Expert: Karen Craft - 4/28/2008

Question
I have a kitten who was absolutely rejected by its mother. I have been feeding her since yesterday and she has had one bowel movement, this morning that was black tar like with very yellow urine. I have been wiping her bottom with a warm damp cloth but no movement yet. Help please.

Answer
Hi Kristine,

From the description of the urine and bowel movement you need to get that kitten to a vet ASAP. She sounds like she is very dehydrated. To detect if she is very dehydrated,pick up a fold of skin along her back. When you release the skin it should spring back into shape. If it doesn't she's dehydrated. She needs lots of fluids that will have to be given under the skin. If you can't get her to a vet right away give her about 1cc of Pedialyte 3 X a day until you get her to the vet.

When you get the kitten back feed her this stuff. I am attaching my recipe for something called Kitty Glop. This stuff is great for feeding orphan kittens on. I raised one that was 4 hours old on it. Now he is the the biggest cat you ever saw.

Next, here are a few good links on how to take care of orphan kittens. Each has some really good advice. Follow their advice and your kitten will grow up to be big and strong.

http://www.feralcat.com/raising.html

http://www.2ndchance.info/orphankitten.htm

http://www.kittenrescue.org/handbook.htm

But try to get her to the vet right away. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

KITTY GLOP




INGREDIENTS:
1 can evaporated milk (not sweetened condensed)
2 tbsp. plain yogurt (not low or non fat)
2 tbsp. mayonnaise (real not light or No-Fat)
1 tbs. Karo Syrup (light)
1 pkg. Knox gelatin
1 egg yolk (beaten, )
1 cup Pedialyte (unflavored)
1- 2 jars Stage One Baby food (chicken or turkey)

INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix milk, yogurt, mayonnaise, baby food, and syrup together well. Bring 1 cup pedialyte to boil and mix in Knox gelatin. Set aside. Mix egg yolk with small amount of milk mixture and beat well.

Add gelatin and pedialyte to milk mixture and beat well. Add in egg yolk mixture and beat well. Remember to not use egg substitute and keep egg white to a minimum.

Pour into bowl (with cover) and set in refrigerator. Glop will last for two weeks covered in refrigerator. Try freezing the mixture in ice cube trays and store the cubes in the freezer, thaw as many as needed.
Always warm glop to room temperature ,(milk form), or a little warmer, before feeding.