Hello all I am new here. Found your site searching for info. My daughter found a kitten two days ago in the front yard of a unattended house next door to us. She didn't touch it she came and got me. I told her that the mother would be back. We sat at our house and waited for almost two hours before he was meowing away. No mother in sight. So we brought him home. And well I want to make sure I am doing things right. He was fairly cold so the first thing I did was cover him in a towel, and place him in a box in my closet away from everything. Started researching. The poor little things eyes are still closed and his umbilical cord is still attached. I sent my husband to the feed store for some goats milk he came back with kitten milk which is better. I researched what we needed to do. It has been two days now, He is warm, I am using the heating pad method. I am feeding him every two hours. I help him use the bathroom we have had three poops and no issues with pees. He seems real strong. I guess my main question is I am wondering if he is getting enough to eat. I am using a eye dropper. I have measured what I feed him each feeding and it is about a teaspoon. He seems real good but I just want to make sure I am doing it right and not leaving anything out. Thanks in advance for any advice. I have never done anything like this before.
Daily Kitten Chat Forum » Purrs
Orphan Kitten
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Hi, Janell. Welcome to the Daily Kitten!
Bless you and your daughter for caring about this young one! He is only days old. I haven't hand-raised orphaned or abandoned kittens, but others on this site have. Please keep checking back over the next day or two. You will get plenty of advice. :)
Things that have been mentioned by others include keeping the kitten warm (since they have trouble regulating their own body heat); feeding every couple of hours with kitten milk replacement; helping the kitten eliminate waste by gently rubbing the anal area in a clockwise motion with a warm wet wash cloth; making sure the kitten does not get dehydrated and keeping it safe. You can offer the KMR out of a little bottle with a soft nipple. These are available in pet stores.
Have you come up with a name for this little one? :)
Posted 2 years ago by Kitten Whisperer #
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Posted 2 years ago by Kitten Whisperer #
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I see it! Oh, so tiny!!!! :D
Posted 2 years ago by Kitten Whisperer #
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Oh, Janell, he was only one to three days old when you found him. Thank goodness you picked him up as he wouldn't have lasted long out there if Mama hadn't come back. It sounds like you're doing everything beautifully but just bear in mind that kittens this age are terribly fragile so your little one has a long battle ahead of him. But we will help with any questions we can! Welcome to TDK!
He looks like a tortie. Do you think he's a tortoiseshell/calico? If so, then he is a she! and you can start picking out little girl names!
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So far, it sounds like you are doing great! This little one is soooo tiny! He/she may be the runt and may have been left behind by mom if she didn't think he'd survive.
Make sure you keep this little one clean, with a warm wet washcloth and gentle antibacterial soap. He is going to need all the love you can give!
Sounds like he is eating all that he needs to, but just make sure he keeps gaining weight. As long as this is happening, he's okay. Thank you for taking him in and opening your heart to this little guy/girl.
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No I am not sure if he is a torte/calico. I am so new to all of this. I don't know about the different kinds. I don't have scales to weigh something so small. But from the looks of it I think he is gaining weight. Thanks again everyone for all the input and advice. Oh when does the umbilical usually fall off. It has been three days since we found him and it is still there. I am keeping it clean as well. But just wondering. Thanks again.
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Thanks for rescuing the little one... It sounds like you are doing the right thing. As far as whether he/she is getting enuf food, like a human they will cry when they are hungry! Their tummies are not very big at this age, so frequent feedings (like you are doing) is essential. You don't want to overfeed... The picture is so darling! I love it when they fit in the palm of your hand!
Posted 2 years ago by nawlins catmom #
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Just wanted to let ya'll know. All is still well. Everything is still the same. Still strong, still eating, and going potty. He/she is is gaining weight and eating more and more everyday. It is day 4 with us. The umbilical cord is still on though. Also, a friend of my mothers who is vet asst. came by to take a peek at him. She said he looks to be doing good. That it looks like he is not in need of any antibiotics or shots at this time. Just wanted to update. Thanks again everyone.
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Oh, yay! Usually the umbilical cord comes off within three days or within a week but I wouldn't worry about it if everything else is going well. Bless you for taking such good care of him. Torties are black and white and ginger but I think what I thought was a ginger spot is actually your hand in the pic, lol.
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You are doing a good job with this little one. How wonderful that you are able to "mother" him. (His coloring is similar to a momma cat I had many years ago on the farm...she had an orange and a black spot on her head and a few rings of the same color on her tail.)
Keep us posted on how the baby is doing. I think he's found his forever home.Posted 2 years ago by LadyKat of IA #
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Precious precious (gives a soft kiss to baby)
Keep him warm, keep him fed, keep him loved...the sound of your voice and your warm touch will be invaluable. Like human babies, baby kitties respond to the sound and feel of "momma". If you have a ticking clock to put with him, that's good, it imitates momma's heartbeat. And if you have a heating pad, that will offer gentle warmth. A cuddly toy adds softness and security too.
Eventually you may be able to take a little rest on your couch with baby on your chest where he can hear your heartbeat and feel your warmth. Cover him with a little something (even a fuzzy kitchen towel would work) so he doesn't take a chill... your body movements, heartbeat, touch, and overall warmth/love will work wonders.
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ooh i love your avatar ! what a sweet baby kitten. ooh i want to send the kitten a little hug and a kiss. you are an angel for saving this special kits life. you are doing the right thing and i am so happy you came along and found this baby. please keep us posted !! i send prayers and hugs your way !!
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Falling in love with the little fuzzballs is a common - near univerval - experience! Welcome to the "club". You are doing a great job!
Posted 2 years ago by nawlins catmom #
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Squeeeeee! So cute! You're doing a fantastic job, welcome to TDK Chat, look forward to reading more updates and learning what his/her name is!
Posted 2 years ago by MadcatwomanintheUK #
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OK just wondering 2 days ago he/she was eating about a teaspoon every two hours. Now he is eating about 2 teaspoons a every two hours. Is it normal for him to eat this much this quick? But he/she acts starved when it comes time to eat. Then he eats to where his little belly is so full. I let him eat until he stops. And also we just got done eating and I swear he had the hiccups. But they did not last but about 5 minutes. Wondering if that is normal also lol. Not sure. Thanks all.
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Just found this thread! What a precious baby!.... thank you for rescuing her, sounds like you are doing just fine!..... I predict this cat and you will have a very special "bond" because you found her so young!..... I'd love to see more pics.... have you made a catser page?
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... you go to catster.com and sign up (it's free), or click on my avatar or many of those above and it will take you to our page, then you can click on home and sign up from there..... as long as you use the same email address as you did on your avatar, it should link to your page when you click on it..... good luck, and we all look forward to seeing more pics of your precious baby!
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Oh wow! My foster 2 I took in 2 days shy of their 7th week. Concatulation for rescuing and seems like your doing everything right to keep this little cutie alive. I think your giving this sweetheart the will to live with all the care you are bestowing on this little creature. :) Kudos to you and your family for doing what you are doing for this little bundle :)
Chey
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