We rescued 5 kittens from our barn, don't know the mother. We've had them indoors for about 3 weeks now and they have grown and been happy and healthy. We've found homes and plan to keep 2 ourselves. Last night out of the blue we noticed one was sleeping a lot and not very interested in food, but did drink water. He may or may not have thrown up, we haven't found evidence, but several hours later his sister came down with same symptoms, but did throw up, all liquid. Then this afternoon (Sunday, of course), a third one has same symptoms. They just want to sleep, not play (not like them). We've managed to get a little wet food in the first two, but very little. Help! Any help or suggestions we be so appreciated. We do plany to go to vet tomorrow (Monday). We live in the country, so hard to just pop in to a vet on weekends. We've really grown attached to these little babies, so don't want to lose any of them. Thank you all in advance and we'll be hoping someone has any help.
Daily Kitten Chat Forum » Purrs
Help! Kittens Sick.
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You are doing the right thing by seeking a vet's advice--it could be anything. Have you changed the food at all, that could be the reason.
Posted 3 years ago by Sheba's Mom in Phoenix, AZ 10/8 #
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Cats and kittens can make do without eating for a couple of days. But, don't let them get dehydrated. (pull up the skin over their shoulder blades and then let it go - it should snap back. If it stays tented up or drops back slowly, the cat is dehydrated.)
Try an eyedropper or a baby bottle with water to keep them hydrated. It's best to keep them upright when you are giving them water so they don't choke or get it into their lungs. One person holds them or keeps them standing on the counter and the second person lifts their head up and puts water in their mouth. If you absolutely have to hold them on their backs, make sure you just give them a few drops at a time and wait for them to swallow it.
A change in food could be the culprit. Also check around and make sure they haven't been chewing any plants, licking anything they shouldn't (one of mine will lick an the deodorant from the edges of the container if she gets a chance), or eating anything non-food.
They could just be passing a cold around. Or they could all have something they got from their mama (worms are a common problem). Do you still have all five with you? If some have already gone to furever homes, call those owners and find out how their kitten is.
Let us know what the vet says, we want your babies to be healthy.
Posted 3 years ago by CheetahBoysmommy #
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Thank you so much. What a great place this has been for knowledge and support. We still have all 5 kittens. Mother was a stray that we cannot catch, so don't know her history. We've had them inside for approx. 3 weeks, so no exposure to other cats. It's a mystery to us since they have been so healthy up until the last couple of days. I will watch the water intake. One just ate about 2 teaspoons of food but went right back to sleep. One hasn't eaten at all (the last one to get sick). I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop with the last two well ones and hoping they can make it until tomorrow and the vet. Will post what the vet says. We just love these little guys so keep fingers crossed for the best. Thanks again!
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Do you have any idea how old they are?
Posted 3 years ago by Sheba's Mom in Phoenix, AZ 10/8 #
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We are estimating their age to be somewhere between 10 and 12 weeks, maybe closer to the 12 week end. Thanks again. We've all just fallen in love with them, so thanks for the hopes and prayers. Even the littlest life is precious, isn't it. It's surprising how they just pull our heartstings. It's so nice to find a place where other people love their little pets and understand. Bless you all!
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CBM and others have already given good advice. Definitely a visit to the vet is in order! A sudden food change can be hard on a cat's digestive tract. Definitely reduce dehydration as much as possible. Plain, unflavored Pedialyte is a good substitute for water, if needed; it helps keep electrolytes in balance if diarrhea occurs. You might need to force food, but not in the first 24 hours; better to wait and see what the vet recommends.
Also, definitely check around and see if there's any potential toxins they may have gotten into. Numerous different things can cause toxicity; several good lists of different items can be found at:
http://www.peteducation.com/category_summary.cfm?cls=1&cat=1418
Good luck at the vet's!!
Posted 3 years ago by anncetera2 #
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