Kittens stopped eating, help!

I had originally found 5 kittens under my house, they had been out there for about 2 1/2 days without the mother. I got some KMR and started feeding them, it took them a while but soon they got the hang of nursing from the bottle.

Well first the runt passed away, he just didn't want to eat, he'd chew the nipple but wouldn't suckle. Then the little black and white one, who was originally strong stopped eating, same thing, he'd chew on the nipple but wouldn't suck. Then the little calico one started doing the same thing and hasn't eaten in days, I expect that one to pass away by tomorrow at the latest. It should also be noted that I've had to clean them at least once a day to keep their eyes from getting crusty, so I'm not certain if they're sick or something.

Now I'm down to two kittens both of which have been eating very well. One is pretty small and puny, but still eating well, the other is a complete pig and eats 8 times a day, he is growing very fast.

Well yesterday I ran out of KMR and went to the store and got a small can of that ready-made milk. It looks different, has a brownish tint to it. Well when I went to feed them this time Krusty (the big piggish one) still sucked it right down, but the little one (as yet unnamed) took a little coercing to suckle, he then suckled for a moment then started chewing on the nipple. I tried again this morning and despite him being hungry he just chewed on the nipple.

This is rediculous, I don't want to lose the last two just because they refuse to eat! I don't understand how they can go from ravenous to not eating. What should I try with this one that stopped eating? Should I get some more KMR and see if he maybe just doesn't like the new milk? I tried giving them some moistened dry food but they just walk through it getting filthy and not even knowing it's food.

Please help, I don't want to lose the last two. Just keep in mind if your suggestion is "visit a vet" then it's out of the question. I can't afford to bring myself to the doctor so taking some stray kittens to the doctor is out of the question.




I've attached a link to a video of Krusty (the biggest kittie). I can't really tell how old he is, but the video is from 2-3 days ago and now he's walking around even better than that.

Welcome...I can understand how it can be frustrating to lose kittens. I do hope you are feeding them prone (feet on the ground, head tipped slightly up) so that they do not get fluid in their lungs. Also, I would be concerned about feeding KMR that looked "brownish"..is there any way you can take the can back to the store and see about getting another can??

Here are a couple of really good sites:

www.kitten-rescue.com

http://www.safehavenforcats.com/newborn.htm

Both of these have excellent suggestions for caring for orphaned kittens.

Katie

no the KMR was white

the new stuff I got, which is ready-mixed formula has a slight brownish tint to it

Originally Posted by maxsideburn

no the KMR was white

the new stuff I got, which is ready-mixed formula has a slight brownish tint to it

Click to expand...

If they ate KMR well but don't seem to take to this new fomula...I would consider switching back.

Katie

I understand how hard it is to feed these little guys....first of all...that ready made milk seems to give the kitties severe runs...I would stick with KMR...next use a small syringe and very slowly put a little in there mouth at a time. You are going to have to force feed them..but very slowly so you do not get it into there lungs. The one that has not eaten I would get plain pedialyte and instead of water mx the KMR with that. it will help with dehydration. I would offer a little bit every hour. Are they stuffy..kittys sometimes will not eat if they are congested. If so, then its vet time. Also.. are you stimulating them to go potty? Hope they all pull through. Good Luck!!!

Have you taken them to the vet? Maybe they could help with getting them to eat.

as I said in the first post I can't afford to take myself to the doctor, so taking stray kittens to the vet is not an option. if I could I would.

Originally Posted by maxsideburn

as I said in the first post I can't afford to take myself to the doctor, so taking stray kittens to the vet is not an option. if I could I would.

Click to expand...

Can you find a rescue group who is willing to take them?? Given that you cannot provide them with vet checks...it may be best for them to be placed through an organization that can. At 6 weeks, they will need their first distemper shot and deworming. At 10-12 weeks, they will need to be spayed/neutered and FELV/FIV tested. At 3-4 months, they will need their rabies shot.

Katie

If you have difficulties in getting milk of good quality.
Do you happen to have possibility to get goat milk?

A forumist working in postwar Bosnia telled us about good experiences with goat milk as decent emergency milk.
she had much easier to get hold of goat milk then KMR...

By the way. The baby milk made by Royal Canin is cheaper, and nowadays of good quality.
Several years ago it wasnt so good, - but is better now = better formula.


the stimulation of tummy and behind also important in infant-kittens. Their mother does it by licking them.
But these two surviving are probably beyond this stage now?

I agree with the other suggestions about stimulating to go potty - yesterday I placed an orphan of about 3-4 wks. with a friend and after two feedings, would keep meowing & chewing the bottle nipple but not nurse. I "changed her diaper" by stroking her bottom with kleenex, she pee'd and pee'd, and voila! back to another good feed and a nap. Please keep us updated!! Susan
P.S. Krustie is ADORABLE What a darling video!! Sending {{{prayers and vibes}}} that the remaining kits make it okay. Bless you for being a real kittens' hero