...and this is what has worked for me. You aren't going to get much sleep in the next couple of weeks, but it will be worth it. You'll see.

[Solon]

8. Helping you...

Feed every 2 hours, also, take a wet washrag and rub the belly, GENTLY, this simulate a mother cat cleaning her kittens, but also serves to help the kitten pass bowel movements. Make sure when you feed the kitten to be careful, you do not need a burst belly on your hands, that's fatal. Make sure to check her eyes for mucous, and also afterwards to see if they are clear. With the infection, check her breathing, an make sure it is not labored. If anything changes, rush her to the vet at all costs. That's all I can think of at the moment.

[goodboy]

11. wow thanks. I didn't know about the wet washrag thing. The cat coughs

and sneezes...just like we do when we have a cold.

[Solon]

18. Yes stroke the kitty from chest down to anus...

and do it at regular intervals, this helps stimulate their muscles for bowel movements. They have pretty simple digestive tracts, and require some type of stimulation so that the bowel doesn't back up.

[Beaverhausen]

10. You may want to post on the Pets Group here, too

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=243

[goodboy]

12. cool thank you.

[Der Blaue Engel]

15. I would take her to the vet yourself (or talk to the vet kitty went to)

Kittens are often born with an eye infection acquired in utero, which needs separate treatment; there's an eye cream vets prescribe.

I did a quick Google and found this article; unfortunately it's on Purina's website (I'm not a fan), but the info. looks valid.

http://www.purinaone.com/catcare_cond_atoz_article.asp?Seed=790&ArticleNumber=76

Even though your friend took her to a vet, I think it would be a good idea to have her checked out yourself, or at least talk to the vet they took her to, so you can make sure nothing has been missed. That way you can also get the info. on feeding; they should be able to tell how old she is and what you can expect, development-wise.

Good luck! I got a four-week old "dumped" kitten from a friend a few years ago; he was the tiniest thing, and a total fighter from the start, probably the only reason he survived. Now he is a cranky, adorable monster. :)

edited to add article link (d'oh!)

[goodboy]

17. sweet.

I really appreciate this.

[beam me up scottie]

20. I have nursed many kittens with good luck

One of them I found in a garbage can and he is now enormous. I use KMR kitten formula and then KMR 2nd Step Weaning Food.

[goodboy]

21. KMR is what we bought. Tell me, do kittens know when they've had

enough to eat or drink? This one is drinking water like it's going out of style.

[beam me up scottie]

24. Is she drinking from a dish or from a bottle?

My orphans always stopped eating when they were full. If I was bottle-feeding, I would try to feed them again after a few minutes (kind of like burping a baby). Lots of water is good. You might want to make sure she doesn't fill up with water before she eats her food. Is she warm enough? I usually wrap a heating pad with towels, turn it on low and put it underneath the box. Drafts are bad too.

[goodboy]

26. she's drinking from a bowl...we took the water away after a few minutes

didn't want her to explode.

[beam me up scottie]

27. Do you have any other companion animals?

People know I'm a softie so they bring me kittens, baby possums, iguanas, baby rats, beta fish, turtles and even an african clawed frog! I am the last stop for these guys so I can't say no.
You are so wonderful to care this much about a tiny stray, any animal would be lucky indeed to share a home with you.

[goodboy]

29. I don't have any other pets. sounds like you're quite the expert.

thanks for your advice and kind words.

[beam me up scottie]

31. Good luck, keep us posted and

if you do need any other critters, let me know. I've always got a full house.

[eleny]

30. and when you're ready - post some pics!

meantime, you're such a good dooby. :pals:

[goodboy]

34. check out the updates at the bottom of this thread...not good.

[goodboy]

32. UPDATE...

The kitten is having seizures now. At least I think that's what they are. She'll be walking around, then all of a sudden fall over, and all her muscles seize, and her breathing sounds like she's struggling. My wife has taken her to the vet just now, and I'll let you know what's happening.

[Not_Giving_Up]

35. I had one that started seizing after going to the vet and having

quite a bit of money spent on her. She had some stomach virus, kept throwing up, couldn't poop (we tried to help her). I came home one day and my husband told me that she was nearly gone. She was having seizures left and right. If you tried to touch her, she jerked and seized. We lost her later that day. She was also skin and bones.

Hopefully, your little one will be better off and will make it through.:hug:

[goodboy]

38. vet said it could be gas pain.

[goodboy]

33. update 2

the vet wants to test the kitten for 4 major diseases and said if she has any of them she'll have to be put down. The seizures may have been gas from the formula we gave her, so it's canned kitten food from now on. we should know the results tomorrow or the next day. they also said her body temp was low, and she was dehydrated. hopefully she'll perk up, and hopefully, she's healthy.

[beam me up scottie]

36. I agree, don't give up yet. I'm so sorry about the seizures.

I'm hoping for the best but she might have been too far gone before you got her. If the worst happens just remind yourself that you and your wife held her and showed her some love, probably the only love she received in her short little life.
Thanks for letting us know.

[goodboy]

37. the vet said it may be gas pain from the formula we fed her yesterday.

[Not_Giving_Up]

39. That's promising to hear

I know that our little one was not the runt of the litter, but she was next in line, and just never had much of a chance.

[Blue Diadem]

40. Something to think about

It may be possible to pull her through this, even if she does have a bad disease.

We've had two kittens pull through, one with Feline Leukemia and one with herpes. The first one, who had many of the same symptoms your kitty has, was diagnosed with Herpes, and was saved by my daughter and the vet. Unfortunately, my daughter lost custody of him to her ex, and he didn't care for him properly. When Moses got sick, he didn't take him to the vet and Moses passed away. He was about 5 yrs old then.

The other, we currently have. My grandkitty, Samantha, has Feline Leukemia. She has a rough time seeing up close sometimes, has to feel for her water line in her dish, but otherwise is pretty energetic and playful. She's about 2 now and was given to my granddaughter by her other grandmother who has tons of barn cats. The kittens usually die unless someone takes them.

The biggest issue is making sure they aren't around other cats that they can pass the diseases to, plus making sure they get to the vet if they show any signs of not feeling well.

Good luck!

[48pan]

41. Sorry for the bad news... Hope it gets better. n/t

[Red State Rebel]

42. I hope everything comes back fine!

I've nursed baby kitties and it's heartbreaking to lose one.

[Beaverhausen]

43. please keep us updated

It's a hard thing to do- saving a very young kitten. Hang in there.

:hug:

[goodboy]

45. it's over. couldn't let her suffer anymore.

[Beaverhausen]

47. I'm so sorry

that's just the way it goes sometimes. You are good to have tried though.

:hug:

[goodboy]

48. that's what we figure. thanks for your help beav.

[goodboy]

44. I had to put the kitten to sleep. She was seizing every time she stood

up, and these seizures weren't glucose related, so that only left a few grim possibilities. She's not suffering now. Thank you for all your help DU...

[commander bunnypants]

46. Aw Man

peace and karma. you did the right thing

CB

[haele]

49. I'm so sorry...

It's just as difficult when it's a critter you're trying to save as it is when it's one that's been in the family for a long time.

:hug:

You did the best you could for the little girl. That's a good thing, even if it ends tragically.

Haele

[goodboy]

50. thank you very much.

[Blue Diadem]

51. I'm so sorry.

At least she was able to know you and your wife's kindness and love.

[goodboy]

52. that's very sweet. thank you.

[nicolemrw]

53. so sorry to hear

but at least you know you tried your very best.

[goodboy]

55. that we did. it just would've gotten worse and worse, and it's so hard

to give anti-convulsive meds to a kitten, and then they act wierd all the time...not a good life.

[nicolemrw]

59. yes

theres a time to fight, but there comes a time when you should let go. sounds like you reached the time to let go.

[beam me up scottie]

54. I am so sorry. I'm crying at my desk at work, my co-workers think

I've gone off the deep end.

Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die.

-Author Unknown

[goodboy]

56. wow...that's an awesome poem. I'm saving that for my wife to read

thanks for your kindness.

[Phillycat]

62. Poor sweet baby.

My best to you and your wife. Thank you so much for trying to save her. She loved you in the short time she knew you, because you helped her.

A reminder to all to have your pets fixed!!

[goodboy]

63. thank you jane...

[Bertha Venation]

65. oh, jesus, goodboy, i'm so sorry

:hug: You are a good soul. Thank you for caring for her. O8)

[goodboy]

66. did the best we could. The vet told me that every scenario was grim

and that's what did it for me. My wife's been really upset, although we only had the kitten for 2 days...then when I read all the sweet responses from you DU'ers, I get a little choked up.

[Beaverhausen]

68. I found a kitty at an outdoor mall and fell in love by the time I got her

to the vet. In half an hour the little kitty found a place in my heart. I know how your wife feels. You did the best you could.

[goodboy]

71. it does happen fast...why is that? could it be that some people

get attached quicker than others, or is it deeper?

[Bertha Venation]

69. i will give our two fostered feral kittens extra loving tonight

(that is, if they allow it) in memory of your little one. Tell your wife this DUer said you are both angels and you'll have this love and tenderness returned to you before long.

[goodboy]

70. I'm gonna have her read this thread when she gets home.

should make her feel better.

[derby378]

74. Our condolences

ginbarn and I have two cats, both of them rescues that she found on the street. They're little darlings.

You done your best, and you didn't let the kitty suffer. We offer our best wishes.

[hyphenate]

57. I'm so sorry

She's at the rainbow bridge now, waiting for you.

[goodboy]

58. thank you, but I'm sorry, it's over.

[hyphenate]

60. I saw

My condolences. :(

[goodboy]

61. thank you.

[Patiod]

64. Sorry. Will hug my little rescued kitty tonight.

You did what you could for a creature that needed your help.

I'm not a Wiccan, but they have something called the Rule of Return, where any good you do comes back to you three times over (same with any bad you do). I hope that is true in your case.

/didn't even know the kitten, and am tearing up

[goodboy]

67. I didn't get choked up until I read all you guy's sweet words...

it's good to get it out though, and move on. I could never be a vet. You know what's strange? I can watch surgeries on humans on the Learning Channel, but I can't watch pet detectives...

[beam me up scottie]

72. I know exactly what you mean.

I cannot bear to read or watch anything that shows animal abuse. I know this is cowardly of me and I hope taking care of ferals and fosters make up for it in some small way.
My mother was the same way. She witnessed so much suffering in her life, but she never let it harden her heart.
Please know that you made a difference in one life and that's all we can do from day to day.

[goodboy]

73. you do a good thing which takes a lot of love and strength

we hope that we'll be able to find another kitten soon, but I think we should wait a little while.