Expert: Karen Craft - 5/30/2011

Question
I rescued a momma and three kittens about 3wks old from a school.  The mom has coccidia and is being treated.  I'm sure the kittens are going to get it if they don't already have it.  Mom ,is not getting better due to the fact she is taking care of her kitten's waste.  I feel I should separate mom from the kittens because she is reinfecting herself.  How should I go about doing that, and how do I take care of the kittens?  What is your opinion?  How old do kittens have to be to be treated for coccidia?

Thanks a bunch for any advice you can give!

Answer
Hi Michele,

If mom cat has coccidia then most likely the kits have it. You need to have your vet treat all of them at once. And if you can try to litter train the kits. They are a little young but you may be able to do this. Take a cardboard soda flat and use that as a litter box for the kits. Put only a little bit of litter in it, (maybe an inch in depth). They will play in it at first but one of them will catch on and start using it. I'm not sure if what drug you are using for the mom but if it is Albon then she shouldn't be nursing the kits. I am attaching my recipe for Kitty Glop. Feed them that. Talk to your vet about treatments for the kits and at what age can they be treated at. Hope this helped. Good luck and take care.

Ciao, Karen

KITTY GLOP

INGREDIENTS:
1 can goat milk or evaporated milk(not sweetened condensed). Walmart carries canned goat milk by the evaporated milk
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.