2 week old owner surrendered kittens

[laurenlavigne16]

Hi! I just recently started volunteering at my local animal shelter. I got a call today about three 2 week old kittens that were brought to the shelter.(the owner was tired of hearing these kittens meow, so she called the shelter and they came and took the poor kittens off of the mom). So I decided to take them in and foster. I already have two cats at home that I bottle fed from birth, which I did not have ONE problem regarding bottle feeding with them. I'm having some trouble getting the new kittens to take the bottle, or to suckle for longer than 10 seconds. They were just taken off the mom, so I feel like the KMR might not be as tasty as mom's. So I was wondering if there are any better formulas that could be more identicsl to moms milk? Should I try a different style nipple? Or just give them time to get used to the new milk. They are getting round the clock feedings, every 2-3 hours. They haven't eaten much since I've gotten them, which was about 4:00 pm Thursday after noon. As soon as they realize what they're suckilng, they stop. Stimulation is working for urination after every feeding. Haven’t been able to get anyone to poop yet, though. Any information, tips, anything from anyone would help and would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[StefanZ]

Hi! I just recently started volunteering at my local animal shelter. I got a call today about three 2 week old kittens that were brought to the shelter.(the owner was tired of hearing these kittens meow, so she called the shelter and they came and took the poor kittens off of the mom). So I decided to take them in and foster. I already have two cats at home that I bottle fed from birth, which I did not have ONE problem regarding bottle feeding with them. I'm having some trouble getting the new kittens to take the bottle, or to suckle for longer than 10 seconds. They were just taken off the mom, so I feel like the KMR might not be as tasty as mom's. So I was wondering if there are any better formulas that could be more identicsl to moms milk? Should I try a different style nipple? Or just give them time to get used to the new milk. They are getting round the clock feedings, every 2-3 hours. They haven't eaten much since I've gotten them, which was about 4:00 pm Thursday after noon. As soon as they realize what they're suckilng, they stop. Stimulation is working for urination after every feeding. Haven’t been able to get anyone to poop yet, though. Any information, tips, anything from anyone would help and would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Kittens whom had momma, are often very reluctant to bottle.  so you arent doing anything wrong, it is so.

You can try with another nipple, or often although little...    Goats milk is btw an alternative, and they will perhaps recognize it as more momma milk alike.  Especielly raw goats milk is useful, but almost any may work.

You can also wrap the bottle in fleece, it feels almost as mommas fur.  Or wrap it in a towel.

Nay, the common solution in these here cases is to use a needleless syringe, say of 3ml at this age.  Tummy down, head up, may be raised somewhat diagonally up. In the corner of the mouth, a drop or two so sthey swallow properly at a time.  If they are good at swallowing, it may go fairly quick.

Although, an alternaive useful sometimes is to use a make up  sponge, its easier for them to suckle from such a one.  In this case you held the syringe nearby, and drop on the little sponge as they suck up....

Please continue with reports and questions!

 

[laurenlavigne16]

Just got done with a feeding. That only make finally took it and ate almost 4ml on his own. I don't have a syringe right now, but will be making a trip as soon as everything opens. The two female just don't want it lol so I've been feeding them with the bottle like I would the syringe as carefully as possible. Seems to be working for now. I'm kind of worried about switching from mom's milk, to KMR, to goats milk. I didn't really think about that until now. I will pick up some new nipples though. The thinner longer ones. They look a tad softer. I haven't slept all night trying to research all of this! [emoji]128554[/emoji]

 

[Sarthur2]

L laurenlavigne16

First, thank you for taking in these kittens. How cruel of someone to separate 2-week-old kittens from their mom.

Are you weighing the kittens daily? It's the only way to know if they are gaining the required 6-10 grams apiece per day.

It does not sound like they sre getting nearly enough to eat!

Kittens need to be fed every 2 hours around the clock at 2 weeks old. They need 8 mLs of formula for every ounce they weigh each 24- hour period. So if a kitten weighs 8 ounces, it will need 64 mLs of formula each 24 hours,
given in increments of 5-6 mLs per feeding.

Kittens who had a mom and were accustomed to her nipples will refuse a bottle, and need to be syringe fed until they accept a bottle.

Use a 1 or 2 mL needleless syringe. It is given in the side of the mouth, 1-2 drops at a time. Allow kitten to swallow and breathe, and go again. Tummy down, head up.

It is vital that you begin feeding proper amounts and weighing. A drop of olive oil added to the formula will help with pooping, though I suspect they have not pooped because they are not eating enough.

What color is their urine? Is it clear? If it is yellow, they are dehydrated. You can use pedialyte to mix the formula instead of water. I suggest you stick with the KMR.

The kittens also need a heat source, such as a heating pad set on low under a blanket, or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel and placed nearby. They cannot regulate their own body temperature for 3 weeks, and need to be warm to eat and digest.

Please let me know how it goes.

 

[laurenlavigne16]

They are currently in a cardboard box, in their own room. Have the ac vents shut off so they are nice and cozy with a heating pad set on medium underneath them with blankets. I've been to two feed stores so far already to find a scale to weigh them but I'm having no luck. Any suggestions? I have the syringes, and pedialyte. Their urine is clear for now though.

 

[Willowy]

Look for a kitchen or postal scale. Even Walmart has them.

Look up sponge feeding on Youtube. At 2 weeks this probably isn't as important, but for newborns it can be a real lifesaver. And it might be easier for you too.

 

[Sarthur2]

Heating pad should be set on low. Medium is too warm.

Check Walmart for scales. How much are you getting into them now with the syringe?

 

[StefanZ]

They are currently in a cardboard box, in their own room. Have the ac vents shut off so they are nice and cozy with a heating pad set on medium underneath them with blankets. I've been to two feed stores so far already to find a scale to weigh them but I'm having no luck. Any suggestions? I have the syringes, and pedialyte. Their urine is clear for now though.

you can perhpas borrow from some neigbour?   In a clinch the sociale norm is they do help if you ask - even negbours whom normally arent speaking with you.

It struck me, as the previous owner complained they were noisy and meowed much - it hints something was amiss.  Either the mom hadnt enough with milk for them, or she didnt took proper care. - perhaps the owner didnt let her...  anyways, they are probably somewhat undernourished...

If you would notice they dont have energy enough, or even come into lethargy, you can smear some glucose sugar solution on their lips and gum. Easiest to do it is to have thick honey water.  

This trick works also when they are too cold to eat properly and digest.

 

[laurenlavigne16]

Okay guys! The kittens are doing great! I have a scale on the way, will be here tomorrow! But all three kittens are now finally suckling! I purchased a few 3ml needless syringes, as well a few elongated nipples that attach right to the syringes and they love it. They just had their first FULL meal. Tons of energy for such little kittens. The meowing has toned down to normal. I haven't had a poop yet but I feel like I should be expecting some soon. Next feeding will be at 10:30. All three had at least 6ml the last feeding, even a little more. And they all took it well. Is that about right? One of the kittens has a slight yellow to its urine, how much of the pedialyte should I put I to their feedings! I will try and post pictures soon, well once i figure out this forum stuff lol.

 

[Sarthur2]

You can mix the formula with clear pedialyte instead of water.

Are you stimulating the kittens to go pee and poop with a warm, damp cloth before/after each meal?

I'm glad to hear they are eating well.

 

[laurenlavigne16]

Yes, I have cotton balls that I use, with warm water. I've done all of this before, with a set of kittens that I still have. I was bottle feeding them from birth, so they took to the bottle well. I've done it with so many orphaned squirrels after hurricanes I can't even count. These three are just giving me a run for my money. But everything seems to be falling into place now. Now that they're finally taking to the nipple, suckling, and having full meals..shoukd I just wait and see if they poop after stimulation after each feeding? Or should I just go ahead and add a drop of mineral oil, or olive oil?

 

[Sarthur2]

I would go ahead and add the oil rather than wait for a problem.

As soon as you get the scale, let me know their weights.

For now keep giving 6-8 mLs per feeding, more if they want it. Wake them for feeding during the night.

You're doing a great job! [emoji]128522[/emoji]

 

[DreamerRose]

I can't believe someone would surrender two-week-old kittens, either, and you really are doing a great job. They are eating well and will soon be pooping well.

 

[laurenlavigne16]

Another good feeding! Two of them had 8ml and the other had 6ml. No poop yet though [emoji]128552[/emoji] I used the pedialyte instead of water this time, and added a drop of olive oil. So, hopefully we'll see something throughout the night. I have a few pictures! Not the best,they were scurrying all around their box tonight! Soooo, how do I upload multiple pictures [emoji]128513[/emoji]

 

[handsome kitty]

Glad they are getting the hang of it.

To post multiple pictures hold down the ctrl key as you make your selections.  or you can do what I do and insert singe pictures in the same post.

 [article="24985"]Image And Video Tutorial​[/article]  

 

[Sarthur2]

Upload a photo, submit it to your post, skip a space, upload another photo, hit submit, etc. you can hit preview to review it, then submit the whole post to your thread. Does this make sense?

I'm just thrilled with how much they are eating! I'm sure they will begin pooping soon! [emoji]128077[/emoji]

 

[laurenlavigne16]

Screenshot_2016-07-20-23-10-21.png

• laurenlavigne16
• Jul 20, 2016

 

[laurenlavigne16]

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• laurenlavigne16
• Jul 20, 2016

 

[DreamerRose]

Awww! Such sweeties!

 

[Sarthur2]

Awww, they are just precious! [emoji]128149[/emoji]