http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ Daily Kitten Chat Forum Topic: Kitten dad needing advice! PLEASE HELP! en Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:30:19 +0000 http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/4#post-387841 Fri, 29 May 2009 07:34:52 +0000 nawlins catmom 387841@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Ken - I think as far as litter use goes, I would try stimulating over the litter, and put them right in it when they respond... they will get the idea. I seem to remember from Hester's litter that with mamacat help they were starting to get the litter idea by about 4-5 weeks. Of course, they played in it too... kicked more out than covered, on many days... as far as the food transition, start the wet food with milk more as a gruel, even letting them lick some off your finger at first, and then putting them in front of a shallow saucer with the gruel on it... not deep... They catch on pretty quickly, but you may need to do a bottle or two as they transistion... continued growth is the key indicator of sufficient nutrition, as always! Good luck on both fronts! </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/4#post-387783 Fri, 29 May 2009 04:49:10 +0000 Ken 387783@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>The kittens are now about 4 weeks old and I am wonder how soon can I begin teaching litter habits? I don't expect them to get it right immediately but just to begin the teaching would be a help to the strain of having to stimulate so often. Any advice? I've already decided next week (with the vets agreement) I am going to try to ween / get the kittens onto wet food with milk mix. Any advice for this? </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/4#post-387098 Wed, 27 May 2009 19:36:33 +0000 jcat 387098@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Ken, the kittens will have a much better chance if you can hang on to them until they are weaned. I don't want to frighten you but if the SPCA cannot find someone willing to take on the job you are doing, of hand-rearing them, then they might very well be put down. If you could find a no-kill shelter that has foster mums available to take on the feeding job, that would be much better, but I don't know how available they are in your area.</p> <p>Opahall offered help if you needed any on page 2, and gave you her email addy, she is in your area, could you maybe contact her for help and/or advice? </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/4#post-387089 Wed, 27 May 2009 18:59:34 +0000 Ken 387089@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Also, the three kittens have become too much to handle. Would it be terribly bad to give the two I have no intention of keeping to the SPCA to be raised the rest of the way and keep their brother whom I intend to keep? Or will it be terribly bad for the kittens? I'm trying to do what is best for them.... </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/4#post-386984 Wed, 27 May 2009 15:20:05 +0000 Ken 386984@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>So far I havent seen worms or worm segments, in hopes to get them back to pooping normally we've started them with pedialite again. All are sucking down milk like no other. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/4#post-386149 Mon, 25 May 2009 22:40:46 +0000 Binx.baby 386149@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Also ((I've noticed or maybe it just happens to me)) that the runts of the litters catch up later on. In weight. But def look for worms. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/4#post-386102 Mon, 25 May 2009 16:13:13 +0000 CheetahBoysmommy 386102@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>If Princess is pooping on whatever schedule seems to be normal for her, and her weight gain is all over, rather then just a huge belly, she's probably okay.</p> <p>If it's just her tummy that's big, and she's not pooping or she is pooping but there are worm segments in it, call the vet again tomorrow. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/4#post-386101 Mon, 25 May 2009 15:58:26 +0000 Ken 386101@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Ok, my latest question is about Princess, the former little one, is now a fatty! She is close to twice the size of the other two. Should I be worried? A week ago she was the smallest. Should I be worried? </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/3#post-386061 Mon, 25 May 2009 13:18:04 +0000 nawlins catmom 386061@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>I wouldn't worry too much - if they are otherwise active, it will all come out in the end (couldn't resist, sorry...) </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/3#post-386059 Mon, 25 May 2009 13:14:40 +0000 Ken 386059@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>we only let them run around the room under supervision, otherwise they remain in a kittin "fort" of blankets barricaded by boxs. I still worry over the slight lack of colon movements. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/3#post-385780 Mon, 25 May 2009 00:34:49 +0000 Binx.baby 385780@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Is it your bedroom they're running around in? Cuz if I were you I'd put them in a room where they can't get under places you can't reach...potential potty place. I'd make sure that before you go to bed you get them to potty and then if you don't have work tomorrow then wake up halfway through the night, do it again, and then when you wake up in the morning potty time once more. Crossing my fingers for no accidents! </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/3#post-385774 Sun, 24 May 2009 23:49:58 +0000 Ken 385774@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>So far its going well, we let them run around a bedroom tonight and all are balancing quite well. As always my concerns lie with their bathroom use, as they dont go to the bathroom every time anymore, sometimes they only go every third feeding. Could the pedialite be causing constipation?</p> <p>Either way they are doing amazing, but I must admit I am looking forward to the litter box training, this stimulation thing grows old! </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/3#post-385542 Sun, 24 May 2009 09:45:39 +0000 Kitten Whisperer 385542@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>That is wonderful progress. Please let us know how it goes. Any more photos to share? :) </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/3#post-385459 Sun, 24 May 2009 05:55:48 +0000 Ken 385459@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Today because the kittens are doing so well we are moving feedings to every 6 hours. Here's hoping the lil boogers are ready! </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/3#post-385254 Sat, 23 May 2009 15:41:21 +0000 Ken 385254@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>This SPCA has a "feral friends" program that is spoken of quite well by the local no kill shelter. I'm hoping Robber can become a mouser at a local farm. At least that's what I'm going to tell myself. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/3#post-385249 Sat, 23 May 2009 15:27:39 +0000 Tigerlilly 385249@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Ken, I am sorry to say that ferals do not get adopted from he SPCA, they don't have a chance. I wish I could lie to you about this. Any chance you could let them spay or neuter him/her and then take her back to release her/him. That's what many feral rescue groups do. Maybe you can contact Allie cat Allies, they may have someone locally. They do TNR (trap neuter release) programs all over the country </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/3#post-385239 Sat, 23 May 2009 15:08:47 +0000 Ken 385239@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>I already took the feral in, i don't think it was the female I needed. I have to admit I feel really cruddy, the only no-kill shelter there is was full, so I took the cat to the humane society and I'm scared to death I just set that cat up to be euthanized, which I don't want to happen.</p> <p>Secondly, I felt terrible because the cat made a mess (feces) all over the cage, i feel terrible it had to be in there for so long.</p> <p>Cheri, Sadly for me keeping the kittens is a slippery slope, i know If i rationalized keeping two, id end up keeping all 3, and in my apartment with Nimitz that would be a terrible idea. I'm under enough pressure from the gf not to keep any as it is, 3 might give her a heart attack.</p> <p>I don't know you guys well, but I would ask you guys pray for "robber" the cat who "broke into" my apartment. I hope he finds a good home and is helped to have a good life if he is re-released. The thought of me being the cause for that cat potentially being put down breaks my heart. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/3#post-385102 Sat, 23 May 2009 08:34:13 +0000 CSBM 385102@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>if you are planning on keeping one kitten, seriously think about keeping 2. they will entertain each other if you're gone for the day, and 2 kittens are 3 times the fun !!!</p> <p>also, if you have an older kitty, 2 kittens will not annoy the older kitty. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/3#post-385087 Sat, 23 May 2009 07:44:22 +0000 nawlins catmom 385087@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Kittens play very roughly, and even my 2-3 y/o cats wrestle regularly. If I feel like they are getting out of hand - vocalization quality is usually the key, I break it up with a squirt bottle... with the little ones, you can easily separate them and hold them down like the momma cat would do... They will learn... </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/3#post-385085 Sat, 23 May 2009 07:38:58 +0000 nawlins catmom 385085@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Ken - don't worry about rabies - speaking as an infectious disease epidemiologist it is highly improbably. First, no break in the skin. Second, an animal with rabies is not likely to seek out humans... they become aprehensive and aprnoid. The best indication that this is momma cat (aside form her showing up looking fo rhte babies)is to catch a look at her belly - her mipples should still be large, and perhaps swollen, since she has not nursed for several days. I brought in a feral cat who gave birth in a large dog crate in my back bathroom, and she clamed donw amazingly - she is not one of four housecats... and very people oriented. IF you can, you may want to wait on taking her to the shelter until the kittens come back - see if she knows them - and that would make your job infintely easier! Momma will take over everything! </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/3#post-385043 Sat, 23 May 2009 03:21:46 +0000 Marnet 385043@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>You're quite welcome. Ask anytime. Have lots of fun with the whole "kit and caboodle" of them. :-) </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/3#post-385042 Sat, 23 May 2009 03:03:47 +0000 Ken 385042@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>ok, thank you so much for the help. This message board is truly a great place to let off concerns, and get answers while raising these lil boogers. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/3#post-385041 Sat, 23 May 2009 02:59:55 +0000 Marnet 385041@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>No, not stupid but it rarely happens. Cats have amazingly swift reflexes. We raised five litters of kittens from birth to full weaning some years ago, including one litter of 7 kittens. They indulged in tons of such rough play with no injuries. Even adult cats will play that way some with nothing worse than an occasional scratch here or there. What's going on is totally normal and actually an important part of kitten development. If you've not witnessed it before it can seem rather dramatic but it is just kittens practicing their instinctive skills at stalking, hunting, and asserting dominance. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/3#post-385040 Sat, 23 May 2009 02:41:36 +0000 Ken 385040@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Marnet, I worry most about a claw to eye. Is that stupid to worry about? </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/3#post-385039 Sat, 23 May 2009 02:16:28 +0000 Marnet 385039@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Kitten play, especially between littermates, can be quite spirited rough and tumble, including the use of claws. It is both play and working out of dominance order. They may even get to meowing or even yowling in protest, hissing, spitting, and generally going at it hammer and tongs sometimes to the point you'd think they belong on the wrestling tour. It's okay. It's normal. There will be a few bruised feelings and perhaps a few scratch marks along with lots of friendly bonding in the mayhem. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/3#post-385038 Sat, 23 May 2009 01:37:35 +0000 Ken 385038@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Ok, Alyssa called me and is concerned because the three seem to be like "attacking" one another. They don't bite but they are all quite aggressive and from how she describes it quite rough with their claws. Is this a concern or completely normal? </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/3#post-385037 Sat, 23 May 2009 01:23:56 +0000 Ken 385037@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Now I have a pooping concern. Their poop is much more "normal" as Alyssa called it since introducing pedialite but Sam hasn't pooped in the last two feedings. I'm not fully concerned, just wondering how often he should be going. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/3#post-385035 Sat, 23 May 2009 00:38:04 +0000 jcat 385035@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>You can but try, Ken, but I would keep an eye on her when you introduce them back to her and not leave her alone with them until you are sure she is happy with them. Sometimes, if kittens smell too different from the way she thinks they should, she may not want to take them back, so just make sure you are there. Also make sure this new cat is a female (google how to check if you are not sure, briefly, the two little bottom holes are further apart on a male and close together on a female), as unneutered male cats can harm unrelated kittens. Good luck! If this is mama and she does take them back, and if her milk is still flowing, you are done with bottlefeeding but you may have to check she still has enough/any milk. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/3#post-385034 Fri, 22 May 2009 23:06:54 +0000 Ken 385034@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>Chances are good that it may be the momma. Problem is would she still recognize her own kittens after this long?</p> <p>Regardless I have begun calling this cat "Robber" since he/she broke into my apartment. </p> http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/topic/17254/page/3#post-385033 Fri, 22 May 2009 22:59:40 +0000 Tigerlilly 385033@http://www.dailykitten.com/chat/ <p>If it did not break the skin and there was no bleeding the risk is extremely low, if there is a risk at all. As KW said, you may consult with your doc just to be extra cautious. as it well and put some antiseptic ointment to be overly safe<br /> Could this be Mama cat? That would be awesome as she would be the best at taking care of the kittens. </p>