Expert: Karen Craft - 4/30/2009

Question
My husband is a trash man and when he dumped the trash can into the back of the truck he found 4 little kittens. He at first thought that they must have been still born but then one of them moved. He search and found the 4 of them. I am not sure of how old they are their eyes are barely opened and two of them only open then close them back. I am having a hard time getting them to eat. It doesn't look like they haven't had momma but still can't get them to eat. What should I do? I bought they kitten milk and try to use the kitten bottle but still won't eat.

Answer
Hi Tara,

I am attaching a couple of links for you. They will give you lots of good info. I am also attaching my recipe for something called Kitty Glop. Try feeding this to them. The biggest thing they need right now is to be warm. Kittens fade and die very fast if they get cold. Put them in a box with a heating pad in it on low. Cover the pad with a towel or small blanket. Make sure there is an area where there is no pad so the kittens can move to there if they get too warm.

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

http://www.acfacat.com/orphan_kittens.htm

Now about feeding them. The nipple's opening on the bottle may not be big enough. I don't go by what is written on the instructions. Usually that hole is too small. Make the hole a little bigger and see how that works. If that doesn't work you need to see your vet for an explanation of how to feed the kits with a tube. You can also jump start them by smearing a little Karo Syrup on their muzzles before trying to feed them. This will give them a little energy boost. If you have any other questions write back. 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.