No BM for 5 day old kitten

Baby boy is 5 days old today. He has not had a bowel movement in at least 2 days. I have tried everything I can think of. He is fed either Goat's Milk (was frozen, not canned) or KMR formula (he prefers the Goat's Milk.)

I stimulate him every 3 hrs (before and after he eats) around the clock. He has no issues urinating (and it is a healthy color.) However, nothing I have tried has produced a bowel movement.

He is always warm when fed, I burp him and rub his back/abdomen after feeding.

I have raised kittens before, though he is the youngest I have dealt with (the others have been 7-10 days.)

"Brief" History:
Momma gave birth on Friday (8/8) and had 3 stillborns, and 1 lone survivor. One of the stillborns got stuck in the birth canal and Momma had an emergency c-section/spay. (This is where our rescue entered the pic.)

Baby was 2nd born and nursed on Momma for a total of 36-48 hrs (not consecutive.) On Sunday (8/10) we took Momma to our vet with a near 106 temp. She had developed an abdominal infection, and developed mastitis on Monday (8/11.) Baby was taken away from Momma on Monday (at 3 days old) so that we could use stronger antibiotics and pain medication for her. She remains in ICU at our vet clinic.

Baby has pneumonia and is on antibiotics (3 times daily) and gets nebulizer treatments 3-4 times a day. He is getting more vocal and is crawling.

Also, I am currently syringe feeding baby, though he badly was to suck. We have tried super small nipples on a bottle and even rigged up a syringe with a catheter (no needle) to no avail. Any tip on how to transition him would be appreciated. (He has only latched on to the syringe once.)

Goat milk gives seldom constipation, but when it does, the remedy seems to be to dilute the milk with some water.  The same trick is btw used with KMR...

You can also give him some  water or homemade pedialyte between the feedings if you suspect he may be constipated.   Although I see the urine is normally clear, not darkish, so he is probably not dehydrated.

Had you tried Catwoman707 trick?  Held the kitten in your left hand, in under running warm water with its behind (so it feels nice and cozy by the kitten), and with forefinger of your right hand, you tap it on the behind and private parts.  Works like a charm.

Be sure there is no draugh, warm in the room, you  dry off the kitten afterwards with a soft towel... And you keep the kitten warm till you are entirely sure everything is stabilized.

As the ktiten  is sensitive, this method is probably somewhat more dangerous than usual - but what to do??   He must eliminate.  Even if not all kittens eliminate every day.

We had here example on not eliminating several days running, and the consulted vet wasnt much worried.   It ended well, as i  remember.

If it wont help, you can add three-four  drops of  olive or rapeseed (kanold) oil, coldpressed, of good quality. 

  Mineral oil is even more potent, but begin with these vegetarian oils.

Crushed plain pumpkin is sometimes mentioned - but it works with older kittens (and adult cats), whose are essentially eating solid foods.

Good luck!

Yes, I have tried the water technique several times to no avail. I mostly use baby wipes that are warmed in a wipe warmer. I've also used gauze a few times. Nothing seems to make a difference.

His belly is not distended, though he is restless at times (not due to hunger.)

So the next step is to add some drops of coldpressed olive oil or rapessed = kanold.  they are mild and cant hurt.

Wait with the minerale oils as yet.

Now I remember the knowleable Catwoman707 had also mentioned tips on homemade, mild enema.  I shall see if I remember / find it somewhere.

So mom isnt there to try and wash off her?  Nor any of your residents?   I mean, what if somene sneaky is coming in and helping with washing and eliminating?  the proofs would be eaten up before you see anything.

and thus - you wouldnt not see any poop for several days running...

No. No help from mom or any of the other kitties. Momma is still quite sick and is in ICU at the vet clinic. If he isn't being held, he is in a small carrier so as to keep him warm.

He was able to pass a *small* amount of stool about 20 mins ago. It was orangy-yellow and gel like. Will work on him again in a bit.

Next goal is to figure out why he isn't gaining weight.

You could perhaps feed him a little more often - of course, more work for you and less sleep....

The usual rule of thumb of 3 hours is nice and good, but its mostly for stabilized kittens.

If he doenst gain, he is not stabilized as yet.  Thus, more often - and if necessary, small portions.

Happy he produced  at least  something!   Neither hard nor runny.

*vibes!*  @CatPack  

Thank you StefanZ! Yes, today I have been feeding him every 1 1/2 to 2 hrs. He is beginning to latch onto the bottle, though still a bit too weak to take more than a few swallows. But, I'll take any progress!

Here's a pic of baby boy. =)

Heartbroken to report that sweet Baby Asher passed away this morning. He was a few hours shy of being 6 days old.

So glad I was able to get these pictures of his visit with his momma yesterday morning.


Now our focus turns completely to getting Momma well.

What sad news.  It is precious that baby Asher had this time with his momma and that you managed to capture these beautiful images of them together.  

Heaps of positive vibes for you and your momma cat.  

Im sorry to hear this.  It must be hard for you, It takes even on me, it must hurt you much more...

RIP   little Baby Boy.

Best wishes to the momma.    *vibes!*

Warm hugs to you, CatPack..

Catpack, you did everything you could for this little boy  and the TCS team would like you to know that we are so very sorry for your loss.

Threads are locked after someone has suffered such a loss, as a sign of respect, but we invite you to place a tribute at http://www.thecatsite.com/f/19/crossing-the-bridge as an enduring testimony to this tiny boy.