Expert: Karen Craft - 5/13/2009

Question
My daughter was at a pet store when a man came in with a crying kitten that he found at a construction site. The momma cat was no where to be found. So my daughter decided she would take care of, what seems to be a 2-3 week old Manx. We bought the formula and bottle to feed him and we have wiped his back side but he doesn't seem to have any bowel movement. He just pee's. It's been 2 days now that we have been trying to get him to potty but he hasn't and we are concerned. I'm also afraid of rubbing him sore. What should we do to keep him from getting bloated and constipated? Please help. We have already fallen in love with this baby.

Answer
Hi Kim,

There are a few things you need to know. First, here's a really good link about raising an orphan kitten.

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

Now about the constipation. Some kittens don't move their bowels everyday. But three days is a bit too long. Try adding 2 drops of vegetable oil to his formula. Also add more water to the food. You can also use a little bit of Laxatone,(about the size of a match head).If he doesn't go you need to take him to the vet. Do not use store bought enemas. The phosphorus in them is deadly to your kitten. I am attaching my recipe for something called Kitty Glop. This is great to feed him. 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 unflavored 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.