Two new kitties "Pedro" and "Monica"

Hi everyone!

Just adopted two adorable kittens from a shelter.  Pedro who is around 8 weeks and Monica who is around 6 weeks, or could be Pedro's sister but just the runt of the litter.  They are so sweet and playful.  I just took them yesterday for a check-up at the vet.  They are very healthy except for the parasite coccidia, which the vet says most kittens that are rescued have.   Only problem I'm having with them is they don't clean themselves very well. The vet suggest i clean them with a washcloth after they go to the bathroom.  Does anyone have any other suggestions as they really don't like when i do this.  Thanks so much!!

I don't have any suggestions, but with kittens that young you have to expect some issues especially in the "litterbox" area.

I'm surprised the shelter would adopt out kittens that small - they won't where I live.

It was from a kill shelter, so although they are young, at least they are safe

Coccidia is an opportunistic parasite that most of us have to some extent all the time. Our immune system keeps it under check. Stress or other illness can can allow it to flare up. While there is a drug available in some countries to actually kill it, it isn't approved for cats in the US. The practice here is to suppress it enough to allow the cat's immune system to get it under control.

As to the litter box habits, remember that you are dealing with infants. Their proficiency will improve with time and improved health.

Aw poor little things. Bless you for rescuing them. I hope they recover quickly.

I know there are many people here who have experience with tiny kittens. I'm sure they will start chiming in soon.

Hi, welcome to TCS!  Daisy had coccidia when we adopted her from the shelter.  She was an adult in poor condition.  It took quite some time for her to get better, but she is fine now.  I hope your kittens are well soon. 

Welcome to TCS.

Yup most of my rescues have had coccida. I think as they grow older and the coccidia is clearing up that they should start to clean themselves better, until then a wash cloth is probably the only way I can think of to keep them clean. Kittens don't always want mom to give them a bath either.