Premature kitten, again!

Hi all, it's been a while. Need a boost in confidence and some tips. I'm picking up a premature kitten tomorrow morning to foster, she's the orange one. I have a bit of recent experience with prematurity but would like some tips for bottle feeding.


I am getting kitten milk replacer.

fatedone said:

I am getting kitten milk replacer.

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Does she take bottle?  If not, as you know its easier with an needleless syringe, on 1 ml.    They dont need to suckle actively, its enough they do swallow.

So, if you arent sure, get home a such 1 ml syringe too.   Ah, get it anyway, just to be extra guarded.

Get home an electronical scale in grammes, if you dont have it since earlier.   (I remember your nick, but not your exact history, so I dont know what you may have got left, nor exactly what advices you got).

On the pic, I presume she is togehter with a litter mate?   She is nicely haired, not like a typical premature.  So perhaps she is essentially just small, and the bro perhaps extra large?

Do you know how old she is, and what the weight is?

If not, it will be among things you must get to know.  At least weight.  And take weigt daily, to closely follow the development.

WHAT  kmr will you get?   I understand its an economical question too, kmr does costs.  But if if the "duty" kmr is second rate, you will prefer to buy some good one.

Are you able to get raw goat milk?  This is always a good supplement, even if you do have a good kmr.

Re bottles which you can get in the USA.

I heard  Royal Canin have a good bottle.  Their baby cat milk replacer is quite good too.   Later on, when she begin to eat solids, their baby cat dry food is useful.

I saw the other day CatsKnowMe write this:    For supplemental bottle feedings, the natural rubber nipples in FourPaws nursers (hard to find, but I get mine from Amazon.com).  

Wrap the bottle in fleece, it will feel more nice for the kitten to put its paws on.

Fleece feels nice and cozy, almost like fur.   So you can also use fleece in her comforting bedding.

Get her a stuffed toy as companion.  You can perhaps press in some nice heat pad into the toy?  Hey, you can surely MAKE such a warming, comforting toy.  It doesnt need to be exactly naturalistic.

Good luck!

Welcome back to the site and thank you so much for helping this kitten! I am sure you will do just great   I'm going to try to quickly outline the basics for you, but if you need more details on anything or have any questions please just ask!

First, these two sites that I first saw recommended by forumist @StefanZ  are just awesome and cover everything in fantastic detail http://www.icatcare.org/advice/my-cat-having-kittens/hand-rearing-kittens and http://www.kitten-rescue.com/

If you don't have time to read all that, first, and most important (which you probably know but I will say anyway) until three weeks make sure the kitten is warm, through active warming.  This means a heating pad or hot water bottle or skin to skin contact with you, or other human, or another cat who is old enough to regulate their own body heat. There are probably other ways to go about it.

Also until about three weeks you have to help the kitten urinate/deficate. A tip for this from other forumist @catwoman707  is to run the bum under warm (NOT hot and definitely not cold) water. Then tap gently with your finger.  This ends up being much more pleasant for the kitten and also for you in terms of clean up.

As to the bottle feeding itself, the most important thing initially is to place the kitten in the correct position (flat on its stomach, as it would be if the kitten was feeding from mom). You have some options for how to feed the kitten- you can try a dropper, a syringe, or a bottle. If a bottle the size of he hole is very important- it is too big if formula dribbles out freely if you turn the bottle upside down, and is too small if formula will only come out with lots of squeezing or effort if it is upside down.

How often a kitten has to be fed depends on age/ how well it's doing.  You should probably start by feeding her every 2 hours (with moving to every 4 over night so you can get some nice chunks of sleep. How much to feed is as much as she will take at a time.  If she is initially reluctant you can try moving to a dropper (assuming that isn't want you're using already) or spreading some dextrose or caro syrup or even honey on her gums. In a real pinch even white sugar works but this takes much longer to absorb and is not ideal. As a guideline the kitten should initially probably be drinking at least 32ccs a day and this should increase quickly as her weight increases. If she is drinking less than this initially it's a problem and you should use a dropper and apply the dextrose if necessary (too weak to take even from a dropper); if she is drinking more, great, like I said above she should have as much as she'll take.

Finally, make sure you are weighing the kitten every day at the same time to make sure she is gaining weight and gaining at a good pace.  7 or 8 (at an absolute minimum) to 15 grams a day is what you'd be shooting for.

While I typed this @StefanZ  also gave great advice but I will post anyway

tulosai She is taking a bottle. She is a week old now and was born 4 days before the rest. She was not thriving with the litter mates pushing her out of the way so the owners abandoned her at the vet. The vet called and asked if I was interested in fostering her (this forum helped me raise a premature kitten with flat chested kitten syndrome, but he had a mother to care for him as well). catwoman707 mservant @Mani StefanZ and others saved his little life. I have all of my stuff still from him being premature, I'm not sure of what brand of KMR they have her on,, but I'll ask and of course get more. The owners abandoned her because of her shrinking belly and sure enough, she only weighed 80g today. How can I prevent a flat chest? Will extra soft bedding do it? I have readied a box for her to sleep in. I am just hoping it isn't too late.

fatedone said:

@tulosai She is taking a bottle. She is a week old now and was born 4 days before the rest. She was not thriving with the litter mates pushing her out of the way so the owners abandoned her at the vet. The vet called and asked if I was interested in fostering her (this forum helped me raise a premature kitten with flat chested kitten syndrome, but he had a mother to care for him as well). @catwoman707 @MServant @Mani @StefanZ and others saved his little life. I have all of my stuff still from him being premature, I'm not sure of what brand of KMR they have her on,, but I'll ask and of course get more. The owners abandoned her because of her shrinking belly and sure enough, she only weighed 80g today. How can I prevent a flat chest? Will extra soft bedding do it? I have readied a box for her to sleep in. I am just hoping it isn't too late.

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Four days earlier, its quite a lot to be premature.   Im somewhat surprised she did made it.   Most die off in a week, even if the owner is fighting on.

Anyways,  did she made it so far, and is so hairy, and does has the quite respectable weight of 80 grammes, she is apparently a figher with quie a lot of guts and will to live.

I mean, 80 grammes would be a low but fully normal birthing weight.  So she must had gained at least 20 of them. Probably even 30.   Her using a bottle witness too about good strengh.  A fighter and a hot candidate for survivor.

The best sort to rescue, if you ask me!

We shall fight on, and the victory should be ours.

Im no expert on the flat chest syndrome, but as I understand it, it isnt somehting they get, it is something they do have, a condition.  Although if lucky, it may correct itself out.  Somewhat alike the twisted legs syndrome.  Which does looks horrible on the new borns, but usually it disappears with time, especially  if the owners make suitable gymnasics and massage.

Your vet sure knew who to call!   Do you still have Fonzie and Piper running about and keeping you on your toes? 

As far as I have gathered from reading about FCS since joining here I don't think it is anything you do which can cause it but more that there are likely reasons there and though not always evident at birth it can suddenly appear.  You are right to be allert with a premature kitten and with a kitten not seeming to gain weight and thrive like others but it does not mean it will happen.  If it does seem to be present make sure to check there is no in-curve of the ribs before following what you did with Fonzie of course.   All fingers crossed her rib cage is strong and no need to, but at least you know what to do if there is any sign.  

This little ginger kit looks so tiny next to the sibling in your photo and such a shame she has not been growing with the others.  I agree with stefanZ, what a fighter to be here now and taking to the bottle:  having that emotional strenth and drive is so important and you know we will all be rooting for this little one to do well.  Being very fluffy is also good, and she sure is fluffy!  Like a little fluffy airplane with those sticky out ears of hers.     (I know I'm in love already, oh dear).  

Like StefanZ and tulosai have mentionned, make sure and keep this little one cozy with some form of external heat whether it is snuggled in with you or with a warm heat pad and soft bedding.  With warmth, regular milk, and lots of comforting love this little one will have the best chance of survival (and I am sure your vet knew intantly who they wanted to call - take heart from this too).  

I hope all your other cats are welcoming of this new arrival and understand how the tiny new arrival will need your time while.    

Thank God they gave it to the vet and did not just abandon it to die. What a pretty kitten who deserves every chance at life. You are getting great advice from the best. Good luck to you!

StefanZ said:

Four days earlier, its quite a lot to be premature.   Im somewhat surprised she did made it.   Most die off in a week, even if the owner is fighting on.
Anyways,  did she made it so far, and is so hairy, and does has the quite respectable weight of 80 grammes, she is apparently a figher with quie a lot of guts and will to live.
I mean, 80 grammes would be a low but fully normal birthing weight.  So she must had gained at least 20 of them. Probably even 30.   Her using a bottle witness too about good strengh.  A fighter and a hot candidate for survivor.

The best sort to rescue, if you ask me!

We shall fight on, and the victory should be ours.

Im no expert on the flat chest syndrome, but as I understand it, it isnt somehting they get, it is something they do have, a condition.  Although if lucky, it may correct itself out.  Somewhat alike the twisted legs syndrome.  Which does looks horrible on the new borns, but usually it disappears with time, especially  if the owners make suitable gymnasics and massage.

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I wasn't able to find goats milk for her, but I will keep looking. I'm going to do everything I can for her. I have 5 other cats and just hope one of them will help by taking her as a cuddle buddy. But I do have my heating pad still and the scale. The vet said to only expect 5g per day in weight gain but I think we can do better than that for sure.

MServant said:

Your vet sure knew who to call!   Do you still have Fonzie and Piper running about and keeping you on your toes? 

As far as I have gathered from reading about FCS since joining here I don't think it is anything you do which can cause it but more that there are likely reasons there and though not always evident at birth it can suddenly appear.  You are right to be allert with a premature kitten and with a kitten not seeming to gain weight and thrive like others but it does not mean it will happen.  If it does seem to be present make sure to check there is no in-curve of the ribs before following what you did with Fonzie of course.   All fingers crossed her rib cage is strong and no need to, but at least you know what to do if there is any sign.  

This little ginger kit looks so tiny next to the sibling in your photo and such a shame she has not been growing with the others.  I agree with stefanZ, what a fighter to be here now and taking to the bottle:  having that emotional strenth and drive is so important and you know we will all be rooting for this little one to do well.  Being very fluffy is also good, and she sure is fluffy!  Like a little fluffy airplane with those sticky out ears of hers. :lol3:  :heart4:  (I know I'm in love already, oh dear).  

Like StefanZ and tulosai have mentionned, make sure and keep this little one cozy with some form of external heat whether it is snuggled in with you or with a warm heat pad and soft bedding.  With warmth, regular milk, and lots of comforting love this little one will have the best chance of survival (and I am sure your vet knew intantly who they wanted to call - take heart from this too).  

I hope all your other cats are welcoming of this new arrival and understand how the tiny new arrival will need your time while.    

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I do have Piper and Fonzie still. They're in their naughty behavior now and it's become a fight to keep them out of my plants. Lol. I've attached a recent photo of them for you! Fonzie has become much bigger than Piper. I hope they can accept this little baby and not think she's a little toy to play with. Thanks for the advice, I hope she is as successful at thriving as Fonzie was/is.

OMG Fonzie!! Our boy!! I have a huge smile and chills, what a great save he was huh?!! I am very happy right now!! His darling sister too! What a pretty girl

There is nothing you can do to avoid FCK syndrome, let's hope it doesn't pop up, but if it does, do we know just what to do or what?!!    

I agree, you can get more than 5 grams a day out of her, remember the basic rule is 8 mls per ounce of weight, per day.

I would certainly push for as much as you are able to, as long as she will take it, and as often.

She is a tiny isn't she?!

     Just look at that pair!  Talk about mischief makers, this pair look like they're pro's.    You are a miracle worker @fatedone  .  Piper is pretty pretty pretty and Fonzie is, well he is the Fonz!   What a guy!    He's a proper little panther.   Your newbie deserves at least one cuddle-buddy and I join in with the hopes your crew adopt him warmly (and not too boistrously in the early days).  

Has your little girl moved in with you all yet?  Big warm positive vibes for her settling quicly with you and starting to thrive.  

MServant said:

:spit:   :lol3:   Just look at that pair!  Talk about mischief makers, this pair look like they're pro's.    You are a miracle worker @fatedone
 .  Piper is pretty pretty pretty and Fonzie is, well he is the Fonz!   What a guy!    He's a proper little panther.   Your newbie deserves at least one cuddle-buddy and I join in with the hopes your crew adopt him warmly (and not too boistrously in the early days).  

Has your little girl moved in with you all yet?  Big warm positive vibes for her settling quicly with you and starting to thrive.  

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Well. The only one that likes her is Rose. Lol. She is doing OK so far. Sometimes she likes the bottle, sometimes the dropper.

Sounds like all is well. Bless you and your cat family! Keep posting!

So

catwoman707 said:

OMG Fonzie!! Our boy!! I have a huge smile and chills, what a great save he was huh?!! I am very happy right now!! His darling sister too! What a pretty girl

There is nothing you can do to avoid FCK syndrome, let's hope it doesn't pop up, but if it does, do we know just what to do or what?!! :high5:   

I agree, you can get more than 5 grams a day out of her, remember the basic rule is 8 mls per ounce of weight, per day.
I would certainly push for as much as you are able to, as long as she will take it, and as often.
She is a tiny isn't she?!

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Somehow I missed your comment up there! Is he beautiful or what!? My dad wants him soooo badly. This kitten is so tiny. She could pass as a newborn.

fatedone said:

So
Somehow I missed your comment up there! Is he beautiful or what!? My dad wants him soooo badly. This kitten is so tiny. She could pass as a newborn.

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Well in all regards she actually is since she was born prematurely.

The MOST important factor in her survival and thriving is her daily weight gain.

Just get her and keep her at the amt it takes to get a substantial daily gain, so she must be weighed every day.

Do you have access to a scale that weighs grams? 

catwoman707 said:

Well in all regards she actually is since she was born prematurely.

The MOST important factor in her survival and thriving is her daily weight gain.
Just get her and keep her at the amt it takes to get a substantial daily gain, so she must be weighed every day.

Do you have access to a scale that weighs grams? 

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Yes. I still have the one from Piper and Fonzie. I'm having a delemma with getting her to poop. She has not had a movement since she's been here, but easily urinates when stimulated. Is this because of the KMR?

Ahhhh Fonzie!  That's hands down, one of my favorite threads ever on TCS!!!

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/290989/flat-chested-kitten-syndrome

I fought constipation the whole time I bottle fed KMR.  I got pretty good at getting poop out of them using the triangle method.  There's a youtube video of a vet doing it, but it's hard to see.  I think the title is "squeeze the poo out of Bru" or something like that.

I also got some laxative from the vet thought I tried not to use it if I could avoid it.

Mine too @Reba  !!

Makes my heart all warm and fuzzy! 

Constipation is not a biggie really, add a couple drops of mineral oil to the bottles, do this until the poop is good again.

If it doesn't do the job, dilute the KMR a bit more with water, and you can easily give a baby enema with warm water and mineral oil in a 1.0 ml syringe. Easy peasy

Thank you! She finally went poo and it was kind of hard. She's doing great!