Daily Kitten Chat Forum » Purrs

1. 

   Oi, I'm stuck with a beautiful baby kitten.
   Last night I had a birthday party for a friend of mine, we had it at my place since I'm the only one who doesn't live with their parents.
   I got a call from one of the birthday girls friends asking if it was okay to bring a kitten for her present. I asked how old the kitten was, he said the kitten is about 6 weeks.
   I thought a little young, he told me the kitten was already weened and ready for a home, so I said okay.
   Party starts and he comes over with this bundle of kitten, one look at it and everyone is squealing with delight, and I'm facepalming because I notice the kitten is DEFINITELY not 6 weeks old. (Then again, I could be wrong.)
   Kitten is passed around to everyone, we notice shes a girl kitten and we all agree on the name "Ash".
   Calls are made to birthday girls home, mom instantly says no. Calls are made to her friends parents, every single one said no.
   They all look at me.
   OF COURSE I'm not going to abandon the kitten, and shes too young to be left alone for too long, I tell them I'll take her UNTIL someone can find a home for her.
   I also noticed she was WAY skinny, I could feel every bone in her tiny body.

   So here I am with this cute starving kitty- I have 3 cats already and all 3 of them now hate my guts. I've been keeping her, when not cuddled with me, inside of a cat carrier with a warm blanket. I was given a bag of Purina kitten chow from my neighbor. I made a small plate of kitten chow mixed with warm water so its soft and she has been eating that okay. She even used the litter box and had a good poo.

   The worst part about this situation is that I've fallen on hard times, financially speaking. I have to rely on my husband for transportation and hes a contractor so he's always on call (He doesn't like the kitten, but he'll deal), and I'm up to my neck in bills I can barely pay.
   So, I'm not able to take the kitten to the vet, which I know she needs.
   I'm going to see if I can get a loan from my mother to take Ash to the vet, but shes in Italy right now and wont be back till next week.

   I guess perhaps I could ask you all for some advice, mostly on determining her age, I'm guessing around 3-4 weeks old.
   Here is a picture:
   http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v43/Vitae/ashbaby01.jpg

   Also, will the Purina Kitten Chow mixed and softened with warm water be ok for the time being? Come Friday I'll be able to afford some better kitten food.. and on that note which kind of food should I get? Does she still need KMR? Will switching foods harm her? How about my 3 cats, all of them just sit and hiss at her :( is there a way I could let her out of the crate to explore without worries that my other cats wont hurt her?

   Oh gosh too many questions.
   I would appreciate any advice given :)

   PS: I have a job interview today, wish me luck!

   Posted 3 years ago by Vitae #

2. 

   Welcome Vitae... I am not a good one for advice... but I can tell you Ash is a little doll! There will be others on later with advice.

   Best of luck on the interview... and with baby Ash!

   Posted 3 years ago by 2 Popoki #

3. 

   It's usually recommended kitten's food should be changed gradually but since you can't know what kind of food she has had, I'd say go with it. If she eats it she has apparently been weaned. If she really is that young I'd say KMR and unflavoured Pedialyte would be good for her.

   Keep Ash warm and observe her intake and output.

   Posted 3 years ago by miu #

4. 

   The introduction of a kitten should be gradual too. It would be better to keep them on separate rooms and let them sniff each other's belongings before they see and touch each other.

   We have some kitten gurus here who can guide you better. And I almost forgot: Welcome to TDK, Vitae! Hope you like it here.

   Posted 3 years ago by miu #

5. 

   ok i can help! ive had to raise 2 kittens that were about that age. first of all, hes freaken cute!!! ok now what u do is make sure the little guy stays warm. ive had my kittens in a box with a blanket because i couldnt afford anything fancy. go to walmart and pick up a can of kitten formula and a bottle, if no bottle than an eyedropper will work too. if u are having a hard time getting that, i would feed them regular cows milk. yes it sounds bad but i had to. warm it up SLIGHTLY, test it on ur wrist to make sure its not too hot and feed the little guy. 2% and whole are good because of the extra fat content. i would always have the little guy near me in case he mowed for something. with a kitten this young if u feed the little guy like this he will think of u as a parent and love u to pieces. both kittens i did this for have grown up and are healthy as can be! with both i had to play mother and take a warm wash cloth to thier butts so they could go to the bathroom but i think ur baby is past that stage. make sure ur kitten does NOT get dehydrated. give him tons of lovins and all should be well :) if u need anything else feel free to ask!!

   Posted 3 years ago by Kittey #

6. 

   The others have great advice, Vitae. So I just want to say welcome to TDK and oh, my goodness - what a totally adorable kitten!!!!!

   Posted 3 years ago by WillowandWindismom #

7. 

   Ash looks like the last cat I had - watched him being born and had him for 4 years - beautiful kitten!

   Posted 3 years ago by KarenCentennial #

8. 

   Hi Vitae, welcome to TDK! Sounds like you may have acquired cat no. 4...the others will get used to her, you just need to introduce them gradually and in a controlled way. You may find the synthetic feline hormone Feliway (available as a spray or plug in diffuser) helpful combatting their anxiety.

   Good luck with the job interview, hope it goes well and you're hired!

   PS - hope you don't mind me asking, but there's a certain "English" style to your writing - are you originally from the UK?

   Posted 3 years ago by MadcatwomanintheUK #

9. 

   Hi Vitae,Ash is so cute. I would stick with KMR and try to get some wet kitten food or just soak the kitten food that you have with KMR. If you can put her in a small room like a bathroom so that you can keep her kind of isolated as your other kits get to know her. Also I would isolate her from the others until you can take her to the vet to make sure that she doesn't have anything contagious. Get her tested for feline leukemia/aids,it's a combo test that is about $30,they can give you the result in about 10 minutes. I've been lucky with mine,most are negative but it's really important that you get her tested. I know how it is to be financially strapped,I just fostered 2 kittens but I took them to be tested and to get their kitten and rabies shots as that will ensure that they have a healthy immune system.
   Thank you so much for taking care of this little doll,bless you. There's just an initial cost to make sure she's OK and to get shots then she should be fine. :)

   Posted 3 years ago by Buttercup #

10. 

    First off, Vitae, good luck with the job interview!

    It sounds as if Ash is eating dry food, lightly moistened. I'd stick with that, for right now. Don't leave moistened food down, though; it's amazing how fast bacteria can grow on it! Dry food and a dish of water should be okay, for when you're not there. Just monitor Ash to make sure she's peeing, pooping, and eating normally. Purina's okay until you're able to get a higher-quality food this weekend. I'd suggest reading labels and making sure that you get one where at least 2 or 3 of the first 5 ingredients are meat. Ones that I've had good success with include By Nature, Science Diet, Nutro Max, Eukanuba, and Blue Buffalo. (I sometimes use Iams when I'm particularly pressed for money.)

    Ditto what Buttercup said; Ash should definitely be kept separate from your other kitties until you can have her tested and/or vaccinated. Are there any low-cost spay & neuter clinics in your area? They'll usually offer (or require) low-cost vaccinations, and they sometimes offer microchipping, too. Sometimes they'll worm the cat and apply flea treatment, too.

    As long as Ash appears to be steady on her feet, based on the photo she could very well be 6 weeks old.

    Posted 3 years ago by anncetera2 #

11. 

    Hm, thanks for all the information and advice :)
    I'll go this weekend to pick her up some good quality food and kitten items.
    She pooped last night, but has yet to poop today, I'll try again with her in a few but hopefully she'll be ok. She has peed.

    I uploaded a video on YouTube of her playing with a necklace :)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1FK_tRUQ8Y

    Posted 3 years ago by Vitae #

12. 

    Ash is too cute!! Who could possibly resist such a sweet little baby? Thank you for taking her in and giving her a loving home - that is a lucky little kitten!

    Posted 3 years ago by WillowandWindismom #

13. 

    Woot! Nevermind about the poopy problem, shortly after my last post we tried again in the litter box and she had a nice healthy poop!

    Few more questions:
    I noticed recently she has fleas :( is there a flea treatment option available for a kitten her age and size?
    Her poop seems healthy, brown stinky and about the consistency of standard poop! Is there anything I should look out for in her poop? I didn't spot any worms.

    Oh! And another video of her attacking the camera :)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1yiBGOMJ0I

    PS: Oh, the interview went swimmingly and I got the job!

    Posted 3 years ago by Vitae #

14. 

    Congratulations on the job!

    Food-grade diatomaceous earth is safe for kittens and cats of all ages. It can be used to treat the kitten as well as the house or apartment.

    More good info at: http://www.dirtworks.net/Diatomaceous-Earth.html

    Posted 3 years ago by anncetera2 #

15. 

    Congratulations on the job! And congratulations on Ash, she is to die for! I hope your other kitties take to her in time.

    I also use a flea comb on my Libby, she loves being combed, and it has turned into a general excuse for cuddles (which she usually pretends she doesn't want)...

    Posted 3 years ago by jcat #

16. 

    A quick note... please don't neglect your adult cats. They could be rightfully jealous of all the extra attention that Ash is getting. Be sure to show them how much you appreciate them, too.

    Posted 3 years ago by anncetera2 #

17. 

    Congrats on the new job and the video of Ash is adorable!

    Posted 3 years ago by Buttercup #

18. 

    I almost forgot to reply to MadcatwomanintheUK's question!
    Nope, never been to the UK but would love to go someday :)
    I was born in Detroit Michigan and raised mostly in Haverhill Massachusetts (45 minutes from Boston) and I've lived in over 7 states.
    I have a very mixed accent, one moment I'm northern "BAHSTuN" "driving my cah down havahhd yahhhd"
    then the next moment i'm "HOWDY Yall!!"

    LOL :)

    Posted 3 years ago by Vitae #

19. 

    Hi, Vitae. Welcome to TDK!! Congratulations on the new kitten and the job. :D Ash is such a cutie pie. I hope you have room to add her to your kitty crew!

    Posted 3 years ago by Kitten Whisperer #

20. 

    Welcome to TDK Vitae! You've come to the right place for kitty advice and lots of fun besides that. Everyone here has so much knowledge yet we trust Anncetera with our babies lives!!! She's our kitty guru..tried and true! Ash is such a sweetie! Oh..and congratulations on your job. Hope everything goes smoothly for you. Keep us posted on all your kitty family. :D

    Posted 3 years ago by Karenopa #

21. 

    Well, I have some bad news.
    No no, Ash is doing just fine :) shes currently asleep in her carrier.
    Unfortunately my husband.. whom I love but sometimes want to strangle.. won't let me keep Ash. He's upset because we already have 3 cats and he hates cats to begin with.
    So, that means I'm going to have to give Ash away. He's given me till Monday to find a home for her.
    Thankfully there are several no kill shelters around town, and not to forget the House of Mews which is a local cat sanctuary. I might be able to get her there since shes a kitten and highly adoptable :)
    I'm sad to have to let her go, but I will definitely enjoy the time I have left with her.

    Posted 3 years ago by Vitae #

22. 

    Oh, that's sad! Good thing though (like you said) Ash is highly adoptable and may found another home.

    Posted 3 years ago by miu #

23. 

    She is so cute playing with the necklace and being ms. toughgirl and attacking the camera! sorry she has to leave :( she is young and full of life and she will find a safe home :)

    Posted 3 years ago by Kittey #

24. 

    Bless your heart for contributing to Ash's socialization and play skills. What a dollbaby.

    Posted 3 years ago by Siobhan #

25. 

    Welcome Vitae..I'm very sorry you wont be able to keep Ash, but it sounds like you will do all you can to see that she does end up in a good forever home..

    Posted 3 years ago by 2bpurring #

26. 

    Will he let you keep her until she's old enough for a furever home? Maybe he'll fall in love with her and not want to let her go if she's around for another couple of weeks.

    Posted 3 years ago by CheetahBoysmommy #

27. 

    run a little tuna juice on his ear..maybe when she starts licking his ear he will fall for her..

    Posted 3 years ago by 2bpurring #

28. 

    Oh, gosh - that would be so hard! Ash is absolutely adorable. 2bp has a great ploy there in getting Ash to become your husband's kitten. She is so seriously cute!

    Posted 3 years ago by WillowandWindismom #

29. 

    Vitae, I am sorry you have to give Ash up as she is adorable. What with her being so young and so cute, I am hoping she gets adopted to a good home quickly. Thank you for taking good care of her though.

    Posted 3 years ago by SylMiaFelixMomma #

30. 

    Just thought I'd update you all.
    She's been adopted to a good home :) Her new owners just recently lost a cat of 8 years to cancer, so they're looking forward to keeping Ash and giving her a new home.

    I'll miss her. I enjoyed the time I had with her

    Posted 3 years ago by Vitae #

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