they were born about 4-5 weeks ago well they are taking a few shaky steps. well anyways my five year old tripped on a toy car and landed on one of the poor little guys. he does not seem to be moving one of his paws, he won't pull out his nails in that same paw and it feels lighter than the other one. he also meows loudly when i try to move it. He does not cry alot but he is not nursing well either because he can't fight back when one of the other kittens pushes him away from mom. I don't know what to do, money is alittle tight around here and i wasn't intending on keeping the little guys. what should i do, is he too young to separate from mom? but i don't want him to suffer here. Oh and yes we spayed mom that was the first thing we did.
2007-09-21 07:45:08 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
i also noticed that he's not putting any weight on it.
2007-09-21 07:45:48 · update #1
To answer your last question first: Yes. He is too young to seperate from mom and the litter! (8 weeks should be the earliest! Longer is better.)
Obviously, it is best to get him to a vet. If you really cannot go to a vet, this is what I would do!
Give him supplemental feedings. Wal-Mart and Petsmart sell all you need to do this. When I had to feed a litter of kits, I used a dropper. It was much easier than a bottle.
About the injury. It is possible that his paw is simply extremely bruised. Young animals, like human babies, tend to be a bit more resilient. As long as he is fed and grows strong, he'll be okay, even if he is damaged. I've seen three-legged cats and such. Someone special will want to love this kit, too!
So, be sure to feed him. Watch to make sure that mama cat is still grooming him, helping him to pee and poop, etc. There is much value in keeping him with the litter, even if he is weaker. He will learn a lot of things from his litter mates. For one thing, he'll learn how to get along with others, even though he may be weaker.
The best case scenario is that his paw will heal fully and all will be well! I'd love to get a follow-up report on the outcome in a few weeks!
PS If mama doesn't continue to groom him, at this age, you may have to help that process. Take a warm washcloth and gently wipe the genital and anal areas to stimulate them. And, also groom the kitty with a warm washcloth, too.
All will be well! Just give the kitty lots of love!
2007-09-21 07:57:37 · answer #1 · answered by susanmaried 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If money is tight, call a vet and tell them what happened. My kid fell on our 5 week old puppy (rat terrier) and hurt his back leg. I called a vet and was told that he was probably just squished a bit, and to watch him for a few days. He was fine in about two weeks. Feel the leg and foot. You will be able to tell if there is a break. Either way, call a vet for advice. If he is not eating, get some kitten formula and bottle feed him. I assume he is doing his business on his own, so you should have no problem feeding him from a bottle and weaning him when the time comes. Good luck.
2007-09-21 15:39:42 · answer #2 · answered by magix151 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, it would be hard to separate a young kitten and bring it to the vet, so l suggest you call the vet and ask him to come here. Since you are a little short on money, l suggest you tell him what the problem is, and ask him to just come and look at it. lf he is busy or doesn't want to come, ask him to send over someone who works with him, maybe an assistant. Well good luck, hope l helped, and give each of those kittens (and the mom) a pat from me!!!
PS. Thank you so so SO much for spaying!!!
2007-09-21 15:55:20 · answer #3 · answered by Hollyberry♥ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you know anybody that will foster him? He will need to be bottle fed for a little while. If they are close to weaning (6 weeks) they should be doing a lot more than just taking a few shaky steps. By 6 weeks they should be little cats, pretty much with distinct personalities, climbing, exploring, meowing LOUDLY, etc...
Do you have a local animal shelter? They often have the names of people who will foster babies. You might try calling them for your little hurt one.
Other than that, you can bottle feed him yourself until you can get him weaned. It should be that long from now. Check out resources on the internet to find out what to feed him and how often.
Good luck!
2007-09-21 14:54:10 · answer #4 · answered by txassgirl 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My advice is to try and splint the leg, then you go to your local store and get some powdered kitten milk replacement formula and a little kitten bottle. Before you feed the kitten, you must rub it from it's tummy to the base of it's tail with a washcloth, to get it to use the bathroom if it is not old enogh to use the bathroom itself. To feed it mix the formula according to the directions and pour it in the bottle. Good luck. P.S keep an eye on the kitten to make sure it does not have more serios injuries.
2007-09-21 14:59:39 · answer #5 · answered by Audra S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like the little guy needs to visit the vet. He'll be fine, separated from Mom long enough for a visit to the vet.
2007-09-21 14:50:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like a broken paw, and vet attention is needed. Google a company called Care Credit for help with the vet bill. Please also try bottle feeding him until he gets to the vet - good nutrition will help him heal. KMR is a good powder formula available at petstores.
http://www.carecredit.com/
2007-09-21 14:55:31 · answer #7 · answered by Tammy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In the world according to my vet, it's probably broken, the paw I mean or the toes on it. If you take him to the Humane Society, they might be able to take care of him, but probably you won't be getting him back. Not because they will think you did it on purpose, but b/c you weren't planning to keep him.
2007-09-21 14:52:55 · answer #8 · answered by Chief High Commander, UAN 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry that money is tight but, the little guy/gal needs to see a VET. Sometimes they can put you on a payment plan.
2007-09-21 14:54:42 · answer #9 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He really needs to go to the vet. Call around and see if there are any that are willing to let you make payments, the kitten might end up crippled if you let it go too long. And most vets are sympathetc and love animals. One might let you bring it in and pay later.
2007-09-21 14:51:07 · answer #10 · answered by Joan R 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋