Expert: Jessica - 12/13/2009

Question
Hi:) I need help I've got an abandoned kitten that is about 3 days old I think. Eyes are closed and umbilical cord is still attached. Kitten has been eating Hartz milk replacement for kittens and is urinating fine with stimulation using warm water and a q tip. I have been trying to stimulate the anus as well using this same method but it has been 2 days and no bowel movement, should I be worried and what can I do to help it have a bowel movement. It's tummy seems to be pretty pushed out but it seems to always be hungry. Please help! Thank You!

Answer
Hi Kevin.  When a kitten doesn't have a bowel movement for longer than 2 days, it may be time to start worrying about constipation.  Unfortunately, this is common in formula fed kittens.  However, it's important to note that many formulas are so highly digestible that there tends to be very little waste product.  This means kittens may only need to pass stool every other day.

Nevertheless, constipation can result from switching from natural milk to formula, or as the result of dehydration, which many orphans are suffering from when they are found.  Additionally, some kittens do better on a more concentrated formula.  This is when using a powdered formula is handy.  By adding slightly less water to the mixture, you are increasing the fat concentration, and this encourages bowel movements.  You also may add a few drops of Karo syrup to each meal while the kitten is constipated.  This is a form of sugar that will encourage water intake into the bowels.

It often takes several minutes of massaging with a warm, wet cotton ball before a kitten will feel the urge to move his bowels.  So you may want to continue massaging, very gently, for a few minutes after the kitten has urinated.

When a kitten is clearly constipated and is straining to defecate, but no stool is able to pass, then treating constipation becomes necessary.  In newborns, often the first recommendation is to coat a rectal thermometer with lots of lubricating jelly, and insert it into the rectum about 1 inch.  While inside the anus, the thermometer is moved in a gentle circular motion to stimulate the kitten to push.  After about 10 seconds of stimulation, the thermometer is removed, and a warm, wet cotton ball is used to massage the anal area.  This usually is enough to cause a bowel movement within a few minutes.

But some kittens require enemas, and a vet should show you how to perform this.  Enemas are usually created by mixing liquid soap with warm water.  If an enema does not produce a bowel movement, the kitten will need to have feces removed manually.

If constipation seems to be a chronic problem, some vets will recommend to add in a small amount of a lubricant, such as a hairball gel or mineral oil, to the kitten's formula.  However, this must be done under the close supervision of a vet, since giving too much can cause serious diarrhea.

Best wishes to you and the little one!

Jessica