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Question
Hi!
I found a kitten about 5-6 weeks old yesterday (5/7/09) . it was in a ditch covered in mud. I don't know how it got there i do not own any cats . So i took it in and so far it has adjusted well. OK well, today i was working in my yard and heard a cry of a kitten i looked under my house and found a kitten about 3-4 weeks old i don't believe they are from the same litter this one is much smaller and doesn't walk as well as the other, is it OK if i keep them together ? i know I'll probably have to nurse this one its that young
Leah,
Since these are both single babies you can try keeping them together, but I'd suggest that you have a vet check them over before doing so, you wouldn't want to spread any viral/bacterial infections that might not be apparent to the untrained eye between these babies, because they aren't born with much resistance to infection. You may run into a problem when keeping these babies together, since one's older than the other, that can sometimes lead to a bit more rough housing than the younger baby's able to handle so be prepared to separate them if this happens...
As for the younger kitten I think it's best to have the vet determine an estimated age before running out to buy formula and bottles, orphaned kittens have to be weaned earlier because the formula really is a poor substitute for mom's milk and they need additional nutrition fairly quick...I can offer tips on bottle feeding or early weaning if you need that information after seeing the vet...
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Answers by Expert:
Ali
Expertise
I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.
Experience
I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.
Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.
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