babysitting a new kitten

Hi all. My daughters friend found a little kitten 2 days ago. They have been feed the kitten KRM, but she is having problems sleeping/working/etc. She has asked me to kitten sit and take care of it for a couple of weeks until the kitten can go abt 5 hrs between feeding. Of course I said yes. Questions, how much should she been drinking, how often, I told them they must take the kitten to the vets before she comes here. the kittens ears are still a little folder, and they said she peed today by herself. I hope I'm not bitting off more then I can chew. I just adopted 2 kittens, both about 6 mo old, and I had to put my 18 years old dog to sleep last week. Luckly I don't work so at least I can sleep during the day. Any advice would be great.

Mary

Oh you are a kind soul for taking care of this baby!!

Do you have a scale that you can weigh the kitten? You usually feed per the kittens weight and the directions on how much to feed are on the KMR can. (here's a link to those directions: http://www.jbpet.com/KMR-Liquid,651.html ) With my last litter of orphans, I tried to follow the guidelines off the can and found out that they pretty much told me when they were full. I think you want to make sure you are giving her at least what is suggested, so you may want to monitor her intake.

If she has peed by herself, that would probably put her at the 3 to 3-1/2 week age, but I'm surprised that her ears are still a bit folded at that age. I would continue to stimulate her to pee, and if she's doing it on her own, by all means let her!

Do you have a picture of her to share?

I'll get my daughter to post a couple of the pics that she took of the kitten. Of course, I'll keep her by my bed as my two newest rescues are in the back bedroom. I'll get her tomorrow afternoon. I'll let you know how it goes.
Now for the bad news, last Monday we had to put to sleep one of our dogs. She was 18 and we rescued her over 15 years ago. We went to the vet today, and our other senior, who is 15, is in the last stages of liver failure. We had no idea, we just thought it was age and the grieving process for her best friend that passed. Now we have to go back tomorrow and let her join her best friend over the rainbow bridge. That only leaves our youngest, who is is 11. All except the 15 year old were rescues. I don't know if my heart can handles losing 2 of my best friends within 8 days of each other. Maybe by taking care of the kitten I'll find renewed strength and hope.

Mary

Oh Mary, I'm so sorry about your babies!!!