Expert: Karen Craft - 6/8/2007

Question
QUESTION: we just came rescued a runt kitten, it's about 5 weeks old. What is the best way to take care of this kitten. We also have a female cat(Ruby) who is around 4 years old. I want to do the healthiest thing possible.

ANSWER: Hi Katie,

Make sure she is warm. If you have a large box that you can use, make a nest in it. Put some towels and a heating pad in it. Keep the heating pad on low. Make sure the kitten has an area that she can climb off the pad if it gets too hot.
   Is she litter trained? If she is then put a small tray like a soda flat in there for her to use as a litter box. She needs very low sides to climb into. If she isn't litter trained write back and I'll tell you what to do. I'm going to give you a recipe for something called kitty glop. This will supply everything your little one needs to grow big and strong.
You can get a nursing bottle and try to feed her that way. Or put it in a very shallow bowl for her. I used to feed some of my little ones with a spoon. Whichever way you think is best. Personally I would use the bottle method. It allows the max bonding between you and the little one.
   Your older one may be nervous around the little one at first. Just keep an eye out for any trouble. Ruby may hiss and spit at the little one. Just keep them apart for a little bit. Because the little one is so young they will meld together pretty easy. Good luck with your new one. Write back with any questions you have and I'll be glad to answer them.

Ciao, Karen



INGREDIENTS:
1 can evaporated milk (not sweetened condensed)
2 tbsp. plain yogurt (not light 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 jar Stage One Baby food (chicken or turkey)

INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix milk, yogurt, mayonnaise, baby food, and syrup together well. Bring 1 cup water to boil and mix in Knox gelatin. Set aside. Mix egg yolk with small amount of milk mixture and beat well.

Add gelatin and water 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 or over a month frozen.
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) before feeding.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Karen,
The new kitten is not litter trained yet but were working on it. Since we have gotten him/her we have given soft kitten  canned food. I was a little scared at to have the kitten try and eat it but you can tell how deprived she was by the rest of it's siblings. She couldn't wait to eat. While I was mashing the food she was climbing on the plate to eat, she did pretty well. After she ate for the first time he/she was a completely different little one. So satisfied and very playful with the kids.HE/She is just so tiny. Thank you for your advice. I'm sure we will be talking alot. Katie

Answer
Hi Katie,

I'm glad that things are going good. When you said she isn't litter trained, do you mean she goes all over the place or do you have to stimulate her to go? Runts are little treasures. They usually turn out to be the most affectionate cats of the litter. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen