I just rescued a kitten that is 4-5wk(?). when i brought him home, he ate, played, used the litter box just fine. The next day I took him to the vet who said he weighed 13oz and way maybe 6wk. They gave him his first shot and now two days later he won't eat and wants only to sleep. I hve tried a variety of soft kitten foods & formulas--he is not interested. I tried special bottles, and eyedroppers. All I am able to get him to take is a little water(5mil) every hour. I will take him to the vet tomorrow (Monday)but in the meantime,should I do something else? I am not sure what happened.
Daily Kitten Chat Forum » Cats & Kittens
worried about new kitten
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Is there an emergency vet you can call? I don't know what could be wrong, but not eating or drinking is cause to run your kitten to the vet ASAP.
It could be something as simple as an infection that requires antibiotics, but I really don't know. Anncetera is our local cat health guru.
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o no hjdred12! I wish I could help but I don't know! Maybe it's a reaction to the shots? If you can find anncetera our local kitty expert! Best of luck with your baby! Get him to the vet!
LVPosted 4 years ago by Momma to 2 MaineCoons #
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LV...I was thinking the same thing. Sometimes when first rescued, not knowing what their little bodies have been taking in for food,they need an adjustment period. I, myself would've held off on the shots so soon.
But,you did do the Right thing taking the little tyke to the vet. Hope he's gonna be okay.
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keep him hydrated and start adding some kayro syrup to the water, or get unflavored pedialyte. Force feed if necissary. You need to make sure it is getting some nutrients. If you have an emergency vet take it, other wise do as you are.
Posted 4 years ago by TheKnittingNinja #
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Thanks so much for the input and support. I have been worried. I think I will go ahead and get the pedialite. I forget about that product. The kitten formula seemed to rich for him and he would vomit it back up after only a few minutes. Do you think he might have the same problem with the pedialite?
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he might you may want to dilute it with water, I would try half and half.
Posted 4 years ago by TheKnittingNinja #
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good, keep us informed :-)
Posted 4 years ago by TheKnittingNinja #
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A kitty that little and so young that isn't eating or drinking, I would try to find an emergency vet clinic.
Posted 4 years ago by SylvesterMiasMomma #
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Hjdred12, how is the kitten doing? Is it keeping down the Pedialyte/water mix? If so, keep up with the hydration tonight. DEFINITELY take the kitten to the vet tomorrow. Make sure the kitten's kept comfortably warm (but not hot; definitely not chilled).
It could be the kitten's not feeling well from the shot/s; it's a somewhat common reaction. Your vet will be able to determine if the kitten is running a fever or showing more serious signs of illness, not related to the shots. The vet may be able to prescribe medication that improves appetite, if he or she thinks that will help the kitten recover.
You may have some success offering the kitten a tablespoon or two of room-temperature or slightly warmed baby food (turkey) or wet cat food, thinned with a teaspoon of Pedialyte. (Thinned to goopy, but not thinned to liquid.)
Please keep us posted on how the kitten's doing! I hope it's just a mild reaction to the shot/s, and not something more serious. Your kitten is definitely showing you the behavior of a kitten that doesn't feel well.
Posted 4 years ago by anncetera2 #
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First, let me say, I am really glad to have this support--it was really helpful. Unfortunately, it was too late. little Nicholas was just too small and too weak by the time we got him to the emergency hospital yesterday. It is all very sad, but we think he was too young to have been taken from his mother, and even though we had him such a short time we are feeling a void in our home.
Again, thank you for your support. Whether we will try another kitty, well, time will only tell. I will contincue to monitor this chat room, there are really good people here trying to be helpful and encouraging.
Kindly,
Holly -
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hjdred12, I am so sorry for your loss. Poor baby. I encourage you to open your home and heart to another kitten or cat who needs your love and kindness. There are so many in the shelters. You will be blessed for your loving kindness to Nicholas.
Posted 4 years ago by KYKAT 12 23 #
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I'm so sorry..you & Nicholas had a short time together, but at least he knew love..& so did you..Bless you for all you did for this little guy and smile knowing you will see him at Rainbow Bridge someday, until then he is strong and happy & playing with all the other kitties...You have a special heart Holly..Bless you
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It is amazing how quickly our furry babies find their way into our hearts. You did a wonderful job trying to save Nicholas. Please don't let this experience discourage your from allowing another cat or kitten into your heart, Holly. Hugs and Purrs to you.
Posted 4 years ago by Kitten Whisperer #
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I am so sorry you lost little Nicholas. Sending hugs, purrs, and healing energy your way.
Posted 4 years ago by Rubia in CA, 4/28 #
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I'm so sorry, Holly. I have lost kittens, too, and it is so painful. Please know that there may have been something wrong with him that a vet would be unable to detect, and all the medicine and love in the world would not help. This was probably the case with him. When you are ready, please do get another kitten -- there are so many cats/kittens out there that need love like you can provide!
Posted 4 years ago by CatRancher #
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Holly, I'm so sorry! Kittens under 8 weeks of age are particularly vulnerable to going downhill fast, if they contract some sort of illness. Their ability to regulate their temperature and electrolytes are very limited, and if they stop eating for even 24 hours, it can throw them all out of whack.
I agree with CatRancher; there are sometimes problems that don't become apparent with tiny kittens until it's too late to intervene with any degree of effectiveness. I hope that someday you'll be able to open your heart to another kitty who needs you.
It's so very hard to lose such a tiny kitten! My heart goes out to you.
Posted 4 years ago by anncetera2 #
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I am so sorry about the baby. I have had the same experince with babys. It is very hard to loose them. Especially when you work so hard to try and save them.
Posted 4 years ago by TheKnittingNinja #
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I am so sorry....
Posted 4 years ago by HarleyVixen #
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Holly, I'm so sorry, but take comfort from the fact this little rescue kitten knew a loving home at the end - please do think about opening that home to another lucky cat, there are so many that would appreciate it so much. xx
Posted 4 years ago by MadcatwomanintheUK #
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I'm so sorry for your loss. There is a problem called "fading kitten syndrome" and it affects fully 20 % of kittens. I learned of it when I went to orientation to foster. There is nothing that can be done,maybe it is a form of genetic selection. I have lost a few to tht problem over my time at fostering. It is probably the most difficult part of it. Do not blame your self, he probably wouln't have made it even with his mom. Know he is at peace and you did your best. (Kitty Prayers)
Posted 4 years ago by peppercat28 #
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Holly, you were so kind to rescue little Nicholas and I'm sorry for you loss. I know how hard it is for you, but please consider adopting another kitten or cat in his honor. There are so many that need the love you have to share.
Posted 4 years ago by Elene_YorkPA_7/21 #
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I appreciate everyone's kind words of support. Peppercat28, your input about the "fading kitten syndrome" is incredibly helpful. My husband and I googled the term and learned so much. I had never heard of such a thing. It has helped both my husband and I to better understand what must have happened. It is good to have some kind of answer.
Thank you all~ -
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