My dogs hurt a stray kitten. Please help me.

This morning when I went to feed my dogs I saw them growling and barking at something that was under our shed. When I took a look and saw that it was a small kitten I went to find a leash so that I could tie my dogs while I took the cat out but before I could my husky rushed under there. I can't tell if the kitten was bitten or just got hit. There wasn't any blood but, the kitten was limping it's front right leg. My girlfriend's mom who used to be a nurse bandaged the leg but, I'm still worried because she doesn't seem to be able to move it. The kitten is really friendly it licks me and doesn't mind when I pet it or touch it. He doesn't look to be in pain only while we bandage it did he meow. He drank and ate just fine. I'm mostly worried because when I lift his arm it just falls right back down and I don't know if he doesn't want to move it or can't. I need advise on what to do. 

I tried to look for answers on yahoo but people mostly came out saying how horrible the people asking for help were for not having money to take their pets to the vet. Even though it's not or wasn't my pet till like 2 hours ago I would take the kitten to vet if I could but, we don't have money right now I just lost my job and my girlfriends mom is on a fixed income.

This kitten didn't belong to anyone else there is farmland behind my house my neighbor to the left doesn't own cats to my right and in front are abandoned houses. and I've seen a couple of adult stray cats running around.

Sorry for the long post, please help.

It is very possible that the kitten has a broken leg.  He really needs to see a vet.  Are you able to take him a vet?

No, at least not immediately.

Is there a chance that this could be something minor like a sprain, he looks happy enough he's playing around with some small toys. He isn't at all reserved... I think he got mad at me for not putting more food in his bowl. He walked up to his bowl and meowed at me. I could also use some regular cat care advise, I've never had a cat as a pet before.

Where are you located?  It could be a sprain but without having an x-ray done there is no way to tell.  If you wait to long and it is broken they will not be able to fix the leg.  I am wondering if there are any low cost clinics in your area.

With it being a holiday weekend, I would keep the kitten's leg wrapped and keep him/her warm and fed.  Also, try to contain the kitten in a small cage or spare bedroom/bathroom with a litter box, toys, water, and food.  Watch for swelling and bleeding.  Keep the kitten warm by making a rice sock.  Just pour raw rice in an old sock, tie it off and nuke it for a few minutes.  Put it near the kitten.  Also, if there's any change in behavior, appetite, or litter box activity call your vet immediately and see what the vet's answering machine says about emergencies.
 

What about contacting rescues or shelters in your area to see if they can help? 

The kitten will need a litter box.  A low-sided one would be a good idea.  He needs food (dry or wet), and water.  It's best if you can keep the kitten in a small room, preferably with a hard floor so accidents won't be a disaster.  You'll find you don't need to train a kitten to use a litter box; they do it automatically.

It sounds like this kitten was dumped by your house.  No kitten that hadn't been around people would be as friendly as this one sounds like it is.

Tomorrow, when the vets are open, call around to see if you can find one who will work out a financial assistance for you.  Most shelters in rural areas are high-kill, meaning that almost every animal that comes in is put down.  If that concerns you (it would me), then you'll need to work out something for the kitten.

However!!!  Even if you can't get the kitten treated, it is better off being kept indoors and fed and cared for by you that what would have happened if you had not found it and brought it in.  You have done it a kindness, and I hope you are rewarded for it with a long relationship with a loving feline.

By the way, you really should plan on keeping the kitten indoors, even when it is grown.  It's a big, cruel world for little animals, and many predators will catch and eat a kitten or cat.

Please feel free to ask any questions you may have.  Feline behavior is very different from that of dogs (or humans), so this furry little surprise can be quite an enigma to anyone unfamiliar with its behavior.
 

mrblanche said:

The kitten will need a litter box.  A low-sided one would be a good idea.  He needs food (dry or wet), and water.  It's best if you can keep the kitten in a small room, preferably with a hard floor so accidents won't be a disaster.  You'll find you don't need to train a kitten to use a litter box; they do it automatically.

Click to expand...

Caring for a kitten is fairly easy, here are the basics:

• Food
• Water
• Litter box

As mrblanche said  really litter box training isn't needed.

And, I know I have left some things out but, this should get you started.

KittyCatNap said:

Caring for a kitten is fairly easy, here are the basics:

• Food
• Water
• Litter box

Click to expand...

And LOVE.  Lots and lots of love, but with no expectation of it being returned.  Remember, dogs have owners but cats have staff - or slaves. 

Oh yes - and games!  Kittens are vey playful and a single kitten only has you to play with.

OrientalSlave said:

.  Remember, dogs have owners but cats have staff - or slaves. 

Click to expand...

That is so true... it's scary!

By the way, there was a reason for everything I suggested.  The small room makes sure the kitten can remember where the litter box is, until he is acquainted with the house, and it gives him a "safe place" where he can feel secure.
 

Is there a humane society in your county?  Since the kitten was not yours, maybe you can explain what happened to them and take the baby kitten there for treatment.  Please give them a call.

I'm going to second the idea of the Humane Society. The SPCA here provides help for those who can't afford to take care of their animals. They don't take the animal but instead treat it for you. Hopefully you have something like that around you.

And I'm assuming the kitten is old enough to eat solid food...? If not, you'll need to get a milk replacement from PetSmart or the like.

How is the kitty doing?  Were you able to get it to the vet?