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Cats/My Kitten umbilical cord has puss

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Expert: - 6/20/2010


Question
I noticed my female kitten's umbilical cord has puss what do I do?

Answer
Hi Oneata.  You should place hot, wet compresses on it several times a day.  Soak a clean cloth in some hot water.  Not scalding hot, but the water should feel comfortably hot to your skin, just slightly hotter than you would normally shower in.  Then, hold the compress to the umbilical area for 5 minutes, gently wiping away any pus that the compress draws out.  Be very careful not to tear the umbilical cord away from the belly.

It would be ideal to get the baby to the vet tomorrow.  Most vets will not prescribe antibiotics to kittens this young, but the vet may have other treatments to suggest.

Best of luck!

Jessica  

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Jessica

Expertise

The areas in which I have gained the most experience are cat health and feral cat management/rescue. I provide supportive care to chronically ill cats, hospice care to terminally ill cats and also am involved in trap-neuter-return efforts. My specialities lie in taming feral cats and in the allopathic treatment of cats with illnesses or special needs. I also have owned Siamese, Himalayans, Abyssinians, Russian Blues, Savannahs, Bengals, Peterbalds, Don Sphynx and Oriental Shorthairs and am well-versed in cat breeds as well as cat behavior and nutrition.

Experience

I have 15 years of extensive experience with cats ranging from breeding to medical care. My daily routine consists of caring for cats with diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney failure, feline leukemia, feline AIDS as well as feral cats. I have experience with liver patients, heart patients, feline infectious peritonitis, cancer, recovery from amputation and trauma, congenital deformities and most every disease in between. I have assisted cats giving birth and hand-nursed kittens who were neglected by their mother from 2 days old through weaning.

Education/Credentials
15 years' hands-on experience

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