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Cats/death of kittens
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Question
this morning i woke up to find 2 of my 4 kittens had died. the kittnes were 4 weeks old and seemed to be fine 12 hours prior. well tonight a 3rd died and i'm so confused why they are dying. the mother is still around and has been feeding them and they were in a room to where they wouldn't be bothered. do you have any idea what this could be and if i could prevent the 4th kitten from dying? thank you so very much.
Hi Crystal,
I'm sorry for the loss. The number one reason for kittens to die is that they get cold. They do not produce a lot of heat. Put the one that's left in a nest made from a towel or blanket on a heating pad set to low. Make sure this isn't one of the auto shut off types. Make sure the heating pad doesn't cover the whole nest area. You need an area where there is no heating pad on so the kitten can crawl off if it gets too hot. Make sure the mom can access it easily. Keep an eye on the kitten and mom. Mom may now neglect the kitten. If she does you have to take over. Write back to me if she does and I will tell you what you need to do. Good luck.
Ciao, Karen
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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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