3 week old kitten refuse to nurse

Sarthur2

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How is the kitten's breathing today - better, worse, or about the same?
 
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gfromleeds

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She's been down the vet
I didn't take her because I was working so my eldest daughter took her
Unfortunately my daughter not the best listener so didn't really take in much that she was told lol
I managed to gather she has got URI
She's had 2 shots (don't know what they were) and got some eye drops
She to go back on Thursday if she's no better
I've to keep her warm with mum and continue the bottle feeds to try to fatten her back up
 
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gfromleeds

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Her breathing does seem a little better yes
 

Sarthur2

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Very good news! Can you ring the vet and ask if the tech can give you the rundown of what shots she received? Did they send any medicine home with her?
 
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gfromleeds

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Just some eye drops and told to keep using the bottle!
Just got up for work and had a quick check in and she seems much happier
Her eyes are fully open with only a small amount of crust and she's walking around (still quite unsteady compared to the other kitten)
I picked her up and put her back in the bed and for a few seconds she even gave a little very quiet purr
Don't know if the shots have worked or the illness just ran it's course but fingers crossed she seems much happier
I have noticed that mum seems to be spending alot less time with them (she will sit on the window overlooking them but obviously they can't get to her)
Is this normal or is she protesting of our intervention? Or is she hinting its time to introduce solid food
 

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Just some eye drops and told to keep using the bottle!
Just got up for work and had a quick check in and she seems much happier
Her eyes are fully open with only a small amount of crust and she's walking around (still quite unsteady compared to the other kitten)
I picked her up and put her back in the bed and for a few seconds she even gave a little very quiet purr
Don't know if the shots have worked or the illness just ran it's course but fingers crossed she seems much happier
I have noticed that mum seems to be spending alot less time with them (she will sit on the window overlooking them but obviously they can't get to her)
Is this normal or is she protesting of our intervention? Or is she hinting its time to introduce solid food
Or probably, she isnt a very good mom...  This meaning, you must take over more...  Including beginning to introduce solid foods.

WHAT eye drops did you got?   What label is on the bottle?
 

Sarthur2

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This is really good to hear! :)

Is she back to drinking her full bottle now? Would be good to see some weight gain.

I think mama kitty was just taking a break. She is probably not overjoyed at her little one being handled so much!

Mama is probably still nursing quite a lot, and should continue for a few more weeks, though solids can be introduced around 4 weeks.

So glad she's on the mend. Hope she gets stronger for you each day. :)
 
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gfromleeds

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They've given us lubrithal but she don't seem to like it cos she wipes it back off with her paws! but her eyes weren't stuck this morning so might just use it once a day and see how she gets on.
Oh and the vet confirmed she is a "she" lol
Another thing is my wife got a new tin of milk this morning as we were out (making up too much then having to throw it) and she couldn't get the same stuff we had before but she's just reported that kitty seems to enjoy this different one better as she's not putting up a fight anymore
Didn't think there'd be a big difference in taste between brands?
 

Sarthur2

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The lubrithal is a soothing eye gel to help with tear flow in cats and dogs. I would continue using it as the vet prescribed initially.

What brand powder are you using? Really glad she likes it, though I'm wondering if she's drinking more in general because she's feeling better!

So glad she is progressing! :)
 
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gfromleeds

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The powder she seems to like is beapher
The shots she had were antibiotics and a steroid
 
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gfromleeds

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Thankyou for all your advice
Between you you've possibly saved her life
I will up date back in a few days as we're going to try solid food this weekend
Thanks again
 

Sarthur2

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You are quite welcome! The shots the vet gave have helped tremendously. It's always so nice to hear when a little one is perking up so well after being ill. You're doing a bang-up job with her. :).

And good luck with solids. Continue with the formula as well though!
 
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She might eat some more solid but be aware if she is not pooping after each meal that she will get constipated. 4 weeks is a little early to start solid as normally it is 6 to 8 weeks before they are eating on their own but some kittens advance to solid before others. Be sure to watch that she poops after every meal and you will have to start potty training. If the mommy is not letting her out of the nest then you might want to wait unless your work schedule is pushing for the kitten to self feed. Putting a little solid food on your finger and lead to the plate be aware she will walk on the plate until she gets the idea there is food there.
 
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gfromleeds

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Just an update she's doing well still quite heavy breathing but the vet don't seem too concerned! She's gaining weight again but still won't suckle from mother but she lapping formula milk now so it's not a huge concern
Sometimes needs the syringe to start off then move the syringe into the bowl before she starts lapping but she's getting the idea!
We've tryed alittle solid food mixed in with the milk and she just ate around it lol so guessing she's not ready yet
 

Sarthur2

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Precious baby! Good that she's lapping and gaining weight. Wondering if she may need more antibiotic and steroid to overcome what may be in her chest? Sounds like a little something still in there. Can you take her back in this week so the vet can have a listen? She'll get to that wet food eventually! :)
 
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gfromleeds

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She went in on Thursday for a "checkup" and the vet wasn't too concerned about her breathing (its nowere near as bad as it was im just compareing with the other kitten) think I will take her back though if she's no better in a few more days
 

Sarthur2

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Yes, I think that you should if it doesn't improve, and especially if it gets worse. It needs to go away completely, and the shots she received have clearly helped, but not totally resolved it. Glad you're keeping a close eye out! :)
 
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