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Cats/Newborn kitten concerns

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Expert: - 8/15/2010


Question
I'm hand raising a week old kitten whom I've had since the day he was born. He was the only surviving kitten in the litter and his mother was unable to care for him. We tried to find another nursing mother, but none would take him.
He's been doing great so far, but this is my first time raising a kitten and I'm a very nervous new mommy and I seem to notice and worry about every little thing.

So here are my concerns.

He goes potty regularly, occasionally skipping a day. Well, today he had a very small amount of diarrhea, but then his stool was normal. Should I worry about this?

His belly always seems bloated to me, but I've been told when they eat, they get a bit of a pot belly afterwards. How can I tell the difference between a normal full belly, and a bloated one?

And finally, I think, is his umbilical cord is still attached. Should I just leave this alone and let it fall off on its own, or should I remove it somehow?

Thank you so much for your time. I've become very attached to this little guy already and I'm scared I'll lose him if I don’t keep on my toes about every little thing.

Answer
Hi Penny,

Diarrhea in a hand reared kit is usually from overfeeding. Here's a good link that gives a lot of good info.

http://www.2ndchance.info/orphankitten.htm

The pot belly is normal. As he gets older he will lose it. The only bit of advice that I differ with is when to wean a kit. I like to wean them at about 8-10 weeks old. I find this gives you a less problematic kitten.

This little guy is going to be the best cat you have ever had. You are in for a very joyful time with him. 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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