1 week old kitten very small and weak?

Question

my cat has had 7 kittens,the other 6 have grown rapidly,but this one has grown only slightly and is so tiny.we keep havin to move the others and puttin the weak one on mums teat else the others barge her out of the way.also mother cat IS feeding them,but leaves them on frequent occasions which she hasnt done with past litters.can anyone give me some advice?also when the small kitten was born,i had to start it breathing and take it out of the birthsack aswell as getting it to suckle.if i keep making sure this kitten has time on the teat,is that enough to keep it alive?none of the other kittens pick on her or anything,i am just worried for her survival, growth and development

the other cats are definatly getting the milk they need form their mum, even though she leaves them. it is just this one that doesnt seam to be getting on so well
and i do not want anyone telling me to have my cat done, yes she will be done, but for now my only concern is for the health of this kitten

Answer 1

Poor little girl. Its sometimes tough being the runt. You may need to supplement her diet with some kitten replacement formula. It comes premixed, or you can buy the powder, which is a better deal, and mix it yourself. You can pick this up at any pet store. Hold the kitten gently and use an eyedropper to drop a little of the formula into her mouth. You may need to gently open her mouth a little at first, but eventually the kitten should start almost suckling it as she would her mother. Feed her like this until she is full. You will probably need to burp her as you would a human baby by picking her up and gently rubbing her back. The mother should still groom her to stimulate bowel movements, so don't worry about this too much. If she's not and is completely ignoring the kitten, just get a warm wet washcloth and gently rub the kitten's bum.

Good luck and I hope she will be ok!

Answer 2

I'd suggest your supplementing the kitten's diet with something like KMR. It's a kitten milk substitute. It is not likely to make it without some additional intervention on your part. Sometimes, though, this much difficulty is a sign of something basically wrong with a kitten.

After this litter is weaned you really should have her spayed. It's so hard to find homes for all the kittens produced and too many of them end up as starys or in kill shelters. (I'm a shelter contact for a rescue group and it's depressing how many unwanted kittens there are.)

Good luck with this little one. It's clear you are its best hope!

Answer 3

I would take the baby to the vet. It may have a severe problem and could be suffering. If you don't think so, go to a pet store there is supplement milk and you should still give this wee one it's teet time as well as these supplement feedings.
Good luck and I hope your kitty gets better.

Plus, I know you don't want to hear this, but 1 cat can produce a million cats and of that 70% will end up homeless.
So once your kitties are all homed take your girl in please

Answer 4

I think that as long as the kitten gets enough milk, it should be okay unless it has something physically wrong with it. It might have some kind of deformity inside of it that is keeping it from thriving. For example, there is a condition where a ligament constricts their esophagus that keeps the milk from getting down like it should. Or it could have a heart problem or something. You might want to take it to the vet. Good luck! I think it is sweet of you to be looking after the littlest kitten.

Answer 5

take it to a vet and do supplemental feedings. i don't have self belief in letting nature take its direction if i will do some thing to help. i'm portion of nature. God created us all and if i will help an animal then so some distance as i'm in touch i will do in spite of it takes to save a existence.nevertheless permit him eat from mom because of the fact he gets important antibodies from her yet take him away each 2 hrs and feed him. the vet can permit you be attentive to the right temperature of the milk and it particularly is in no way microwaved. important that youdon'tt do this. walmart sells small kitten bottles however the vet can propose on formulation greater advantageous than merely going to the shop and buying a frequently used ne. and vets do no longer in many situations can charge alot for that style of pass to.i wouldnt make an appt i might merely walk in and ask questions and there is no can charge in any respect.attempt it.

Answer 6

This kitten is obviously the runt of the litter. You will have to suppliment feedings in between her nursing with a bottle and a kitten formula.

Make sure you handle this kitten alot. Try to stimulate her with touch. It is proven that kittens open their eyes and develop at a quicker rate with human contact. Good luck.

Answer 7

Let mom care for it if she is. You can supplement if you wish, but she (or he) will benefit most from being with mom. I also agree, very sweet to take care of the little one. However, be prepared if it does not make it. It may have some internal problem that is not apparent. Good luck to you. I hope the little fella makes it!

Answer 8

mother cats do get up to "take a break" from their kids occasionally.. this is normal... and maybe before this litter, she didn't feel they would be safe....

about the small kitten.. we had one, too. my son would give the kitten formula every morning before school, and when he came home in the afternoon. it took him a bit to get the kitten to drink from the dropper, but eventually she did.

kitten formula is available at most pet stores...

i hope the baby is ok. take care.

Answer 9

Bottle feed it yourself
it lacks in milk u have to make so it gets its fair share
bottle feeding is the best i think

Answer 10

I would speak to your vet for advise but it maybe that you will need to hand feed this little baby to give it a chance.sounds like a little fighter there.good luck