Expert: W - 7/8/2007

Question
my cat just had kittens and they are about day old. i am worried about the smallest kitten, the runt. it is very floppy and not very mobile while all the other kittens are crawling around. when i put it up against the mothers nipple it either sucks on it for like 5 seconds and slides off or just lays there and doesnt even eat. im worried that she will not get enough nourishment and die. what should i do to help the kitten?

Answer
Hi Tracy
this is just the type of kitten to tube feed
Now although this may sound horrific and terrible it is used frequently by many owners and breeders where the runt just doesn't feed too well
How to tube feed
http://www.hdw-inc.com/tinykitten.htm
http://www.cfainc.org/articles/tube-feeding.html
http://www.purrinlot.com/tube.htm
I have included three url links to help you in this
The last link states it has videos to help you
Take your time read the links watch the video and then go for it. Don't waste too much time though
And remember you are his last hope so be thorough and be brave. It works and kittens do survive and flourish. I have tube fed over five kittens and they are all alive and well.
So off you go read and watch, go to your vets and get the equipment and then nurse him.

Good luck
Ray