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Update and Question on Abandoned Kitten

post #1 of 45
6/17/10 at 3:22pm
Thread Starter 


I originally posted in "pregnant cats and kittens" section, but I'm updating here because I have an added question.

We took Carlos to the vet, he ended up being a she lol so we took Lydia Dawn-Omelet to the vet and the only sickness she has is ear mites (we got meds for that). And an obvious case of malnutrition, she's 3 monthes old and only weighs a pound and a half. She's all bone, but the vet said she should be okay when she puts on weight.
I thought she may have had a hurt leg, because she didn't have good coordination and can barely move without flopping over. But the doctor said it's because she is so weak from not eating.

My question is: He said we were smart to get the canned wet soft kitten food, because she wasn't really eating the hard stuff. She ate around 10am just before the vet's appointment. But hasn't touched it since. Every once in a while I'll touch a bit and bring it to her nose but she just turns away. Same with the water. Am I pushing her too hard? Will she do it when she feels like it? I'm just so concerned with her weight. I set both bowls very close to her so she doesnt have to struggle or wobble to get there.

Am I being too overprotective? I know her stomach is smaller than normal and can't take much at a time, she hasn't pooped since we got her. Which was last night around 9pm.

Any help is appreciated. I love this little girl, she's one of the family now. I just can't wait for the day she can run around the house and stir up trouble.
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post #2 of 45
6/17/10 at 3:30pm
Have you tried warming the wet food just a little. It makes it smell more so sometimes they will eat it. I would be aggressive if necessary. Do you have a little syringe. You could loosen the wet food with a little bit of water and stick it in her mouth and assist feed her. She is a sweet looking little cat, but she needs to eat. Keep us posted.
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post #3 of 45
6/17/10 at 3:31pm
Do the "pinch test". You grab a little skin between your thumb and pointer (or middle finger) and gently pinch and pull it away from her. Kittens have extra skin, so this won't hurt her. What you're looking for is how fast that skin goes back. If slowly you should probably get her back in to the vet and let them keep her overnight with fluids.

I'm not sure how warm it is there, yet, but here a kitten would dehydrate pretty quickly if left on it's own. Once dehydrated they can loose appetite and become listless like that.

Also, even though the vet only found earmites, she will have worms. It's very rare that a kitten would be in such a state that is has earmites and no worms. She will need to be dewormed for both tape and roundworms.
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post #4 of 45
6/17/10 at 3:35pm
Hmmm. I am not the kitten expert here but this sounds serious. You may have to force-feed her. That requires a medicine syringe and watering down her wet food so it will flow through the tip of the syringe. The other option is to go to Walmart, Petsmart, etc and get stage two kitten milk replacer like KMR and use that as the liquid-y part. That will add calories and moisture.

You go slowly, little bit at a time at the side of her mouth, til she swallows it. Be careful b/c of the potential for aspiration - getting stuff down into her lungs.

Call the vet tomorrow and tell him/her that kitten is not eating and perhaps he will prescribe an appetite stimulant that is appropriate for such a little one.

She hasn't pooped likely b/c she is not getting enough to eat. It can be serious so keep an eye on that. Also whether or not she is peeing.

If she is not eliminating waste - again - contact the vet. Don't feel silly doing so, b/c with a kitten like this it can get to crisis stage quickly.

And bless you for taking her in and taking care of her!
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post #5 of 45
6/17/10 at 3:36pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by strange_wings View Post
Do the "pinch test". You grab a little skin between your thumb and pointer (or middle finger) and gently pinch and pull it away from her. Kittens have extra skin, so this won't hurt her. What you're looking for is how fast that skin goes back. If slowly you should probably get her back in to the vet and let them keep her overnight with fluids.

I'm not sure how warm it is there, yet, but here a kitten would dehydrate pretty quickly if left on it's own. Once dehydrated they can loose appetite and become listless like that.

Also, even though the vet only found earmites, she will have worms. It's very rare that a kitten would be in such a state that is has earmites and no worms. She will need to be dewormed for both tape and roundworms.
The vet said that because she is so malnourished that he didnt want to de worm her. Because there was hardly anything in her to cause the worms yet. I've been trying to make her stand and the only thing moving is her head otherwise she just flops back down, even with her wrists turned inward. All she's doing is sleeping, and every once in a while opening her eyes to meow. I'm worried, should I get her to the vet again?
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post #6 of 45
6/17/10 at 3:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by strange_wings View Post
Do the "pinch test". You grab a little skin between your thumb and pointer (or middle finger) and gently pinch and pull it away from her. Kittens have extra skin, so this won't hurt her. What you're looking for is how fast that skin goes back. If slowly you should probably get her back in to the vet and let them keep her overnight with fluids.

I'm not sure how warm it is there, yet, but here a kitten would dehydrate pretty quickly if left on it's own. Once dehydrated they can loose appetite and become listless like that.

Also, even though the vet only found earmites, she will have worms. It's very rare that a kitten would be in such a state that is has earmites and no worms. She will need to be dewormed for both tape and roundworms.
GPs about dehydration and worms!! And I second the hydration test. And like I said above - don't feel silly. Kittens can go downhill FAST!!
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post #7 of 45
6/17/10 at 3:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by quietlydestroyd View Post
The vet said that because she is so malnourished that he didnt want to de worm her. Because there was hardly anything in her to cause the worms yet. I've been trying to make her stand and the only thing moving is her head otherwise she just flops back down, even with her wrists turned inward. All she's doing is sleeping, and every once in a while opening her eyes to meow. I'm worried, should I get her to the vet again?
Yes. I would. As Strange_wings noted, she may be dehydrated ... so she may need some fluid and nourishment via IV -I wouldn't mess around.
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post #8 of 45
6/17/10 at 3:47pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by AddieBee View Post
You may have to force-feed her. That requires a medicine syringe and watering down her wet food so it will flow through the tip of the syringe. The other option is to go to Walmart, Petsmart, etc and get stage two kitten milk replacer like KMR and use that as the liquid-y part. That will add calories and moisture.

You go slowly, little bit at a time at the side of her mouth, til she swallows it. Be careful b/c of the potential for aspiration

Where can I get these medicine syringes?
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post #9 of 45
6/17/10 at 3:51pm
Ask in the pharmacy. But honestly, if she's that run down sounding it would probably be best to just get her back in to the vet now. If the vet closed at 5, they may still be there finishing up if you hurry.

And yes, worming will have to wait until some food is in her. But it will have to be done as soon as she starts getting better otherwise the worms will just keep taking all of the nutrients from the food she eats.
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post #10 of 45
6/17/10 at 3:58pm
I'd get her back to the vet ASAP or to an emergency vet for hydration (sub-q fluids) and liquid nutrition. She NEEDS to eat NOW and she needs some liquids in her.

Don't wait, go NOW!
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post #11 of 45
6/17/10 at 4:30pm
I see the OP's offline now, I hope that means they got the kitten heading to the vet. My guess is that today's events took what little strength the kitten had left in her and that's why she went downhill this afternoon/evening.


Good luck with her. I hope she makes it.
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post #12 of 45
6/17/10 at 5:06pm
I hope she makes it and hope she is now back at the vets.

IV fluids work very quickly. I saw it 5 years ago when Lucy was critically ill and experienced it myself when I was ill a couple of years before that. I felt really bad but after a couple of hours on IV fluid, I felt so much better (I had pneumonia).

She is such a pretty little kitten. Reminds me on a rescue kitten I had many years ago - Leo.

Poor little soul's probably got a belly full of worms too which will also be sapping her energy.

I hope the vet can save her.
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post #13 of 45
6/17/10 at 5:51pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by strange_wings View Post
I see the OP's offline now, I hope that means they got the kitten heading to the vet. My guess is that today's events took what little strength the kitten had left in her and that's why she went downhill this afternoon/evening.


Good luck with her. I hope she makes it.
The vet office was closed and the emergency vets wouldn't take her without a hundred dollars down, which I think is outrageous that they wouldn't believe we would have the money tomorrow (pay day)
BUT, we did get a special syringe from a lovely woman at the Walmart pharmacy for free. We've been slowly getting her to take water down, and we mixed a little food in a few shots too, and she didn't like being forced, but it stayed down. We're going to give her more in an hour, and I probably will do it every few hours throughout the night and into tomorrow. She just has to hold on until the afternoon tomorrow.

I'm such a crying mess right now, thinking all hope was lost. And I really hope she can hang on if she just stays hydrated, with a bit of food.

How often should I give her the syringes? It's kind of tiny but we didn't want her to inhale or choke.

AND THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR KIND WORDS AND HELP
I am so grateful, you have no idea.
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post #14 of 45
6/17/10 at 5:56pm
Sending lots of vibes for the little girl. I'm already as attached as you are to her!

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post #15 of 45
6/17/10 at 6:15pm
I think little and often is the way to go but there will be others along soon who will give you better advice than me.

Sending healing for the kitten and strength for you

And
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post #16 of 45
6/17/10 at 6:24pm
I don't have a specific ER vet here, I just have to hope I can get my regular vet out of his (nearby) house and over to the clinic. Though he charges more, it's the same payment set up as regular vet visits. It's too bad that you only had an ER that wanted money up front.

Keep pushing a little at a time as you've planned. If the ER is willing to take check and you have to go later or early tomorrow morning, that may work.

She may not be able to keep herself warm enough if she's dehydrated and severely malnourished. If her ears feel chilled at all to you at any time at the very least throw a blanket or towel in the drier and then wrap it around her.
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post #17 of 45
6/17/10 at 6:43pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by strange_wings View Post
She may not be able to keep herself warm enough if she's dehydrated and severely malnourished. If her ears feel chilled at all to you at any time at the very least throw a blanket or towel in the drier and then wrap it around her.
I wrapped her up in my night robe. It's very soft and warm. I'm also thinking of setting a heater, not ON her but near her, on low. Her ears were cold.

She's been purring all day, is that like her body trying to warm itself up? Or she just really likes being pet and snuggled? God I love her so much
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post #18 of 45
6/17/10 at 6:47pm
Cats will often purr when upset or not feeling good to comfort themselves. But if you were babying her and cuddling her all day she probably was enjoying that and purring for that, too.

I don't know about putting a heater on her - if you have a hot water bottle (or a spare pop bottle) that could be filled with warm water and safely used.
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post #19 of 45
6/17/10 at 6:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by strange_wings View Post
Cats will often purr when upset or not feeling good to comfort themselves. But if you were babying her and cuddling her all day she probably was enjoying that and purring for that, too.

I don't know about putting a heater on her - if you have a hot water bottle (or a spare pop bottle) that could be filled with warm water and safely used.


I believe in the healing power of purr, and do everything I can to encourage it in a sick kitty.

Even a "rice bag" or those type of things that get heated in the microwave, wrapped in a soft blankie will help keep her warm. I agree, I would worry about safety with a heater, depending on what type.
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post #20 of 45
6/17/10 at 6:55pm
What you give her needs to be watered down so she won't choke on it. Also, I don't think it would hurt just to try to get some water in her the same way. But it needs to be very slowly and careful so she won't aspirate and get it in her lungs, same with the food. I do hope the little girl makes it.
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post #21 of 45
6/17/10 at 7:29pm
Something else you might try is plain pedialyte that you give to babies. Be sure it's not the flavored or colored variety, just plain, clear pedialyte. You can also feed stage 2 meat baby food with no garlic or onions.

Make some rice socks. Just take an old sock, fill with plain white rice, tie off and then nuke in the microwave for a couple of minutes. Place them near her so she'll get the warmth from them. I always use a hand towel and cover the sock so my kitties don't get burned.
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post #22 of 45
6/17/10 at 7:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by otto View Post
Even a "rice bag" or those type of things that get heated in the microwave, wrapped in a soft blankie will help keep her warm.
Not everyone has one or knows how to make them. Personally that's one of those things that I think everyone should have a couple of in their freezer (they can be used as cold packs, plus that takes care of grain pests).
Corn bags, if anyone wants to make and keep these around, are safer than other grains and hold heat longer. Whole corn kernels are also less likely to explode/catch fire in the microwave!

I don't quite agree with the measurements here, those you can modify to your own preferences, but it is a good guide. Make them for yourself and your pets, make them as gifts for friends.

A little O/T, but maybe the OP or a future reader can benefit.
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post #23 of 45
6/17/10 at 8:03pm
You can even fill large soft drink bottles with hot water, wrap in a towel and place near, around her. They don't stay as warm as the grain "socks"... but in a pinch. ....they are ok as a hot water bottle.

What size is the syringe? probably 3-5 cc or ml for giving kids medicine.... even one cc or ml at a time would be helpful. Small amounts, often...

Get to the vet first thing in the am.
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post #24 of 45
6/17/10 at 8:48pm
If you can't get Pedialyte at this time of night, you can make your own re-hydration drink.

1 quart/liter of water (OK, so a liter is slightly more than a quart....but not much)
8 level teaspoons of sugar
1 level teaspoon of salt
Mix until fully dissolved, keep refrigerated after mixing

I've had great success using this to re-hydrate sick kittens and ferrets. I give kittens 1 cc per hour, and a cc of chicken/turkey baby food. This can get them through the night/weekend until the vet is open. I prefer using a large eyedropper rather than a syringe, because I think I have more control over the flow when using an eyedropper.
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post #25 of 45
6/17/10 at 10:16pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by AddieBee View Post
You can even fill large soft drink bottles with hot water, wrap in a towel and place near, around her. They don't stay as warm as the grain "socks"... but in a pinch. ....they are ok as a hot water bottle.

What size is the syringe? probably 3-5 cc or ml for giving kids medicine.... even one cc or ml at a time would be helpful. Small amounts, often...

Get to the vet first thing in the am.
It goes up to 2 and a half cc's (i think?) it's tiny tho. She absolutely hates it, but I know if it's keeping her alive, that she can be annoyed with it.
She seems to be more alert and awake, maybe cause it's night time. Her body is still very limp but her head and eyes are very awake. I hope the water helps, I've been giving her a syringe full of water (in about 3 seperate gulps) about every half hour. And a syringe or two of mixed water and kitten chow per hour.

I'm going to call my mom in the morning (she lives about 2 and a half hours away) and beg her to please come down in the AM to help me get her to the vet earlier. I don't drive, and my boyfriend can't miss another day at work. I don't WANT to wait that long to get her in. But if I have to *sigh* I suppose we will have to. They have strange hours, it's from 12:30pm-2:00pm for walk in's and then again 4:30pm - 6:00pm

I will be up all night and into the morning until she is taken care of. I'm her only hope right now. Thank you everyone, once again. For the loving suggestions. It means a lot in this hard time. When she's all better you'll get lovely pictures of her big FAT tummy
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post #26 of 45
6/17/10 at 10:43pm
Try the re-hydration drink. It works much better than plain water---if they're dehydrated sometimes their electrolytes are all out of balance, and they can't absorb water at all. The sugar and salt, in the proper ratio, really help with that.
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post #27 of 45
6/18/10 at 4:58am
Just checking in on our little Red girlie. Has she told you her name yet? Names are important, will help her stay strong.

Many vibes for her coming your way.
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post #28 of 45
6/18/10 at 5:02am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by otto View Post
Just checking in on our little Red girlie. Has she told you her name yet? Names are important, will help her stay strong.

Many vibes for her coming your way.

She's just got in with the vet about 15 minutes ago. I stayed home because my boyfriend took her, he's going to stay around to find out if she will make it or if the safest and humane thing is putting her down. I stayed with her all night with water and watered down food. All we can do now is wait and hope for a miracle, or the worst case, that she is put down and isn't suffering anymore.

Her name is Lydia Dawn-Omelet.
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post #29 of 45
6/18/10 at 5:10am
Lydia Dawn-Omelet

All paws crossed here. If she doesn't make it, to help counteract your heartbreak you'll have the comfort of knowing you saved her from a slow painful death, or being killed by a predator.

All will be well with her, either way.
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post #30 of 45
6/18/10 at 5:37am
for sweet Lydia!
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