Topic: five to six week old kitten - advice please (Read 9834 times)

clarenmax · « **Reply #39 on:** March 31, 2008, 10:36:04 AM »

Just catching up with posts from the weekend, and my there are a lot of them

I can't offer you any advice I'm afraid, I've never dealt with kittens and no nothing about their care.

I just wanted to wish you the very best of luck with what you are doing for this little one, who is absolutely gorgeous by the way

Bryony84 · « **Reply #38 on:** March 31, 2008, 10:07:32 AM »

I think you are right to point it out too Dawn, this case is different to someone who could have got a very young kitten from a bad breeder or petshop thinking it would be ok to leave them.

The fact that Eeyore (sorry I don't know your name!) has taken in this kitten and put the effort in to do what it best for her kitten shows that she is better off with them as she would have died otherwise but it isn't an ideal situation at the same time. A babysitter during the day for her is a good idea if you can as is taking her to work. Otherwise would you be able to get home at lunch time to feed her or is it too far? If you could maybe get up really early, give her a feed, go back to bed, give her a feed before you leave, pop home at lunch, then feed her when you get home and again before bed that might be enough foodwise, but it wouldn't get around the fact that something could happen when you were out I guess.

Where do you live - I can't remember if you said?

She is very cute by the way!

LesleyW · « **Reply #37 on:** March 31, 2008, 10:01:27 AM »

Quote from: Dawn (DiddyDawn) on March 31, 2008, 01:18:25 AM

Quote from: Eeyore on March 30, 2008, 21:16:21 PM
And I don't think she'd like the journey (and we cycle to work). We will have a look into a babysitter though.

I would agree with you about the bike situation, but really pleased you'll be looking into getting her a babysitter I know you are doing your utmost to do the best for her, and I don't want you to think that I'm having a go as I think you are doing a wonderful thing. I just feel a kitten this size needs to be monitored regularly in the day and having constant attention. The other concern is, this forum is getting bigger by the day so I think it needs to pointed out that it's not a good thing to leave a kitten so young unattended for hours on end, as some would read it that it's perfectly okay to take on a 5/6 week old kitten and not be there to look after him/her. I know in this situation it can't be helped, as without you the little one would have died but hopefully you can see where I'm coming from

Just caught up with this thread and agree totally that young kittens, in an ideal world, need 24 hour care, even more so for orphans. When you do leave her, is she confined - kittens can get up to all sorts of mischief and get stuck in the smallest of spaces.

The major thing that concerns me is the amount of food you say she is eating. In one of your posts you mention 35ml milk per day. I am at present handreading two kittens, now approximately 5 weeks old and they are just weaning now but prior to this were on over 35ml milk per feed with up to 6 feeds per day. I feel your little one is not eating enough and it sounds as if she has never really weaned probably and it may be a case of going back to basics with her and mixing the meat to a real sloppy mixture with proper kitten milk replacer to get her used to the taste and trying to bottle feed this regularly before expecting her to eat for herself.

What area are you in? Are there local rescues in your area that could help you out?

I wish you all the luck in the world - I know you are doing everything you can for your little one - raising kittens can be one of the most rewarding things in the world BUT it is hard work and can be heartbreaking.

Dawn (DiddyDawn) · « **Reply #36 on:** March 31, 2008, 01:55:40 AM »

I'm glad you think so as this has been playing on my mind all night

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #35 on:** March 31, 2008, 01:54:13 AM »

Thats a very good point Dawn

Dawn (DiddyDawn) · « **Reply #34 on:** March 31, 2008, 01:18:25 AM »

Quote from: Eeyore on March 30, 2008, 21:16:21 PM

And I don't think she'd like the journey (and we cycle to work). We will have a look into a babysitter though.

I would agree with you about the bike situation, but really pleased you'll be looking into getting her a babysitter

I know you are doing your utmost to do the best for her, and I don't want you to think that I'm having a go as I think you are doing a wonderful thing. I just feel a kitten this size needs to be monitored regularly in the day and having constant attention. The other concern is, this forum is getting bigger by the day so I think it needs to pointed out that it's not a good thing to leave a kitten so young unattended for hours on end, as some would read it that it's perfectly okay to take on a 5/6 week old kitten and not be there to look after him/her. I know in this situation it can't be helped, as without you the little one would have died but hopefully you can see where I'm coming from

Mark · « **Reply #33 on:** March 30, 2008, 23:43:54 PM »

I am in love

Which area are you in?

I just wondered if your local CP or another rescue might me able to foster until Eeyore is weaned?
I know our branch would do that if at all possible.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #32 on:** March 30, 2008, 23:25:18 PM »

She is wonderful

Dawn (DiddyDawn) · « **Reply #31 on:** March 30, 2008, 23:21:33 PM »

What a little darling

Eeyore · « **Reply #30 on:** March 30, 2008, 23:16:40 PM »

She's beautiful!

[attachment deleted by admin]

Eeyore · « **Reply #29 on:** March 30, 2008, 23:15:29 PM »

Here she is...

[attachment deleted by admin]

Eeyore · « **Reply #28 on:** March 30, 2008, 21:37:29 PM »

Hi again,

I just read Minimopsical's story - love her!

Eeyore's wobbles don't seem to be quite so pronounced, and she doesn't have the bobbing head thing going on. She does fall over a lot though - especially when she's taking corners - it's as though the front of her body knows where to go, but the back end doesn't quite know how to follow, and she topples over.

I'll try to get a photo of her up soon.

Thank you all again for all your help and advice.

xx

Tiggy's Mum · « **Reply #27 on:** March 30, 2008, 21:20:34 PM »

Not only does it sound like you're doing a great job but you sound like wonderful, caring cat 'parents'

If you have read Minimopsicals story (top right of the home page) then that can only give you hope if little Eeyore does indeed have Cerebellar Hypoplasia. Look forward to hearing more about her as she grows

Eeyore · « **Reply #26 on:** March 30, 2008, 21:16:21 PM »

Hmm, not sure about taking her into work. And I don't think she'd like the journey (and we cycle to work). We will have a look into a babysitter though.

Dawn (DiddyDawn) · « **Reply #25 on:** March 30, 2008, 21:07:33 PM »

It sounds as if you're doing a great job but if you could get somebody to take over his care in the day, his chances of survival will be much better or even as BC says, can't you take him into work with you?

Eeyore · « **Reply #24 on:** March 30, 2008, 21:01:43 PM »

Thanks to everyone in fact - there were more posts while I was writing.

xx

Teresa Pawcats · « **Reply #23 on:** March 30, 2008, 21:01:31 PM »

I didnt want to worry you with a CH diagnosis . Read Minimopsicals story at top right of home page- purrs mascot click on her nose

Eeyore · « **Reply #22 on:** March 30, 2008, 21:00:03 PM »

Thanks Gill,

We know it's a huge responsibility, and it's not one we take lightly. We just want what's kindest for Eeyore, and we've talked to the vet about her survival chances. His take is that she's currently gaining weight (albeit slowly), is happy (purring and playing) - so while this isn't an ideal situation, he seems to think it's an ok one, as things go.

I think it's quite possible that Eeyore has Cerebellar Hypoplasia (armchair diagnosis from internet reading - so could also be completely wrong). If that's the case, and if she's strong enough and still enjoying life, we don't mind having a wobbly cat who makes a bit of a mess. However, if she ever stops enjoying life - or if we can't give her the care she needs - we'll take the vet's advice, or seek to place her with someone who can.

For now though, I think things are ok - but we really, really value your support and experience.

xxx

Teresa Pawcats · « **Reply #21 on:** March 30, 2008, 20:59:12 PM »

Milk is not needed at every meal; the point I was making is that when it is served it needs to be freshly made to reduce risk of upset tummy.
Not good to leave kitty alone too many hours however you seem to be coping well so carry on as you are, maybe give 3 servings of milk per 24hour period and reduce as kitten eats more solids. When you go to work leave food and water down.
good Luck I am sure you will be fine

blackcat · « **Reply #20 on:** March 30, 2008, 20:58:33 PM »

depending on how flexible your employers are, have you considered taking the wee one to work with you? I have done that with a puppy, tucked into a sling around my neck and under my blouse. Apart from my 'stomach' making strange noises and movements from time to time, it was not too terribly difficulty and meant the wee puppy had the company of a warm breathing thing 24/7 as well as regular meals.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #19 on:** March 30, 2008, 20:53:03 PM »

I am not in rescue like Teresa and Dawn but I am concerned that what appears to be conflicting advice may make you abandon the kitten.

I have to say that if there is nowhere else it can go , it must be better off with you and doing what you are doing, with assistance of the advice giiven.

The hard thing is that the kitten may not survive but if you were to abandon it it definately wouldnt and you can only do as much as you are able.

Unless you have someone to help you with the feeding, there is not much else that can be done except what you are doing.

I hope that Tersas and Dawns advice can be adapted to do as much as you can for the kitten and hope that it puts on weight , stops wobbling and becomes a a bigger kitten

Eeyore · « **Reply #18 on:** March 30, 2008, 20:47:18 PM »

Yes we do - although she doesn't seem very interested in it. The vet said this was ok, as cats don't really like water too much, but said that it was essential she had fresh water. We change her water twice a day.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #17 on:** March 30, 2008, 20:44:09 PM »

Do you leave water for her too?

Eeyore · « **Reply #16 on:** March 30, 2008, 20:42:01 PM »

So, what she really needs is to be given milk six times a day?

If that's the case, we clearly can't do this for her. Do you think it might be possible for us to pay an expert to "take her in" for a few weeks until she's strong enough to be looked after in the way that we can (mornings, evening and weekends)?

Dawn (DiddyDawn) · « **Reply #15 on:** March 30, 2008, 20:38:30 PM »

Without putting a damper on things, if the kitten was still with mum and being reared by her, she would still be feeding off her as well as eating solids, this kitty still needs her milk as it has everything in it that she needs, and she also needs her fluids so she doesn't dehydrate which is a killer in kittens and adults alike.

Eeyore · « **Reply #14 on:** March 30, 2008, 20:33:18 PM »

We know what she's eating because we leave very small dishes of biscuits and kitten milk, and if they're empty, she's eaten them (there are no other pets). But following all this brilliant advice, we won't be leaving milk for her now - just the food listed. She does drink quite a bit of milk by getting up and going to it herself - about six tablespoons of it usually a day - but more on a good day.

Thanks

Teresa Pawcats · « **Reply #13 on:** March 30, 2008, 20:26:03 PM »

Sorry I`m multitasking and not good at it.
best to wean kitten onto solids,if kitten not eating enough solid, supplement with either of cat milk substitutes I listed. Do not leave milk down,what isnt consumned with 10 miutes needs throwing away.

Dawn (DiddyDawn) · « **Reply #12 on:** March 30, 2008, 20:24:43 PM »

Quote from: Eeyore on March 30, 2008, 19:54:30 PM

We're both at work during the day - and the kitten is helping herself to milk while we're out, and little bits of biscuit. Is it bad to leave her during the day? Does she need more attention than this?

I wouldn't be happy leaving a little one on her own throughout the day, kittens this age virtually need round the clock care and sadly lots of things could go wrong, they are very vulnerable at such a young age. Isn't there anyone that could take over her feeding and care whilst you are in work? How do you know she's eating sufficient whilst you are not there

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #11 on:** March 30, 2008, 20:18:37 PM »

I would go back to the litter she is used to until she is older and has got the hang of everything. But over to the experts again.

I think there was a typo in Teresas last post and it should have read that kittens do not need fresh milk every feed but I am sure she will clarify.

As I understand it milk is a food not a drink and that is the reason.

If you for get to ask the vet something when you are there , ring them up and ask them

It also sometimes help if you take a list of questions.....................I used to and then forgot I had the list..........sigh

Eeyore · « **Reply #10 on:** March 30, 2008, 20:18:07 PM »

Sorry to be thick - how much food is in a small meal?

Thanks so much,

xx

Eeyore · « **Reply #9 on:** March 30, 2008, 20:10:16 PM »

OK - right I'll do that from now on, thank you. It's unfortunate, but we do both have to work. Today she's slept for most of the day, with a couple of little wanders around.

Another thing - sorry to talk poo - she's only ever done one poo since she came to us just over a week ago. The vet said she's not constipated, but it's another little worry. She's not eating many solids, but still...

She was quite happy going for a wee on her litter tray, but then I changed the litter because I read some articles online saying that clay litter is bad for cats - and she doesn't seem to get the hang of the wood bark litter stuff. We don't mind clearing up her little puddles, and we put her straight onto the litter tray and give her lots of praise and strokes - but so far only one poo.

Is this normal? Sorry to go on - we just want to be as kind to her as possible, and would hate to be doing something to distress her out of ignorance.

Teresa Pawcats · « **Reply #8 on:** March 30, 2008, 20:00:44 PM »

To be truthful kitten does need fresh milk every feed, kittens soon get poorly tummies; if she must be left try to leave meat only feeds mushed up with boiled water.

Eeyore · « **Reply #7 on:** March 30, 2008, 19:54:30 PM »

Thank you - this is all brilliant.

The vet is lovely, but he has limited time - and sometimes I forget to ask him things.

We're both at work during the day - and the kitten is helping herself to milk while we're out, and little bits of biscuit. Is it bad to leave her during the day? Does she need more attention than this?

xx

Teresa Pawcats · « **Reply #6 on:** March 30, 2008, 19:47:12 PM »

Yes Gill, certainly 6 small meals a day.
Sorry missed the sleep bit,tiny kittens play a little and sleep a lot.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #5 on:** March 30, 2008, 19:42:59 PM »

Would I be right Teresa that its lots of little meals often?

Tiggy's Mum · « **Reply #4 on:** March 30, 2008, 19:40:14 PM »

I'm no kitten expert but with regards the amount of sleeping time - I was really surprised just how much my two (healthy) kittens slept. They would play for a while then zonk out for hours on end so it may well be normal for your little girl to be sleeping so much...

with raising this little one, please keep us posted on how she's doing.

Teresa Pawcats · « **Reply #3 on:** March 30, 2008, 19:37:21 PM »

Hi Eeyore
Pleased you have taken this little one under your wing.

The wobbling could be something serious but it could also be due to malnutrition so dont panic.
The best milk is Royal Canin vital milk or Cimicat,your vet should supply one of these. Little one needs to eat solids, try adding the warm kitten milk to the food to make a soup, give her lots of meals and often; try putting food on your fingers and getting him/her to lick it off, make sure kittens nose is kept clean at all times so that she can smell food.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #2 on:** March 30, 2008, 19:21:46 PM »

I am sure one of our kitten experts will reply to this and hope that the kitten will be OK

Eeyore · « **Reply #1 on:** March 30, 2008, 19:05:26 PM »

Hello there

We recently found an abandoned kitten (just over a week ago) and hope to keep her. We've taken her to the vet a couple of times, as she had fleas (now she's been Frontlined, and doesn't have them). Then we took her a couple of days ago because she was wobbling and falling over when she was walking.

The vet has said that the wobbling could be really serious - and we should think about what to do if it is. He's also said that it could be a minor thing she'll grow out of. He didn't want to distress her with blood tests just yet (she's quite tiny).

I had a cat for many years before this - but she was four or five years old when she came to me. I've never had a kitten, and I don't know how much she should be eating. The vet's advice was just to let her eat as much as she wants.

He thinks she's about five or six weeks old, and she weighs about 400g. She seems happy - she purrs and she play fights. She also sleeps a lot too. I know older cats sleep a lot - is this normal for kittens? I've read two kitten books, and looked at a few websites, but I don't seem to be able to find what's normal.

She drinks kitten milk - probably about half a little box of it a day - about six tablespoons full. Sometimes she will take a tiny bit of kitten pate, tuna or kitten biscuits made soggy with kitten milk - but not much more than a thimble full, sometimes. She just doesn't seem to know how to eat - she licks food and is interested in it, but she doesn't seem to want to chomp it. She is putting on weight, slowly. But I'm concerned she's not eating enough. Does this sound like enough?

Any advice anyone can give me will be very gratefully received.

Many thanks,

xx

Author Topic: five to six week old kitten - advice please (Read 9834 times)