My husband found them at work. Not sure of their age, but their eyes aren't open yet. I would appreciate any suggestions.
2007-09-12 06:42:06 · 16 answers · asked by jelle 6 in Pets ➔ Cats
Because of the urgency I see that I should get to the vet asap. Thanks to everyone for all of your suggestions!
2007-09-12 07:03:01 · update #1
If their eyes are closed they are younger than 2 weeks old. You need to go to the pet store and buy milk replacement formula and a few bottles so you can bottle feed them. You have to feed them every 2 to 3 hours on the dot- even throughout the night. You need to buy a heating pad from the pet store also because they can't control their body temperature until they are about 4 weeks old.
ALSO, VERY IMPORTANT: You need to get a warm wet washcloth and rub their genital/anal area- this is the only way they will go to the bathroom- if you don't do this a few times a day to each kitten- they could die from intestinal blockage. (the mother cat usually licks them for this to happen, but since she isn't there- you must do this!)
If you can't care for them or work all day, find a no-kill shelter and take them there- they put them in a foster home with someone who is very experienced with newborn animals and they will care for them until they are old enough to find homes.
PLEASE call a vet to get them checked out or to ask them questions about how to care for them.
At 4 weeks of age, they can be switched to semi-solid food- either mix the dry kitten food with the milk replacement or soak it in hot water and then drain it.
Contact a vet if you have no experience with this.
But remember, if you work all day or can't bottle feed them every 2 to 3 hours, you MUST find a shelter or someone who can to care for them- they will die quickly without proper care.
And whatever you do, do NOT feed them any other milk except the milk replacement formula from the pet store- other milks do not contain enough nutrients and the kittens will die.
2007-09-12 06:46:58 · answer #1 · answered by Madison 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hmmm, maybe a phone call to a vet would be a good idea. But other than that, how about getting an eye dropper and filling it with slightly (very slightly) warmed pureed food. It might not be a good idea to give milk, that would be something a vet could straighten out, but if milk's OK that would be much easier. Maybe you could go to the store and buy some pureed baby food, like pureed beef or something like that, and warm it just a little bit and give that by eye dropper. Good luck! And thank you very much for being a good person, for being kind to sweet defenseless little kittens. Thanks!
2007-09-12 13:48:12 · answer #2 · answered by jxt299 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some vets in my area have cats that "adopt kittens" to feed them. This could be your best bet, and their best chance for survival. That is where i got my cat. When she was a kitten, her mother disappeared, and there was a cat at the vet who lost 2 kittens during birth, so she adopted my kitten and let her feed with hers. After she was old enough i brought her home.
2007-09-12 13:47:23 · answer #3 · answered by Jon C 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
bottles and mother replacement milk are available at most pet stores they need to eat about ever few hours they will let u know. thank u sooooo much for caring. your hubby must be one of the good guys.. after a few weeks of milk start by soaking kitten food in the milk and feeding some
2007-09-12 13:48:20 · answer #4 · answered by Pam B 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
hey so have you tried feeding them the milk replacement yet also makes sure you keep them warm kittens wont eat when they are cold keep trya heating pad ...i work at animal shelter and thats the main reason kittens dont make it at 5-6 weeks they should be eating kitten soft food do they still have there umbillical cords normall kittens eyes open around 14 days
good luck email me if you have any questions
2007-09-12 14:36:04 · answer #5 · answered by Ashleigh 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
go to petsmart, they sell a formula that is mixed with water that can be fed to the kittens, and you may have to use an eyedropper for a little while depending on if the kittens are not eating out of a bowl yet. Its not that bad, have been there and done that both with kittens that we have rescued and with our momma cat for her 1st litter.
2007-09-12 13:47:59 · answer #6 · answered by dustystar 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh Lord. Are you sure the mother is gone?
If so, you'll have to go to a feed store and get kitten formula and bottles. It may be costly and you'll have to feed on a regular basis, day and night.
Good luck sweetheart. If you lived close to me I'd help. I doubt you live in Kansas.
2007-09-12 13:46:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to a vet and get kitten milk replacement and a baby animal feeder bottle.
2007-09-12 13:45:12 · answer #8 · answered by Kiki 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They sell kitten formula at the pet store, and bottles too. just get that and feed them every few hours. Theyll be the best cats u ever had.
2007-09-12 13:47:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to a pet store they can help you. I do believe they have something out that's like kitten formula that you can feed them. Good luck.
2007-09-12 13:46:30 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋