Newborn Kittens tangled up

grandma tj

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I have a problem which needs to be answer very fast, my cat had second litter of kittens before we could get fixed. Today, and four of kittens are joined together by the belly string very tightly.
And are so fighting to get lose,I tried to help but can't get them lose ,there a very tiny one which is getting stepped on and Can,t eat. Any suggestions ?????
 

catwoman707

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I had this happen before, they get all tangled up very tightly.

If you have scissors and dental floss or string, I prefer the thicker floss to string, try to relax, each cord needs to be cut at least an inch from babys body, 2 inches is even better.

Start with the easiest to get to cord, if you are unable to tie the string/floss, you can cut it first but not recommended, so cut a piece of floss long so you can handle it easier, and tie one off, then cut.

Place that baby with mom right away, then on to the next one.

You can do this!! Dont stress out or panic, just take a deep breath and do it.

It is very helpful if you have another person there to help hold, as I know how squirmy they are now.

Let me know asap, I will wait up at my computer to hear how it goes.
 
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grandma tj

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We have this problem today there is four of them joined together by the belly cord, I was wondering why she was not feeding them or she tried moving them and picked up four the same time . We have one that is so much littler and is getting smashed and no food. She had five and one was okay, and the others she had in a big oversized basket. In our town I have to call in morning to find out what to do,
 

Norachan

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Grandma TJ, you can try to cut the chords by yourself. Use something like dental floss to tie the cord close to the kittens body then cut the cord with a sharp pair of scissors a couple of inches from the kitten. If I were you I'd cut the chords now and take them to the vet in the morning to be checked, rather than leaving them tied together overnight. They need to be with their Mum and they need to eat as soon as possible.

Just noticed that Catwoman has given you some more detailed advice on the other thread you posted on. She's our expert, please ask her if you need any help.

Good luck, I hope the kittens will be OK.
 
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grandma tj

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I got one which had one piece of string around leg , I was very careful and cut it lose. But the others are so tangled around feet and bellies at least one foot of each, and connected to the belly of the smallest one and another one. I put them back with mom and they are a little bit better, but she at least staying with them. And she kept trying to tell this I think before. But did not notice it that much tell I saw her pick them up all at once. I still have four more to go , but need help, if I can't get them I will have take to vet , and really can't afford it , but will not let them suffer.
 
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grandma tj

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Even the first one she had was tangled in that mess .
 

StefanZ

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You can essentially sear off with your nails too, if you get in.  Sharp scissors ok if it is easier, as you are desperate now...    But using your own nails you can sear off whenever the cords are, you dont need to be afraid in the same way you risk cutting through their skin, wounding them.

The situation isnt not necessary directly life threating.  There is something called for "mouse-king" which is exactly this situation, tangled in mouse babies... In the wild there is no human to help them out. And it seems they can often survive quite long.

Healthy kittens can survive several hours without feeding, so it may happen they may even survive to tomorrows vet visit.  Especially as mom is warming them up.

But as earlier said, follow  Catwomans advices, sear them loose today, as well you can, and go to the vet for check up tomorrow, if you still think its necessary.

You do perhaps have some friendly neigbour who is used with kittens or small dogs, or mices??   Otherwise a mother of several children know surely all the dirty tricks how to handle squirting infants and try to solve the mess although stressed....

If you yourself dont can or dare, you can thus perhaps find someone else who do dares... Find a resourceful person.

When you are in such a emergency need, you can ask for help practically anyone, even people you usually dont talk with.  And the sociale pressure is, they do help in emergency,  you if you just ask.

Even if they normally dont like you nor you them.

Good luck!
 

catwoman707

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Even the first one she had was tangled in that mess .
I am hoping you were able to cut them away from one another so they can nurse and stay warm.

It's not so much the urgency of getting them disconnected, but it is the fact that they won't all be able to nurse together like that, nor stay warm enough, and it's likely going to be the tiny one who is unable to nurse and you might lose it.

Ask anyone at all to help, or if you don't feel okay to do this, run to the nearby vet's office with them in a small box heated and ask if a vet tech will help cut their cords real quick is all. They won't necessarily charge for an actual office visit. Some will, some won't since it's only lending a helping hand and takes just a few minutes of their time.

Let us know!
 

tulosai

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I don't have much to add to what's already been said except for to say please keep us updated.  I know it looks very tangled and hopeless but you CAN do this.  Just take a deep breath and stay calm.  Like StefanZ says, a fingernail can work if you are nervous about the scissors because they are so close together.

It will really be MUCH better for them and they will be much more likely to make it, if you can manage to do this now rather than waiting for morning.  As Catwoman says, the real biggest issue is they will not be able to nurse like that, and also it will be much much harder to keep them warm.  Other complications can also arise. So if there is any way you can figure out how to dot his yourself, please please do.
 
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