Expert: Jana Connell RVT, CVT - 7/31/2010

Question
QUESTION: I recently found two orphan kittens I would estimate they're age maybe 4 days old.  I haven't had any problems getting them too take a bottle.  My concern is that one of the kittens has a yellow mustard color stool that is runny.  The other kitten stool is fine.  I'm concerned it may be sick or dehydrated.  Could you give me some advice please and thanks!!  Oh and the umbilical cord is still attached when should it fall off? THANKS A BUNCH

ANSWER: Yellow and mustardy is the normal color for a newborn kitten's stool. That is the Mom's milk going through the kitten. I hope that you have them on kitten milk replacer and not cow's milk.
The cord should fall off in about 5- 8 days.

If you are feeding them cow's milk that will cause the runny stool. If you aren't, and it continues, then you should take in a stool sample to the vet and have it checked for parasites.
Having a large load of cocccidia or roundworms will cause diarrhea or if not treated, death.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the information and I am feeding them a kitten replacement formula and some pediatric electrolyte too help with the dehydration when I found them one died before I made it home with them I live in AZ.  Do you recommend that?

ANSWER: Yes that is fine. Don't use too much pedialyte however. If their skin doesn't tent when you pull on it they are probably not dehydrated now.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am also a little concerned about the bowel movement of the other kitten that had a firm brown stool she hasn't had a bowel movement in 12 hours is that normal?  she is urinating fine?  I really want these little creatures too make it and I want to ensure I do everything too make it happen!! Again thanks!

Answer
Are you stimulating them to go? You have to take a warm washrag, or a cotton ball, get it wet with warm water and stroke the kitten from the belly button down toward the anus. That is how momma cat stimulates them to eliminate.

You need to stroke them softly but firmly until they defecate and urinate. They cannot do it alone at this age. Make sure you use a clean washrag to clean them up and then dry them as well.

Keep them warm- they have no mom to warm them. Get a hot water bottle or a pad made just for animals. Heating pads are too dangerous to use and have killed many a kitten.

The pet stores have gel pads that you microwave and then place under the bed with a towel over that and that stays warm all night.