Orphan kittens> Update 07/18

**QuarterCowGirl** · 05-27-2007, 12:12 AM

I have cats at another farm that I claim as my mine. I feed them, I keep them tame and without me they'd starve. Sad but true.

One of these cats was preggo and had her babies in the last 12 hours. I went over there tonight and found these newborns all over the barn screaming their little heads off. The mom wants nothing to do with them. So I have them with me now, 2 in all. The one is very cold and clammy, I'm not sure if it'll make it. The other is wandering around screaming.

How do I raise baby kittens? Anyone got any pointers?

I wish I could give them to one of my barn cats at home, but they all have big kittens now, so these little ones wouldn't stand a chance.

NoniMe · 05-27-2007, 12:32 AM

Take the babies and get them warmed up. Hot water bottles, wrapped in towels, in your pocket, anywhere they can stay warm (I've stuck them in my old bras if needed).

Feeding them will be every few hours. The recipe I use is a bit of KMR in a bottle, warmed up. If they won't take the bottle, and some won't, use a syringe without the needle and slide it into the gap between the teeth and cheek. The directions are on the KMR as to how to prepare it.

If you don't have any KMR, use some oil (corn or other veggie), mix some goats milk, an egg, and some yogurt (plain), and warm it up a bit. Get that into them; it tastes nasty, but it will help them until you can get the KMR. Either with the KMR or the home made stuff, give them as much as they can hold. Their bellies will get firm and round, and they will fall asleep...and that's when they're done.

They need to poop and pee, too...and that is now your job. Take a warm washcloth, and massage their bellies and anuses. They will go on the washcloth, so check it to make sure they've eliminated. Do this right after they've been fed, even if you have to wake them to do it.

Get them a nest with a stuffed animal they can cuddle into. A box with high sides is perfect for this; and make sure that you put a stinky shirt in. Take it from the laundry, and make sure it's a shirt you can spare. This will associate your scent with being Mom and the food/protector...and that will help you get them through the whole thing.

And definitely check to see if one of the other cats is willing to take them on. Sure, they won't be able to nurse, but cats teach other cats how to be cats, and will do a better job of it than we humans will. If at all possible, that's the route to take...but you're still the feeder person.

Good luck, and let me know how it goes; I don't know squat about horses, but I've rescued, rehabbed, rehomed and raised my share of cats (150 at last count). I also have 8 of my own, one who was in a similar position as your wee ones, although not quite as young (he was about 10 days when I got him...).

Best-
Noni

Fancy's Mom · 05-27-2007, 01:33 AM

check out my deal with an abandoned kitten, there may be some advice there also..

http://forum.horsetopia.com/viewtopic.php?t=26114

also you can read the other too just for fun about her..lol

http://forum.horsetopia.com/viewtopic.php?t=29023

I fed her about every 2 hours in the beginning or actually when she wanted..Sometimes it was an hour and half sometimes 3 hours..It really depends on how much they will eat during feeding time or how much you can get down in them..Its alot of work but worth it..I thought i was gonna go crazy with mine, but after she is now eating on her own it was well worth it.

You have 2 correct so its double the work....good luck!

**Range** · 05-27-2007, 09:21 AM

I am no help, having never done it, but I know that several stores around here sell kitten milk replacer in cans. I also think the milk replacer I have for the goats will work for kittens as well. They even sell leetle teeny bottles for kittens and puppies.

Good luck!

IndiaMom · 05-27-2007, 10:00 AM

My ex-hubby is a veterinarian. He used to tell his clients to use baby formula. He also had a client bring in a momma kitty that had been hit by a car. This momma had a tiny kitten. The momma had to be euthanized. The owner didn't want to mess with the baby and told my ex to euthanize the baby, as well. Well, he put it in a cage and when I got home from work he told me he had a gift for me. Like others on this thread have stated, he had to be fed every 2-3 hours, but thrived and became a cherished barn kitty.

Good Luck!

**QuarterCowGirl** · 05-27-2007, 10:20 AM

Alright so I stayed up til 3:30am with the babies. I got one mother cat to nurse them, not that she has much milk there but it's a start. She was more than happy to clean them up too. Both are still alive right now, the one is still stronger than the oher though.

I'll have to make a run into town to get that KMR stuff and some bottles. I'll keep you all posted.

Thanks for the great advice and good wishes! I think we've got a long road ahead of us...

Touche · 05-27-2007, 10:28 AM

Bless your QCG for your tender heart.

I can't add anything to the good advice already posted, but I am cheering for you.

Fancy's Mom · 05-27-2007, 12:31 PM

Mine wouldnt take a bottle, i had to syringe feed her the whole time...Ive went through numerous bottles trying to find one she will take..I dont think they like the taste of the rubber nipples.

NoniMe · 05-27-2007, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fancy's Mom

Mine wouldnt take a bottle, i had to syringe feed her the whole time...Ive went through numerous bottles trying to find one she will take..I dont think they like the taste of the rubber nipples.

Yes, that can be an issue. Also, how large (or small) the hole is. What I do when I've got a baby-baby is wipe the nipple with fish oil. It has good calories, is a taste they like, and can easily be done several times during a feeding. It can get messy, and some babies will never take the nipple; and syringe is just fine, too. Whatever gets the formula into them is what works. LOL, I've had them suck off my pinky finger!

Best-
Noni

NoniMe · 05-27-2007, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuarterCowGirl

Alright so I stayed up til 3:30am with the babies. I got one mother cat to nurse them, not that she has much milk there but it's a start. She was more than happy to clean them up too. Both are still alive right now, the one is still stronger than the oher though.

I'll have to make a run into town to get that KMR stuff and some bottles. I'll keep you all posted.

Thanks for the great advice and good wishes! I think we've got a long road ahead of us...

It's not too long; only about 4 weeks, and you can wean them off the KMR and onto kitten formula. But it's great you've got a Momma cat helping...that's wonderful. Give the foster mom kitten chow, or kibbles for lactating moms. It's higher in cals and fat, and will be helpful to her while she takes care of these wee beans.

She sounds good, and don't be surprised if she bags up and has tons of milk for the babies - I've seen it happen, and it's wonderful when it does; milk production is stimulated by suckling, and for the most part, the hypothalamus will get the message and start producing.

As for one little one being weaker than the other, just make sure little one gets a fair share of the food available. There is generally one weaker than the rest in any litter, no matter the size. It's how it goes; there's always a runt. As long as it gets enough food and stays warm, unless there's a congenital issue, it should be all right.

Best-
Noni

joschrock · 05-27-2007, 01:56 PM

Please be sure to make the hole in the nipple big enough. If the babies don't get the milk easily, they get frustrated and won't take the nipple at all. I'm rescued many kittens and hand raised them from birth ( I work for a vet) and the most common error I see is the hole not being big enough. (forget the hot needle hole method) The way I put holes in the nipples is to squeeze it between my fingers (pinch) and take a pair of small scissors and snip a little off at a time until you visibly see a hole. It works everytime and I have yet to have a kitten refuse a bottle. It takes persistance though because some need to get used to it not being mom. Also try touching the nipple to the roof of the kittens mouth. And NEVER try to feed a kitten when it's cool or cold to the touch. They cannot digest food with a low body temperature.
Best of Luck!

**QuarterCowGirl** · 05-27-2007, 02:06 PM

Alright another mini update...

The stronger kitten took right to the bottle! I believe he's a boy and he's a fighter through and through. I did cut the hole in the nipple so it would drip and he took the whole nipple in his mouth and just starting nursing on it! He's now with Paint (the mother cat that took to the babies) and he's nursing off her too and getting a bath!

The other kitten is very weak and cold. I doubt he'll pull through.

I got some milk into him and then put him in with Paint too. If only I found him an hour sooner. Can't save them all right?

**QuarterCowGirl** · 05-27-2007, 11:10 PM

Another mini update....

The weak baby died around 7pm today.

But the good news is that my other baby is doing awesome! He has a appetite like a horse! And wanna know something really great? I'm at work right now taking a time out to feed him!

If my boss caught me in the barn office feeding a newborn kitten he'd be pretty ticked off so shhhhhh!

farmergal · 05-27-2007, 11:53 PM

I'm sorry you lost one.

That is great that Paint is willing to be a foster mom. That can help to alleviate some of your duties.

Got a pic of the survivor?

**QuarterCowGirl** · 05-27-2007, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by farmergal

I'm sorry you lost one.

That is great that Paint is willing to be a foster mom. That can help to alleviate some of your duties.

Got a pic of the survivor?

Not yet. I'll try and get some up tomorrow. I will tell you that he's cute as a button though!

He's all white with an orange tail and a has a few other small orange spots up near his head.

**QuarterCowGirl** · 05-28-2007, 06:30 PM

Here's my baby!

With his adopted family...

And a short movie just for fun.

farmergal · 05-29-2007, 09:34 AM

That pic shows just how much paints kittens have grown.

Momma Kitty moved her kittens off the porch last night. Someone didn't see that the door was latched last night and I found it open this morning.
She moved the babies to a place that I can't reach them.

ruffian · 05-29-2007, 09:45 AM

We had six orphan kittens that were dumped on the road near our house. I lost three of them, mostly due to over feeding. They really started to thrive when my male bull terrier took them on. He kept them warm and licked them to stimulate elimination. It is hard to keep them going when they are little but worth it if they make it. I have pics of Buddy and his babies but they are so old I'll have to figure out how to scan them in.

**QuarterCowGirl** · 05-31-2007, 01:40 PM

Another mini update...

My baby who I've named Dippy is doing very well! He's got a good set of lungs on him and he's very demanding! He's got the whole purring thing down pat and loves it when I tickle his belly. I still take him to work with me to keep the feedings to every 3 hours. My boss did find out that I had a kitten in his milkhouse and he wanted to see him and said he was cute!

On a sad note, I think his mom died.

I haven't seen her in three days which is very odd. It must be fate that I found Dippy and his sibling before she disappeared.

**QuarterCowGirl** · 06-06-2007, 01:44 PM

Here's my baby at 10 days old! I'm so proud of him, he's such a good boy!

05-27-2007, 12:12 AM
QuarterCowGirl Welcome and Introductions Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 6,757	Orphan kittens> Update 07/18 I have cats at another farm that I claim as my mine. I feed them, I keep them tame and without me they'd starve. Sad but true. One of these cats was preggo and had her babies in the last 12 hours. I went over there tonight and found these newborns all over the barn screaming their little heads off. The mom wants nothing to do with them. So I have them with me now, 2 in all. The one is very cold and clammy, I'm not sure if it'll make it. The other is wandering around screaming. How do I raise baby kittens? Anyone got any pointers? I wish I could give them to one of my barn cats at home, but they all have big kittens now, so these little ones wouldn't stand a chance. __________________ I'm a farmer - I'll grow on you. Last edited by QuarterCowGirl : 07-18-2007 at 12:33 PM.

05-27-2007, 12:32 AM
NoniMe Greenbroke Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 3,245	Take the babies and get them warmed up. Hot water bottles, wrapped in towels, in your pocket, anywhere they can stay warm (I've stuck them in my old bras if needed). Feeding them will be every few hours. The recipe I use is a bit of KMR in a bottle, warmed up. If they won't take the bottle, and some won't, use a syringe without the needle and slide it into the gap between the teeth and cheek. The directions are on the KMR as to how to prepare it. If you don't have any KMR, use some oil (corn or other veggie), mix some goats milk, an egg, and some yogurt (plain), and warm it up a bit. Get that into them; it tastes nasty, but it will help them until you can get the KMR. Either with the KMR or the home made stuff, give them as much as they can hold. Their bellies will get firm and round, and they will fall asleep...and that's when they're done. They need to poop and pee, too...and that is now your job. Take a warm washcloth, and massage their bellies and anuses. They will go on the washcloth, so check it to make sure they've eliminated. Do this right after they've been fed, even if you have to wake them to do it. Get them a nest with a stuffed animal they can cuddle into. A box with high sides is perfect for this; and make sure that you put a stinky shirt in. Take it from the laundry, and make sure it's a shirt you can spare. This will associate your scent with being Mom and the food/protector...and that will help you get them through the whole thing. And definitely check to see if one of the other cats is willing to take them on. Sure, they won't be able to nurse, but cats teach other cats how to be cats, and will do a better job of it than we humans will. If at all possible, that's the route to take...but you're still the feeder person. Good luck, and let me know how it goes; I don't know squat about horses, but I've rescued, rehabbed, rehomed and raised my share of cats (150 at last count). I also have 8 of my own, one who was in a similar position as your wee ones, although not quite as young (he was about 10 days when I got him...). Best- Noni __________________ "His name is Tango," said I. The wee boy, in his childish lisp, replied "no, his name is Bongo Mountain."

05-27-2007, 01:33 AM
Fancy's Mom Long Yearling Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Newbern, TN Posts: 1,466	check out my deal with an abandoned kitten, there may be some advice there also.. http://forum.horsetopia.com/viewtopic.php?t=26114 also you can read the other too just for fun about her..lol http://forum.horsetopia.com/viewtopic.php?t=29023 I fed her about every 2 hours in the beginning or actually when she wanted..Sometimes it was an hour and half sometimes 3 hours..It really depends on how much they will eat during feeding time or how much you can get down in them..Its alot of work but worth it..I thought i was gonna go crazy with mine, but after she is now eating on her own it was well worth it. You have 2 correct so its double the work....good luck! __________________ My horse is a reflection of me, wanna know me, talk to my horse!

05-27-2007, 09:21 AM
Range Super Moderator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Back of Beyond Posts: 5,898	I am no help, having never done it, but I know that several stores around here sell kitten milk replacer in cans. I also think the milk replacer I have for the goats will work for kittens as well. They even sell leetle teeny bottles for kittens and puppies. Good luck! __________________ If it harms none, do what you will.

05-27-2007, 10:00 AM
IndiaMom Halter broke Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 177	My ex-hubby is a veterinarian. He used to tell his clients to use baby formula. He also had a client bring in a momma kitty that had been hit by a car. This momma had a tiny kitten. The momma had to be euthanized. The owner didn't want to mess with the baby and told my ex to euthanize the baby, as well. Well, he put it in a cage and when I got home from work he told me he had a gift for me. Like others on this thread have stated, he had to be fed every 2-3 hours, but thrived and became a cherished barn kitty. Good Luck! __________________ The purpose of life is a life of purpose. --Robert Byrne

05-27-2007, 10:20 AM
QuarterCowGirl Welcome and Introductions Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 6,757	Alright so I stayed up til 3:30am with the babies. I got one mother cat to nurse them, not that she has much milk there but it's a start. She was more than happy to clean them up too. Both are still alive right now, the one is still stronger than the oher though. I'll have to make a run into town to get that KMR stuff and some bottles. I'll keep you all posted. Thanks for the great advice and good wishes! I think we've got a long road ahead of us... __________________ I'm a farmer - I'll grow on you.

05-27-2007, 10:28 AM
Touche Coming two Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,902	Bless your QCG for your tender heart. I can't add anything to the good advice already posted, but I am cheering for you. __________________ Horse sense is the thing a horse has which keeps it from betting on people. W.C.Fields

05-27-2007, 12:31 PM
Fancy's Mom Long Yearling Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Newbern, TN Posts: 1,466	Mine wouldnt take a bottle, i had to syringe feed her the whole time...Ive went through numerous bottles trying to find one she will take..I dont think they like the taste of the rubber nipples. __________________ My horse is a reflection of me, wanna know me, talk to my horse!

05-27-2007, 01:56 PM
joschrock Weanling Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bradley, Illinois Posts: 223	Please be sure to make the hole in the nipple big enough. If the babies don't get the milk easily, they get frustrated and won't take the nipple at all. I'm rescued many kittens and hand raised them from birth ( I work for a vet) and the most common error I see is the hole not being big enough. (forget the hot needle hole method) The way I put holes in the nipples is to squeeze it between my fingers (pinch) and take a pair of small scissors and snip a little off at a time until you visibly see a hole. It works everytime and I have yet to have a kitten refuse a bottle. It takes persistance though because some need to get used to it not being mom. Also try touching the nipple to the roof of the kittens mouth. And NEVER try to feed a kitten when it's cool or cold to the touch. They cannot digest food with a low body temperature. Best of Luck! __________________ "In Deep Water? Turn to the One who Walked on It"

05-27-2007, 02:06 PM
QuarterCowGirl Welcome and Introductions Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 6,757	Alright another mini update... The stronger kitten took right to the bottle! I believe he's a boy and he's a fighter through and through. I did cut the hole in the nipple so it would drip and he took the whole nipple in his mouth and just starting nursing on it! He's now with Paint (the mother cat that took to the babies) and he's nursing off her too and getting a bath! The other kitten is very weak and cold. I doubt he'll pull through. I got some milk into him and then put him in with Paint too. If only I found him an hour sooner. Can't save them all right? __________________ I'm a farmer - I'll grow on you.

05-27-2007, 11:10 PM
QuarterCowGirl Welcome and Introductions Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 6,757	Another mini update.... The weak baby died around 7pm today. But the good news is that my other baby is doing awesome! He has a appetite like a horse! And wanna know something really great? I'm at work right now taking a time out to feed him! If my boss caught me in the barn office feeding a newborn kitten he'd be pretty ticked off so shhhhhh! __________________ I'm a farmer - I'll grow on you.

05-27-2007, 11:53 PM
farmergal Seasoned Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New York Posts: 4,926	I'm sorry you lost one. That is great that Paint is willing to be a foster mom. That can help to alleviate some of your duties. Got a pic of the survivor? __________________

05-28-2007, 06:30 PM
QuarterCowGirl Welcome and Introductions Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 6,757	Here's my baby! With his adopted family... And a short movie just for fun. __________________ I'm a farmer - I'll grow on you.

05-29-2007, 09:34 AM
farmergal Seasoned Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New York Posts: 4,926	That pic shows just how much paints kittens have grown. Momma Kitty moved her kittens off the porch last night. Someone didn't see that the door was latched last night and I found it open this morning. She moved the babies to a place that I can't reach them. __________________

05-29-2007, 09:45 AM
ruffian Long Yearling Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Alberta Posts: 1,018	We had six orphan kittens that were dumped on the road near our house. I lost three of them, mostly due to over feeding. They really started to thrive when my male bull terrier took them on. He kept them warm and licked them to stimulate elimination. It is hard to keep them going when they are little but worth it if they make it. I have pics of Buddy and his babies but they are so old I'll have to figure out how to scan them in. __________________ There is something about the outside of a Horse that\'s good for the inside of a man (Will Rogers)

05-31-2007, 01:40 PM
QuarterCowGirl Welcome and Introductions Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 6,757	Another mini update... My baby who I've named Dippy is doing very well! He's got a good set of lungs on him and he's very demanding! He's got the whole purring thing down pat and loves it when I tickle his belly. I still take him to work with me to keep the feedings to every 3 hours. My boss did find out that I had a kitten in his milkhouse and he wanted to see him and said he was cute! On a sad note, I think his mom died. I haven't seen her in three days which is very odd. It must be fate that I found Dippy and his sibling before she disappeared. __________________ I'm a farmer - I'll grow on you.

06-06-2007, 01:44 PM
QuarterCowGirl Welcome and Introductions Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 6,757	Here's my baby at 10 days old! I'm so proud of him, he's such a good boy! __________________ I'm a farmer - I'll grow on you.