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Cats/Kitten death

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Hi, My neighbor has 3 inside kittens 4 weeks old. Mother cat is indoor, outdoor. Kitten seemed fine until yesterday afternoon, then crying loudly, stumbling, and shaking. It appeared thin to me. Neighbor bought milk replacer and it latched onto nipple greedily, but dint get milk. I layed it on my arm and it bit me. We got a couple of drops of milk it her, but within 5 minutes she died. I am concerned now about the bite. The mama cat is fine as are the other 2 kittens. My male, who is now neutered is the father and is current on all his shots including rabies. Should I be concerned?

Answer
Hi Carole,

I'm sorry it took so long to answer. My computer broke. Were the kittens kept outside? Were there any rabid animals around? What area of the states do you live in? Is it an area were Rabies is prevalent? If there were no rabid animals and the kits are inside, I wouldn't worry. If you wish you can call your local health department and voice your concerns to them. I know it is scary but you shouldn't have anything to worry about. Same thing happened to me a while back. It freaks you out. If your answers to those questions show that you don't have anything to worry about, then don't. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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