Expert: Karen Craft - 9/10/2009

Question
I just got a 7 week old kitten.  I found an ad on craigslist for a free kitten and called the woman who then explained to me that the kittens wouldn't be ready for 3 ish weeks.  I was then called about an week early and was told that plans had changed and the kitten would be ready as soon as possible and I could pick her up anytime.  She is 7 weeks old.  She cries a lot and I'm worried about how young she was and how early she was taken from her momma.  As the woman who gave me the kitten has since moved to New York with the mother, I'm at a loss as to what to do. I read about the fatty acid DHA and was wondering if there was a supplement or formula I could purchase.   I have grown very attached to Winny and would love to do anything I can to make up for my mistake.  Thanks again, Jamie.

Answer
Hi Jamie,

Sorry it took so long for me to get back to you. 7 weeks is fine for a kit to be separated from the mom. There are a few things you need to do. Make sure it is warm. Getting chilled is the number one killer of young kits. I would set up a box,(with towels on the bottom), that has a heating pad set on low at one end and the other end no pad so she can regulate her temp if she gets too hot. Put a little stuffed animal in it to keep her company.

I am giving you a copy of my recipe for Kitty Glop. This is good stuff to feed young kits on and makes for great bonding with them when you feed the kit with a bottle. Here is a link that has some good info.
http://www.feralcat.com/raising.html

Good luck with Winny. I'm sure you will do fine.

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.