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Cats/newborn kitten not pooping

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Expert: - 8/28/2009


Question
I have taken in an abandoned newborn kitten.  He is a healthy eater and is very active but I have yet to see him poop.  It is day three and I am beginning to get very concerned. I have been reading all over the internet and trying every stimulation technique but it doesn't seem to be working.  Are there any 100% effective methods or like a kitty laxative?

Answer
Hi Michael,

Sometimes it takes up to 3 days for a kit to have a bowel movement. What are you feeding him? If it is KMR you might want to add a drop or two of olive oil to it and add some more water also. Any longer than 3 days without a bowel movement is time for a call to the vet.

This is what I have done to stimulate kits. Take the kitten and place him by the kitchen sink,(it makes for easy cleanup). Get a couple of cotton balls. Run the water so that it is warm. Wet the cotton balls and hold the kitten over the sink. Support him on your hand and forearm. Alternate rubbing him gently from the belly to his anus with the wet cotton balls and with a dry cotton ball. Keep on doing this, it may take a few minutes. If he doesn't go take him to the vet. Do not give him an enema on your own. Human enemas have stuff in them that will kill a kitty. 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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