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Cats/Orphaned baby kittens in the rainforest

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Expert: - 4/13/2011


Question

kittens
Hello,
My wife and I are volunteers in a remote section of Costa Rica. We just found 3 baby kittens abandoned in a box and they look like they've been that way for a few days. Their ears are erect, they can walk on their own... but they won't eat. Since we found them (about 4 hours ago) the one has gotten weaker and weaker and does not have the energy to lift its head. One of them has started to eat some dry cat food soaked in cow's milk, one will not eat or drink, but still walks while the 3rd seems to be slowly dieing.
We do not have access to anything other than cow's milk, dry food, and some table scraps. There is no way we can get any "official" milk for this type of situation.
What can we do? Is there anyway to save them at all?
Please hurry, I don't think they have much time left!

Answer
Hi Ryan,

First off, make sure they are warm. Getting chilled is the number one killer of kittens. I am attaching a recipe for something called Kitty Glop. You can adapt this recipe to what you can find in the area. Next, here are a couple of really good links that will help you take care of them. Read these. They will help you alot.

http://www.feralcat.com/raising.html

http://www.kittenrescue.org/pages.php?pageid=15

Keep them warm. That is the biggest thing that you an do. Hopefully they will be well. Hand feeding little ones is very rewarding. Good luck and take care.

Ciao, Karen


KITTY GLOP

INGREDIENTS:
1 can goat milk or evaporated milk(not sweetened condensed).
2 tbsp. plain yogurt (not low or non fat) Plain Greek Yogurt is best.
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)
1 can Kitten food, same flavor as baby food

INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix milk, yogurt, mayonnaise, baby food, kitten 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 mix 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.  

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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