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Cats/2 two week old kittens

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Expert: - 6/25/2007


Question
QUESTION: This is my first time taking in newborn kittens, I am feeding them every hour, I have had them for one day, and they still have not had a bowel movement...I don't know what to do and I don't want to lose them! Please help me how ever you can.

ANSWER: Hi Liz,

You have to act as mom. Take a cotton ball and wet it with warm water. Rub in a circular motion over the private areas. You need to stimulate the kittens to go. Do this after you feed them. Also, cause it can be messy, do it over the sink. Kittens sometimes don't have a bowel movement everyday. It's nothing to worry about until it has been 4 days that they haven't gone.

You don't have to feed them that often. Feed them about every 3-4 hours. Make sure you burp them after they eat. You can start to litter train them at about 4 weeks old. Weaning I like to start at 6 weeks. Good luck and write back with any questions.

Ciao, Karen

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

QUESTION: thank you, they have finally gone, but one more question; how do you burp a kitten? at what age should we stop bottle feeding?


Answer
Hi Liz,

Just like you would an infant. Place him against you like near your shoulder and gently pat his back. You'll hear this tiny little kitten burp. It's quite cute. Stop bottle feeding when you wean them. I like to do that at around 6 weeks of age. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

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I have an A.A.S.

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