Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK
Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: HaneyHarperIndyMum (Val) on May 18, 2009, 23:16:04 PM
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Hi Everyone! Sorry I haven't been around for a while, but it's always good to know you guys are here any time I need some help. I recently adopted two more kitties so I now have a total of FIVE! lol I am finding that I am falling in love so deeply with cats and can't live without them now. I will tell more about them in another thread.
Anyway, Danuta, the lady who runs the rescue that I adopted my last three kitties from came to me asking for help. She had rescued 4 pregnant cats from a terrible 'kill' shelter with horrible conditions. Shortly after getting the pregnant cats, two of them delivered their kittens for a total of 13 newborns. Within the last two weeks 4 of the newborn kittens have died. All of them are sick with URI and requiring Clavamox, supplemental force feedings of KMR kitten formula plus Sub~Q fluids. Danuta is also registered human nurse and works full time in a local hospital here in San Diego. Her whole life is dedicated to cats and her nursing job supports it with the funds to keep running.
Last Thursday Danuta called me and was begging me to help her out. All her foster homes are full with other cats and or kittens and she had no where else to turn. The third pregnant cat had given birth to 6 kittens on Wednesday night. Danuta was desperate to get those 6 kittens and Momma Cat out of her rescue since there is an outbreak of URI and/or possible Panleukopenia (feline distemper). She has disinfected all her kennels/cages etc. but is terribly worried that these latest 6 kittens would become sick too. Therefore, I agreed to help her out so Danuta brought the 6 newborn kittens and Momma Cat over to my house on Thursday afternoon.
I have kept them in tight quarantine.
On Friday, I noticed that Momma Cat was sneezing and by Saturday night, Momma Cat was clearly congested and stuffy nosed, plus she had not gone poop since Thursday. Danuta had already left me a bottle of Clavamox antibiotic which I was giving to Momma Cat from day one. Then on Sunday morning, I noticed that there was blood splatter on my tile floor. I immediately called Danuta and she called her vet. She was worried that maybe there was a dead kitten still inside Momma Cat. The vet said to continue giving the Clavamox and to start giving Laxatone for constipation and to administer Sub~Q fluids so we can get Momma Cat hydrated so her bowels would start moving.
Danuta rushed right over, brought all the supplies and also injected the Sub~Q fluids plus she brought along some KMR formula so I could supplemental feed the kittens should Momma Cat become to sick to nurse her babies. This is my very first experience with newborn kittens. I am so scared that they too will become sick with URI that I can't stop just sitting in the room with them to watch over them. Danuta is an ANGEL! I've never met anyone quite like her. She has really inspired me to help her with more foster kittens in the future.
Anyway, I just popped on here to tell the story of these 6 darling little newborn kittens and their Momma Cat. I could use a little moral support and any tips on caring for them. I worry every time I see Momma Cat lick her babies that she is going to spread her URI onto them. I guess I will just continue to hope and pray that this has a good outcome. I just could not take it if any of them should die. They have really tugged on my heart strings.
I made a Youtube video of Danuta giving the Sub~Q fluids as I found it to be so educational and interesting. Danuta was camera shy and did not want her face in the video so I had to respect that. I really admire her for doing rescue work. It can be so rewarding and yet so heartbreaking at the same time. Bless Her!
Please excuse my shower as it is under repair and missing the lower half of the tiles. lol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmqoGGJEn7E
This picture is the first day I got them. They were only 1 day old.
(http://i318.photobucket.com/albums/mm430/MYSONTRAVIS/05-14-09MommaCat6Kittens010.jpg)
This picture is day four....you can see how much they have grown in just 4 days!
(http://i318.photobucket.com/albums/mm430/MYSONTRAVIS/05-17-09MommaCat6Kittens004.jpg)
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Fingers crossed for them.
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Fingers crossed for this little mum and babies that they all get through this, and well done you for taking them on ,im sure you and Danuta are doing everything you can for this little family and the other needy cats, :hug:
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Beautiful kitties :Luv:
Aswell as the flu my worry would be about enteritis, its very contagious so hygiene will be your ultimate weapon in preventing it spreading out of her room. (If they are incubating it that is) Separate clothing for clean/dirty areas.
Do you weigh the babies daily? If not it would be a good idea to as its a good indication things are going well.
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Thanks everyone. I have been extremely careful with my clothing and washing my hands. I've changed out their bedding daily too. Momma Cat is still sneezing and stuffy nose and still not going poop. Danuta came over again last night and gave more Sub~Q fluids and force fed Momma Cat Hill's prescription diet. We are continuing with doses of Laxatone and Clavamox. I was so hoping to see poop in her litter box this morning, but got nothing even after two days of Laxatone. Danuta is taking some other foster kittens into see her vet this morning and will talk to the vet again about Momma Cat. Yesterday the vet said that when the Momma Cat eats 6 afterbirth placentas it can cause her to become constipated. He also said if she doesn't poop by today then Momma Cat will have to go in for a scan to make sure she does not have blockage or twisted bowel.
Millys Mum, I only began weighing the kittens yesterday on my kitchen scale. I've made a chart to note each kitten's weight. This morning when I weighed them all again, 4 of them had gained slightly and 1 kitten stayed the same but the white kitten actually lost a tenth of an ounce. I have no idea if that is a normal since this is my first time to foster newborn kittens? I thought that maybe white kitten had a full tummy yesterday and today when I weighed him his tummy was empty? I will weigh him again this afternoon.
Thanks for your support everyone. I just pray that these little guys make it. Do you think it is likely that the Momma Cat will get her babies sick too? She has been sneezing so much that her little nose has begun to bleed.
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As you said that mum cat needed force feeding, is this because she is not eating? Mum needs to eat at least one and half to two times what she would nrmally eat in order to make suffcient milk. Not enough calories = poor milk. Babies should gain about 8 to 10 grams per day and less than this means that they may need extra feeding by you.
If mum is snuffly, then she cannot smell her food. Try warmed pilchards to release the aroma, this may tempt her. ensure that food is down at all times for her, so she can nible if she wants. Some cats, especially novice queens may be reluctant to leave the litter, so make sure the food is in reach.
Usually if a cat has eaten that many placentas they go the other way and get the runs, it could be that not eating there is nothing for her to pass.
Weigh babies twice a day for the first couple of weeks, but keep all other handling to a minimum as it could cause rejection, do not allow visitors in and out of the isolation room due to the risk of transmission and again it will disturb mum.
Remember that a lot of nasties can be transmitted on the bottom of your shoes, so even a change of shoes is advisable.
Good luck with them.
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Thank you dabs. Danuta and I ended up taking Momma Cat to see the vet. She has not improved so we just wanted to have her checked over. The vet felt around her tummy and could not feel any lumps or blockage. Momma Cat got another round of Sub~Q fluids while at the Vets. The vet did say the same thing as you, in that with Momma Cat not eating well, that she probably does not have anything to poop out. He said to switch the Laxatone to every other day. He said to continue to force feed her and that she should be fed a minimum of 1 1/2 cans of the Hills Prescription Diet per day. Also we are adding additional vitamin supplement as well. Dry kibble is also available round the clock and close by Mum. The vet also looked the 6 kittens over and said that they look good. When I asked him if they would get sick too, he said it's a possibility but not always the case.
I have been removing my shoes when going into the quarantine room as I am trying very hard to keep the area free of all nasties. I also weighed the kittens again tonight but there was no change in their weight. I've only picked the kittens up to weigh them and since I live alone, there is no chance that anyone else will be handling them.
So far so good with the kittens, but Momma Cat has really got me worried.
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I hope mum and kittens are doing well.
Maybe Danuta could consider vaccinating her rescue cats against enteritis and flu in future. I know hindsight is a wonderful thing.......sorry, but most rescues do this.
Good luck with the babes and mum. :hug:
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Yes, thank you, she does do a vaccine that is a 4 in 1 but the Momma Cat must have had this harboring before she rescued her. The last batch of cats all came from the same kill shelter and every one of them have been sick. I'm not sure if all the cats lived together and were taken to the kill shelter by their previous owner. All 4 female cats were pregnant. I think she told me that the kittens can't be vaccinated until they reach 2 pounds in weight. Is this true?
Momma Cat seems to be better this morning. She finally ate some canned chicken and salmon on her own. She is still on Sub~Q fluids and antibiotics and high calorie supplement. Hopefully she will poop today.....fingers crossed. The kittens are all doing good and so far no sign of sickness. *knocks on wood*
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I am glad that mum seems to be getting better, trust me it is hard work hand rearing kittens!
Are the little ones settled, at this age all they should be doing is feeding and sleeping, if they are crying and wandering round the nest then that is a sure indicator that something is worng and that they are not getting enough milk.
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Thank you. I have been weighing the kittens daily and they have continued to gain weight. Momma Cat is doing really good today and has begun to eat on her own She is still on the Clavamox twice a day and is now getting canned chicken, salmon and tuna mixed in with her Hill's Prescription Diet a/d. She has really perked up today and even pooped! YIPPEE!! Oooh and two of the kittens are starting to open their eyes! They are so adorable!
(http://i318.photobucket.com/albums/mm430/MYSONTRAVIS/th_5-22-09MommaCatand6Kittens008.jpg) (http://s318.photobucket.com/albums/mm430/MYSONTRAVIS/?action=view¤t=5-22-09MommaCatand6Kittens008.flv)
Another cute video of all the kittens nursing. Momma cat is breathing so much better and her nose is not as stuffy today nor have I heard her sneeze today. I'm so thrilled.
(http://i318.photobucket.com/albums/mm430/MYSONTRAVIS/th_5-22-09MommaCatand6Kittens007.jpg) (http://s318.photobucket.com/albums/mm430/MYSONTRAVIS/?action=view¤t=5-22-09MommaCatand6Kittens007.flv)
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Im so glad to hear momma cat is feeling better now and has started eating again,hopefully now she will go on to make a full recovery ;D and the kittens are gorgous :Luv: dont think they will be waiting long for homes of their own :hug:
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So glad she is doing well and obviously the kittems are settled.
I would advise keeping her on the A/D as much as you can in preference to treats such as salmon and tuna. Too much tuna for cats is a bad thing and can make them poorly. Oven cooked chicken breast is fine as she will need the protein and some poached white fish may be more preferable to tuna and salmon. Make sure the white fish is cooked though as uncooked white fish depletes essential minerals etc.
Also try her on some wet kitten food as well as she will need as much in the way as vitamins and calcium than she can get.
One of my foster queens is now just entering her 5th week of nursing and is getting thru about 8 pouches a day plus biscuits, so be prepared for her appetite to increase quite a bit.
You are obviously doing something right, well done. :wow:
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how is momma getting on? :)
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Sorry for not getting back on here to give an update. Momma Cat is doing fantastic! Her baby kittens are now 25 days old. It won't be but a few days before they are running all over the bedroom I have kept them in. Even though Momma Cat became so sick and then the kittens came down with eye conjunctivitis which required eye drops, this has been such a wonderful experience for me. It will be so hard to say good-bye to them when Danuta, the rescue lady takes them all back. One thing for certain is that I definitely will want to help out the rescue and foster again.
I've been reading up on when I should try to introduce some solid food to the kittens and from what I am gathering, dry kitten kibble moisten with KMR Kitten formula can begin to be offered in tiny amounts after they reach 4 weeks of age. I was thinking that I would buy some Royal Canin BabyCat 34 that is specifically designed for very young kittens from weaning to 4 months. Would that be a good idea? Do you have any suggestions?
Here are a few new videos I made just yesterday for you to enjoy and see how great they are doing. Watch carefully as Momma Cat whizzes by! lol
(http://i318.photobucket.com/albums/mm430/MYSONTRAVIS/th_6-05-09Kittens011.jpg) (http://s318.photobucket.com/albums/mm430/MYSONTRAVIS/?action=view¤t=6-05-09Kittens011.flv)
(http://i318.photobucket.com/albums/mm430/MYSONTRAVIS/th_6-05-09Kittens010.jpg) (http://s318.photobucket.com/albums/mm430/MYSONTRAVIS/?action=view¤t=6-05-09Kittens010.flv)
Oooh I just can't help myself! I'm finding I'm so attracted to this little white kitten! I'm trying to resist keeping him and Momma Cat! Good Grief I already have 5 cats of my own!
(http://i318.photobucket.com/albums/mm430/MYSONTRAVIS/6-05-09Kittens007.jpg)
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I personally think kittens should be weaned onto wet kitten food and not dry. Good luck with them, and I am glad you are willing to keep helping her out.
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What a lovely video, and such happy kittens, and the little white one is :Luv:, well done for helping out with them.im sure there will be plenty more needing help in the future, i know its very easy to give in to temptation and keep your fosters but what you have to think is, will i still have room to help others in the future if i do, i know im a failed fosterer :doh:
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Wet food is easier and weaning is even more so! Mum should be on a good quality wet kitten food by now. I just allow the kittens to follow momma to the food bowl and leave them to it. Mom cat will call the kittens to her at meal times and will allow them to share. Just make sure that the dish is large and shallow and leave fresh water down in a shallow bol as well, so they learn to lap.
Some kittens are 4 weeks when they take that first step, some are nearer 6 weeks but I just let nature take its course, unless there are overriding issues such as the health of mum.
Deb
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Aww havnt they grown, im glad you havnt been put off fostering ;D
I also would wean them onto wet food, i make meaty milkshake :sick: with kmr and a/d, prepare for them to wade in it, bathe in it and generally make a hell of a mess, but its fun ;D
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Hey Val!
Meaty milkshake, mmmm :sick: :evillaugh: Sounds like a really good idea though - probably wouldn't matter if you used wet or dry, as long as dry was properly soaked.
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Thanks all very much for the advice.
Hi Roz! Good to see you here!
I bought some KMR 2nd stage which I'm using as a gruel per the directions on the container. I also added the mixed formula and used it to moisten the Purina One kitten kibble. I thought it would be big hit but even Momma Cat did not seem that impressed so, tomorrow Danuta, the lady who runs the rescue is bringing me some canned kitten food and some a/d as well. I did manage to get the kittens to lap a little bit from a spoon filled with the KMR 2nd stage formula. I guess I should not expect to much from such young kittens? They are now 27 days old so maybe they aren't quite ready to lap from a saucer? I've never done this before but I really am enjoying it so much. The kittens are amazing and when I open the door to enter the room, they all run to greet me now. It is so funny! They are learning to climb and certainly make good use of my pant legs! lol OUCH those little nails are sharp. lol
Also, two days ago, I took in a second Momma Cat and her 6 kittens! I have them in a separate room of course. This second litter is only 2 weeks old. Their eyes just opened and their ears are just starting to unfold. This second Momma Cat is really skinny. She came from a cat hoarder in a sad situation and into the cat rescue with a litter of 6 kittens. All but two of those kittens have died. Sadly she was already pregnant again but the rescue did not know it until her tummy kept getting bigger and bigger. Therefore this second Momma Cat is really worn down with having two litters of kittens back to back like that. I agreed to take her so I could help build her back up and help syringe feed her kittens. I'm feeding Momma Cat #2 four times a day with wet food mixed with the KMR also. Tomorrow I will switch her to the a/d as well. Danuta is worried that she is not producing enough mother's milk to support this second litter. They were born with no hair on their tummies but now have some peach fuzz growing. They are a concern because they don't seem to be thriving. *fingers crossed*
Here is a picture of the second Momma Cat and her 6 kittens. She is enjoying a nice bowl of warm KMR conveniently placed near her so she won't have to get up and leave her kittens.
(http://i318.photobucket.com/albums/mm430/MYSONTRAVIS/6-06-09MommaCat2andher6Kittens008.jpg)
(http://i318.photobucket.com/albums/mm430/MYSONTRAVIS/6-06-09MommaCat2andher6Kittens007.jpg)
(http://i318.photobucket.com/albums/mm430/MYSONTRAVIS/6-06-09MommaCat2andher6Kittens006.jpg)
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Wow, Val, I can't keep up with you! You really have got the bug!
What another gorgeous family you've got there - it looks like a proper Wee Silvie family! My Silvie got her name cos she's a silver tabby (not the most original, I know, but it's the name she has from the CP and I couldn't think of a suitable alternative so it stayed!), although it looks like she's got more white bits than any of your new lot.
Got your work cut out there - when you're not feeding and playing with cats and kittens, you'll be in the shower doing your quarantine bit and swapping jumpers all the time! Remember to look after yourself as well :hug:
If I didn't have to work full time and had a slightly bigger house, I'd be doing exactly what you're doing - I'm jealous! Really glad you're getting so much out of it though, and that you're allowing us to share!
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Good on you for helping another litter - do you have some scales? You could do with weighing the kittens daily, and if they are not putting anything on, doing some supplementary feeds. Good luck with them.
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Thanks Roz and Desley.
Yes Desley, I do have a nice scale and have been weighing all kittens daily. I keep a chart. I'm comparing the second litter's weight to the first litter's weight chart just for some idea if they are doing about the same. I'm finding that this second litter is much smaller, weighing less at the same age. All of them have put on weight since I got them, but only slightly. As long as I see some weight gain, then I'm taking it as a positive sign that I'm on the right track.
Roz I am very careful about handling the kittens. I always change my shirt and wash my hands before and after handling each litter.
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What a group of beautiful kittens - at least the won't be hard to home.
yours, black and whites, Angie :naughty:
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Theres no need to worry at 4weeks if they are not weaning, the meat should get their interest tho ;D
Your 2nd mum is lovely, fingers crossed the extra food helps her make what they all need
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Thank you Angie and Millys Mum. I did mix some KMR 2nd stage gruel up today and added some tinned food. I made it rather soupy and placed it in a low profile dish. Momma Cat began lapping it up and then one of the calico kittens lapped some as well but also began biting on the edge of the dish as if she were teething. None of the other kittens were interested in the food. Does Momma Cat really do most of the training herself or should I try to spoon feed them to spark their interest?
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If they are only slightly gaining, I would supplement them, especially with their history, even if it is just one extra feed a day - can you see how much milk she has?
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Wow what gorgeous kittens if i was you i'd want to keep the all :naughty:you must be really busy well done! :hug:
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They will have little sharp teeth in there already, so biting the bowl is just a sign of moving onto solids. You could try some thinly sliced chicken, they seem to enjoy chewing that ;D
The kittens will more than likely do everything, sometimes they need a hand but generally they wean and litter train themselves :wow:
Do you have a shallow tray down for them to use yet, my tabitha first used the tray at 3.5 weeks :Luv2: shes a smart girl lol
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What beautiful cats & kittens. You are doing a wonderful job hon ;D
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Thanks all. I am enjoying being a foster mum to these precious kittens and their mummies so much! I have 5 cats of my own and now with all these kittens, I now have 19 cats in my home!! :Crazy: :Crazy: :Crazy: :Crazy: The first set of kittens is doing fantastic! They are beginning to play and run around like mad! What a joy they are to watch. Below are a few new video's for you to see. Enjoy! Guaranteed to make you smile, although Momma Cat #1 is getting a bit rough with her kittens at times.
If they are only slightly gaining, I would supplement them, especially with their history, even if it is just one extra feed a day - can you see how much milk she has?
Hi Desley. I took your advice and decided to start the syringe feedings at least once a day. I'm not sure how I can tell if Momma Cat #2 is producing enough milk? Any hints? I did lightly squeeze a few of her nipples and did see some white fluid except in one. I'm not sure if it was because the kittens had depleted her supply in that nipple or what? I did manage to get 1 ml into each kitten of KMR.
Do you have a shallow tray down for them to use yet, my tabitha first used the tray at 3.5 weeks :Luv2: shes a smart girl lol
Hi Millys Mum. Your Tabitha is a smart girl! Lucky you! I did buy a small kitten size litter pan and some pine litter pellets. I'm glad you brought up the subject of litter trays because I am concerned about the type of litter to use with tiny kittens. I did some research on the internet and found some sites claim that clay clumping litter is deadly to small kittens! So that is why I bought the pine pellets instead. However, Momma Cat is using clay clumping litter in her larger litter tray. Any advice that you may have would be greatly appreciated. Have you heard that clumping clay litter is bad?
(http://i318.photobucket.com/albums/mm430/MYSONTRAVIS/th_6-10-09MommaCat1andher6Kittens027XX.jpg) (http://s318.photobucket.com/albums/mm430/MYSONTRAVIS/?action=view¤t=6-10-09MommaCat1andher6Kittens027XX.flv)
(http://i318.photobucket.com/albums/mm430/MYSONTRAVIS/th_6-10-09MommaCat1andher6Kittens026X.jpg) (http://s318.photobucket.com/albums/mm430/MYSONTRAVIS/?action=view¤t=6-10-09MommaCat1andher6Kittens026X.flv)
(http://i318.photobucket.com/albums/mm430/MYSONTRAVIS/th_6-10-09MommaCat1andher6Kittens017X.jpg) (http://s318.photobucket.com/albums/mm430/MYSONTRAVIS/?action=view¤t=6-10-09MommaCat1andher6Kittens017X.flv)
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I tend to just have a feel of them and see if they are quite bagged up, never tried squeezing nipples. Glad they have had a bit of a supplement though.
I have heard clumping litter shouldnt be used till they are old enough to stop wanting to eat it, not sure if you should change litter in Mum's tray though - there is one US clumping litter that is fine, I think it is Shweat Scoop, or something along those lines, as that isnt' a clay based litter.
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You will know mum cat is making enough milk as the little ones will gain weight slowly and are not interested in extra feeds. Happy kittens are warm, quiet and uninterested in kmr ;D
You could also compare her bumps to original mum cat to give you an idea of milk levels.
Have you been shown how to feed them as its important they dont inhale any milk.
Clay litter is ok aslong as it isnt eaten, weaning kittens will often experiment with nibbling litter so its best to avoid it. I would try to find a finer litter eg swheatscoop, worlds best types but thats more my preference, it encourages them to dig if its soft and fine ;D
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Sorry, I'm rubbish - I don't know anything about food and litter for kittens!
The best I can do is drool at the pictures and videos, they are all just so cute, especially the Momma Cats. Glad they're all doing OK so far. You're giving all those kittens the best start they could hope for, and the Momma Cats the best help with their kittens that they could get.
:Luv:
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I'm catching a flight for the cute little white one :rofl:
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Thank you Millys Mum and Roz.
I know what you mean about that adorable little whiten kitten. I've read that white kittens with blue eyes are born deaf. I keep snapping my fingers above his head to see if I get any reaction. So far it has been inconclusive. He does have blue eyes right now but they still may change color, right? He and his litter mates are only 31 days old.
You will know mum cat is making enough milk as the little ones will gain weight slowly and are not interested in extra feeds. Happy kittens are warm, quiet and uninterested in kmr ;D
You could also compare her bumps to original mum cat to give you an idea of milk levels.
Have you been shown how to feed them as its important they dont inhale any milk.
Clay litter is ok aslong as it isnt eaten, weaning kittens will often experiment with nibbling litter so its best to avoid it. I would try to find a finer litter eg swheatscoop, worlds best types but thats more my preference, it encourages them to dig if its soft and fine ;D
Thank you Millys Mum. Yes, I have been shown how to syringe feed them. The lady from the rescue did provide me with all the supplies and demonstrated a few feedings for me. I'm fairly certain that mum cat is making enough milk but she does not "look" as full as my other mummy cat. I did try a few syringe feedings but they don't seem interested so I stopped.
A few of the kittens in the second litter woke up this morning with crusty eyes but I already had on hand some eye drops from the first litter having the same problem. I applied the drops and will continue, so hopefully it will not develop into anything further.
Also I was adding the KMR stage 2 to Mummy cats tinned food for added nutrients since she is so thin. However, she has developed diarrhea the last two days, so I stopped adding the KMR. Hopefully by tomorrow the diarrhea will have stopped. I've been feeding her 4 times a day plus she has unlimited dry kitten kibble as well. I'm just so worried because Mumma Cat #2 is so thin. I just wanted to try and bulk her up some.
As far as the clumping cat litter, I'm using that for Mummy cat but I have the pine pellets for the kittens in shallow trays. Kitten family #1 has not yet learned to use the litter trays. For two days now they have been eating solid tinned kitten food mixed with KMR stage 2 as well as unlimited nibbling on dry kitten kibble throughout the day.
They went poop for the first time that was solid, but they did not go in the litter trays, but on my carpeting. :( I told Mummy Cat she needs to help me teach them the proper way to the loo! lol :rofl:
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Val, do you know the history of Momma#2? It could be that her diarrhoea is just a reaction simply just to getting some proper food, rather than any particular type of food you're giving her. That sounds like a bit of a contradiction, but you know what I mean!
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Roz she came from a elderly man who was a bit of a cat hoarder. He had cats everywhere, inside and outside. None of them had proper feeding or medical care. He was in bankruptcy and was suicidal. Thank goodness he contacted the Danuta at her cat rescue. It's just that Momma Cat #2 is so thin. I'm sure she has not had proper nutrition and what she was being feed was probably low quality food.
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For skinny cats too much food at once can be hard to digest, if you can feed her lots of small meals she may be able to cope better. They are keeping you on your toes arent they :hug:
Have they had wormers yet?
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Have they had wormers yet?
No Millys Mum they have not had wormers yet. At what age should wormers be given? They are now 34 days old. They are all eating solid foods now. They are still learning to use the litter box but there has been several accidents. I have not noticed any worms in their poo so far. Is it pretty much a guarantee that they will have worms?
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The mums will need doing too, it could be another factor as to why mum cat 2 is thin.
Im not sure what products you have over there and when they can be used,it would be best to bring this up with the lady next time you speak.
I worm little ones every 2 weeks until 12 weeks, then monthly until 6 months, its amazing how long it can take before any worms come out :tired:
It will entirely depend on what drugs you have across the pond!
How many kitten trays are there? Sometimes you need several in strategic postions to get their attention
Do they target a particular area? If so put a tray there
Make sure you put some poops in the trays to get the right smell in there ;D
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That could be a factor then - if we ate nothing but boiled fish and potatoes for a week only once a day and then suddenly filled ourselves up with macaroni cheese, chilli con carne and coq au vin, I think our digestions might have something to say about it! :evillaugh:
Worms won't help either ... :sick:
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Thanks Millys Mum and Roz.
I must admit that I am starting to get a bit worried about Mummy Cat #2. She has had the worst diarrhea today. I don't mean to sound gross but I'm talking that it is so bad that she has not even made it to her litter tray before it is just pouring out of her....all over my carpeting...so runny....just awful! I stopped feeding her the KMR stage 2 mixed into her food several days ago because I thought that was what was causing her diarrhea, but she has only continued to get worse. I am only feeding her twice a day now the tinned food plus she has unlimited dry kitten kibble to eat throughout the day and night. She has not put on any weight since I got her a week ago, and since this diarrhea thing started, she looks even more gaunt to me and so sunken in. I am beginning to think she needs a trip to the vet's just to be checked out? What could be causing this severe diarrhea?
Danuta, the lady from the rescue is bringing me more supplies tomorrow so I will talk to her about this plus about the wormer meds for them all. For the kittens in the first group, I have 3 small kitten litter trays plus one big one for Momma Cat #1 to use. Her kittens seem to prefer using Momma Cat's litter box which has the clay clumping litter in it rather than using their own trays which has the pine pellets in it. Good idea Millys Mum to put a few litter trays in several in strategic areas.....since they still had a few accidents today as well.
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I would put her on bland food immediately - it could be the kitten food that is causing the diarrhea, while it is good for calories, not all cats can tolerate it, and if she is a stray, she might not be able to cope with rich food. I would definitely get her to the vets asap, she might need a jab to settle her tum down and then introdue richer foods gradually.
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I agree, I'd get in the vets today poor girl :hug:
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Val, I'm sorry I had completely missed this thread. Sorry to her Mum 2 isn't well. Poor little girl had looked so thin already. That type of diarrhoea sounds just as bad as Dino's was last summer when he was on those drugs for his skin that we had to change. My vet thought he just couldn't cope with them and had a bad reaction to them.
If you can get her into the vet please let me know how you get on.
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If her tum is that bad id go to the vets, they can dehydrate quickly and she also has the kittens taking from her
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Thanks all. Oh that's OK Lesa, I knew you would find this thread eventually.
I finally got in touch with Danuta, the lady from the cat rescue. She agreed that Momma Cat #2 needs a stool sample taken and to been seen by her vet along with her 6 kittens for overall well being check up. She did say that if Momma Cat has parasite worms then chances are that the kittens have them too. Danuta also mentioned that it is a possibility that there might be a intestinal bacterial infection as she has seen this sort of thing in neglected rescue cats before. Either way a stool sample will be needed for a proper diagnose. The bad part is that Danuta is not even here in town right now and won't be back until tomorrow morning, therefore Momma Cat#2 won't be seen by the vet until tomorrow (Tuesday). I'm looking forward to going to the vet's with Danuta tomorrow so I can hear first hand what the vet thinks about how underweight Momma Cat #2 is.
Meanwhile, Danuta told me to stop feeding the dry kitten kibble and go back to only feeding the dry adult cat kibble. She also recommended that I stop feeding all wet canned food as well. I then asked her if I could just reduce the amount of wet canned food to only 1/2 a can in the pm and the am. She said I could but suggested I sprinkle it with some Old Fashion Quaker Oats. I am concerned about dehydration, but not overly so as yet since Momma Cat #2 has been eating her wet food which I also have been adding extra water to.
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I agree with changing the dry, but I wouldn't stop her eating the wet, she will need that for her hydration levels. Good luck with the vets
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You'll be glad to get them all checked out - I know I always am when I've been to the vet with any of mine, even if they're not sick!
Look forward to hearing how you get on.
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Thank you Desley and Roz.
The stood sample was negative for parasites so the vet felt it was more bacterial in the bowel. He prescribed Metronidazole antibiotic. It also has anti-inflammatory effects in the bowel. Metronidazole is bactericidal; it kills bacterial microorganisms. He also prescribed Loperamide for the diarrhea. The vet also recommended giving probiotics, so Danuta is bringing me some tomorrow since she already has some at home. Momma Cat #2 was dehydrated so she received some Sub~Q fluids as well.
The vet did say that Momma Cat is underweight so hopefully once this diarrhea clears up she will begin to put on some weight. She only weighted 6.1 pounds. She is so tiny.
The vet said to keep feeding her the kitten kibble because she does need the extra nutrients and to also feed her the wet canned food four times a day but in smaller amounts. I now have the a/d prescription diet.
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Fingers crossed the meds and new food works.
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Momma Cat #2 and her 6 kittens. Awwwwww so cute! So far, no diarrhea this afternoon! YIPPEE!!
(http://i318.photobucket.com/albums/mm430/MYSONTRAVIS/6-17-09Kittens011.jpg)
(http://i318.photobucket.com/albums/mm430/MYSONTRAVIS/6-17-09Kittens010.jpg)
(http://i318.photobucket.com/albums/mm430/MYSONTRAVIS/6-17-09Kittens007.jpg)
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That's great news so far and some progress, it seems... *touches wood*
And some very beutiful Wee Silvies - where do you find all the prettiest cats and kittens?!