Expert: W - 5/11/2009

Question
I have a 4 day old kitten that won't eat from the bottle/dropper. The milk goes in its mouth, but it's like it purposely doesnt swallow. The mother seems to have rejected it, also. I got the mother from a guy that had 30 cats, so there might have been inbreeding. She had 3 kittens and one of them was stillborn. I think they might be underdeveloped. I'm very worried about this kitten and need advice. The other kitten is doing excellent, no issues, always eating; doubled in size.
Is there any way I can feed it better, or something I can add to the KMR to sweeten it a little? All I want is for it to eat! It was very disapointing that one already didn't make it.

Answer
Hi Casey

Read this article
It is all about tube feeding and this is the best way to ensure your kitten gets food
http://www.cfa.org/articles/tube-feeding.html

If you have any difficulty come straight back to me on raymondwigley@gmail.com

The tub eis measured by starting at the tip of the nose and going over the head until you reach the last rib.
Mark the tibe and then you will know that it is long enough to reach the stomach
When you first start just push a very SMALL amount of fluid down the tube and watch for any air bubbles. If this happens then you have pushed the tube into the lungs. Draw it back about half way and try again. You will do it with practise I promise



Ray