Ant bites on 3-4 week old kitten

I just found a kitten outside with ant bites and tick bites. What do I do? Doesn't really want to eat or drink; all it does is sleep.

Hurliebabe said:

 
I just found a kitten outside with ant bites and tick bites. What do I do? Doesn't really want to eat or drink; all it does is sleep.

Click to expand...

I am writing - its an emergency,   continueing     I presume you are willing to give it help, and fight for it??

I see Catapault send his answer away when I began to write.

So I do agree with hers advices.   Its an emergency.  The kitten isnt uninterested, its  laying off  almost dying.   You must work vigorously!

1. Make sure she is warm.  Warm up actively if so is.    Later on,  Holding at your chest is a good trick.  Have her in a sack, so you wont get soiled.

2. perk up energy by smearing glucose sugar or similiar - as Catapault wrote.     If you dont have any such home, lend from some neighbour.

3.   Give it water, as its surely dehdydrated.    Some home made pedialyte or diluted KMR is even better,  but begin with water, its quickest.   Let the water be body temperature.,   and later on the kmr too..

 use a dropper or a needles syringe, in the corner of the mouth, across the mouth,  NOT spray into wrong throat.   The kitten laying on tummy, head up.

4.  If you can give it kitten replacement milk, the most wellknown brand KMR,.  Goat milk is fine too.   Dilute it a little perhaps.   This is step four, kitten must be warm enough before you even try to give it  andy food or kmr.

5.   Stimulate it too pee and poop after the meal.

6.  You will prob get the advice: run immediately to the vet with her!   Sorrowfully, many vets dont have much clue about helping weak kittens.  Or they dont have the time for it.   Such vets usually inject some fluid - which is good, as they are often dehydrated, lend you a syringe, give some advices, but the rest you must do self.

If you cant get help from some knowleable neigbour, try to get help from mom of several children.   These are usually experienced with organizing chaotic, difficult situations and manage with what they have.

Continue to report, we will help you now when we know you are here!!!

A good link is:  www.kitten-rescue.com

*vibes!*   @Hurliebabe

I'm not a vet. Never faced this situation myself. But - since no one else has offered any suggestions - The important things are warming, energy boost, fluids.

Get some dextrose or honey or white Karo syrup and rub it on the kittens gums for a quick energy boost. It is probably exhausted / hungry / chilled. Cannot eat under these conditions. Dextrose etc is a quick and temporary pick-me-up.

Put some rice in a sock and warm in microwave. Tuck next to kitten in a towel in a box to warm him up.

Check for dehydration - gently pinch up a fold of skin over neck / shoulder and see how quickly it relaxes. Should be very quick. If skin stays tented up the kitten is dehydrated and fluids are very important.

Offer some water, KMR (kitten milk substitute), Pedialyte with a needle-less syringe. Gently squeeze a little liquid into the kitten's cheek to avoid choking. Do this with kitten tummy down, head up (as it would be when nursing from mother.) Fluids should be at room temperature or very slightly warm.

Lastly, wipe kitten down with a barely damp washcloth to remove dirt / soothe bites. Dry off right away.

@StefanZ - your help is needed!

@catwoman707- your help is needed!

Please give some detailed information on the kitten so we are better able to judge the age.

This does matter in our treatment advice.

For instance can kitten walk fully? Hind legs are straight when walking?

Can you tell if kitten is old enough to run? Play?

The ants are/were present or it looks like ant bites?

First thing is to clean any ants off obviously. Get the kitten warmed up, fully warmed. Meaning limbs are warm as well.

Take Karo syrup, or honey, or even pancake syrup and put on your fingertip and rub on kittens gums. This will buy a bit more time as the sugar gets the heart going and blood circulating better.

Kitten needs food. Depending on the age here, it can either need KMR using a small eye dropper or no needle syringe into the cheek, or soft canned cat food. (pate type)

Please give details asap so we know how to best help. Describe the kittens behavior/movements.

I fear the kitten was already dying when found, and died shortly after the starting post was made.  That is why @Hurliebabe didnt come back for more reports or even fetch the advices.

But I do hope it isnt so!

I agree with you @StefanZ  , the presence of ants is not a good sign...........