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Question
I recently had to take in 4 feral kittens. They were only 2 weeks old. Needless to say I wasn't thrilled because I know that I can never replace their mom. However, I was advised by the no-kill shelter that I put them up for adoption in after I've socialized them that if I left them out any longer with temperatures dropping to 35-25 degrees at night they would die. Obviously I didn't want this. Now they're 3 weeks old. I've been bottle feeding KMR to them and they have great appetites. However, one kitten has started throwing up. He's done it twice. It looks like curdled milk. He also hasn't had a normal kitten poop. It's mostly diarrhea and again looks like milk curdled in it. He eats, plays with his siblings, and then passes out just like the rest of them. The other 3 do not have these problems. To be quite honest, I cannot afford a vet visit unless it is life threatening. My vet wanted to charge me $53 just to show me how to bottle feed one kitten. If it is life threatening then that means I have no other choice than to go without to get him better. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm starting to worry big time. I don't want to lose Wiggles.
Hi Tara,
I am giving you a recipe for something called Kitty Glop. This stuff is fantastic for nursing kittens. When you make it use some of the KMR in it so the kittens will get used to it right away. This should help your little one.
See how he does on this stuff. You also need to feed them a little more than twice a day. It should be a least 3-4 times a day. Watch Wiggles carefully. Kittens die very fast. At any signs of distress you will need to get him to the vet right away or he might die. Hopefully this will help. Good luck.
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 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.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Hello. I actually brought Wiggles to the vets this morning at 9AM afraid of what the outcome may be if I delayed. I may socialize feral kittens and never expected to have to take on 2 week olds nor wanted to as I was afraid, but I refuse to watch one perish in front of me no matter how tight money will be. The vet bill ended up cost $268. They ran him for every test (including all types of worms) and everything came back fine including distemper, FIV/FELV, no worms, etc. I was there until 12:30 PM. Come to find out, it's actually the KMR formula. It's too thick for his body to absorb. If he had stayed on it any longer he would have starved since his body was expelling it. So, I have to say, be careful with KMR with young kittens. It's NOT the best for ALL kittens. I actually was told by the veterinarian to go to Walmart and get the Hartz brand because it's thinner. I was originally going to get this when I first took them in, but was advised by a Pet Smart employee that it's too thin and was told to get KMR. Funny how things work out. Hartz would have never done this to Wiggles and KMR almost killed him. My advice, if kittens are acting funny, it could be the milk. I'm not against KMR, the other 3 kittens are thriving on it, but it just goes to show that unless we're veterinarians we don't know everything. This is not a dig at you. I'm currently in school to become a Veterinary Technician (that's how I knew he wasn't sick, plus I took his rectal). I want to thank you very, very, very much for responding to my question as fast as you did. I was actually looking for a way to let you know you could skip me and answer others as I saw that you were "maxed out." Keep doing the advice that you do. All animals need someone who knows something. Thanks again. --Tara | ||
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Answers by Expert:
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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