We found 2 kittens in our barn and the mother seems to have left them. They just opened their eyes. One has already died because the mother did not take care of it. It's horrible to see. I really want to save the other one. How can I feed it and such?Any help would be appreciated !
2007-06-13 06:51:12 · 18 answers · asked by l_ouisee 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
You can go to Petco or Petsmart to get formula for the kitten. Grab a bottle as well from the store with a few nipples....animals can be picky and find only one they like. Hope this helps...you're doing a great thing! Just feed her every 3 hours or so and feeding amounts will be on the can of formula.
2007-06-13 06:57:27 · answer #1 · answered by Cash--Rescue, Foster, Adopt! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First what a good heart You have. You will need to get some KMR and a bottle, as Others have suggested You can get this at Wal-Mart or at Pet Stores such as Pet-co or Pet-smart. Never use regular cow's milk, it does not have enough protein. Please use the website provided, it also has alternatives for substitute milk solutions. Never force milk into a kitten as it can be inhaled into the lungs and be fatal. Feed the kitten on it's stomach, and it says gently pulling back on the bottle now and then will stimulate the kitten's suckling reflex. Being cautious not to get air in it's stomach. Feeding about two teaspoons per feeding is usually the right amount, and feed every three to four times a day, in the beginning. It also says that You will need to rub it's neck to help it with digestion, easing the bubbles out. In three and a half to four weeks You can start to put a small amount of KMR in a swallow bowl, put some of the formula on Your finger and then on the kitten's lips. You have a very Young one on Your hands, it is going to take a lot of love. Again You are a gem. Best of Luck.
2007-06-13 08:31:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Local petco, petsmart etc should sell a formula specifically for kittens. By TONS of that, well maybe not tons but allot . You need to feed it at least once every hour and a half to two hours, as well as provide a warm box filled with soft cuddly stuff. A heating pad on the lowest setting should provide enough warmth at night, but only have it on for a while during the day since the mother will leave the babies for short amounts of time in an ideal situation unless you have Your AC running. As well, you will need to replicate the mothers cleaning, to help the kitten go to the bathroom. Just take a damp, warm cloth and wipe its bottom repeatedly until it releases, as well to avoid loss of hair you may want to take a clean damp cloth with warm water and wipe their entire body. Other than that contact your local vet or Humane Society and explain the situation. More often than not they are willing to answer any questions you may have at no cost.
2007-06-13 07:09:53 · answer #3 · answered by cherypie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a cat lover myself, I also need to tell you that cats are expensive. If you can't afford to take the cat to the vet, then maybe you shouldn't have a cat right now. You can drop off animals safely at the humane society where they will be adopted into good homes. Maybe you should save a little each month so that you can adopt a pet in 6 months or so. I have 3 cats, and one cost me $1000 last spring because of liver failure and we had to put a feeding tube in. He's fine now, but also at the same time, my other cat needed 6 teeth pulled and that was $600. It's not just food and water and shelter, it can be a big cost.
2016-05-19 02:22:26 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, you are a really special and warm-hearted person.
I took in a feral kitten, this site was a life-saver:
http://www.feralcat.com/raising.html
You can get KMR (kitten replacement formula) at the grocery store as well as a pet store. You'll have to feed the kittens every few hours, and you can use a eyedropper to do this, or you can buy a kitten bottle. Also, you'll have to keep the kittens WARM - they need more warmth than humans or older cats. You may need to also rub their bottoms or lower bellies with a warm washcloth to encourage waste elimination. Also, take it to the vet.
2007-06-13 12:07:20 · answer #5 · answered by Jessica J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a pinch, if you can't get kitten baby bottles, an eye dropper will do. Be very careful to drop only a very small amount on the kitten's tongue to avoid aspiration of the formula into his lungs.Proper positioning of the kitten is critical. Raising his head may cause aspiration of the formula into the kitten's lungs, which could be fatal.
2007-06-13 07:11:02 · answer #6 · answered by Cindy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take the kitten t the vet or the Humaine's Society. It is important to get them checked out by a doctor. If you go to a pet store you can buy baby bottles designed for kittens and kitten formula. Good luck.
2007-06-13 07:04:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can buy a bottle and milk from the vet. Feed the baby often. You might be able to save the kitten.
2007-06-13 07:11:14 · answer #8 · answered by Cindy F 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It needs to see a vet because as an outside cat (or kitten of one) it probably has worms which can be fatal to a small kitten. Your vet can also set you up with kitten formula and bottles and also show you how to help them go to the bathroom because they are too young to do it on their own.
2007-06-13 07:01:49 · answer #9 · answered by TeddyBear121 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i was in the same situation with my cat. start by giving her a little milk but not too much because it will make her sick as it is not her mothers. the slowly introduce it to the canned kitten food. i use special kitty. keep a close eye on it. and most of all don't forget to interact with it. in the end it will be worth all the time put in.
2007-06-13 07:02:56 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋