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I saved another kitten!
- Thread starter mindyl3igh
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She's so sweet. Is she flea and worm freeI'm at it again, just as I knew God would call me to be. Meet Sparrow.
After the loss of my Gravity, I found another kitten a few days ago, but one quite older. She was very malnourished, skinny, and alone. It took us 3 days with a humane trap to finally get her...she is about 9 weeks old, give or take (everyone I know is saying 8ish) what do you think? She is weighing in at 16.4oz and was all alone under a vacant trailer close to my home. I am hoping that all is well with her health. We will see soon, but honestly I will not be able to get to the vet until Mid-August unless it is an absolute emergency, and then I plan on getting her fully checked out and vetted.
Her respiratory rate seems right on point, along with her heart beat. Eating great. Using the litter box great now as well. Grooms herself after every meal. Purrs a lot. Loves belly rubs.
I am just so scared after my sweet Gravity, but I wanted to come here and share Sparrow with all of those who were there for me from beginning to the end with Gravity. Say a little prayer for sweet Sparrow!
Here are some pictures for you all. I plan on giving her Gravity's bed, I believe, but I do not want to take it off the shelf. I'll have to make up my mind soon.
If you have any advice on making sure she remains healthy before her first vet visit, throw it on me. :heart4:
(The first day we had her, 7/18/15 and pre-bath
(tonight after some fun! 7/21/15)
now?
If you do give her the bed I would wash it first.
Good luck with sparrow. She looks quite healthy.
Oh how precious, a picture of her first lick of water. She's getting all grown up!
She has really long whiskers here, I wonder what size she will grow to? Such pretty markings on her side; are they different either side or more or less the same?
She has really long whiskers here, I wonder what size she will grow to? Such pretty markings on her side; are they different either side or more or less the same?
What a big girl! She looks so much more relaxed and confident now. I'm so happy for you! 
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #26
Thanks guys! I ended up taking her to the vet this morning. She began acting weird last night, going to litter box, meowing, and not being able to poop. I could tell she was very uncomfortable so I took her to the vet I usually go to, and they said she was warm but her rectal temp is low, abdomen is a bit distended, but upon palpiltation, didn't feel any lumps and backed up feces. I felt like they should have looked deeper into it and hate I didn't get a good enough answer...they said it may be gas, but she is so uncomfortable and I didn't understand how gas would give her a low rectal temp? They gave her a antibiotic/anti-inflammatory shot and gave me some antibiotics to take home...told me to bump karo syrup up to 3-4 times a day, 1/4 tsp each time...
I wish I had the money to take her to a better vet, but I don't.
Has anyone ever experienced this low rectal temp thing at all? I'm very stressed.
I wish I had the money to take her to a better vet, but I don't.
Has anyone ever experienced this low rectal temp thing at all? I'm very stressed.
I agree. Thank you for being there for her. She's adorable!!
It's so awesome you found Sparrow! I'm sure Gravi must have sent her to you in his place to keep you company.
What sweet looking little kitty you have there!
I don't think it was a coincidence at all that the 2 of you found each other. I bet Gravity helped guide her to you. I love her name, it suits her.
Low rectal temperature can be caused by infection, and your vet is treating for that.
Do you have a heat source set up for her? I know she is past the stage of needing it, but it can't hurt and may provide comfort.
Try mixing some oil into her wet food to help with the constipation. You can also try an infant glycerin suppository. Just shave a tiny piece off and insert it.
Is she getting enough fluids? You can offer KMR or water in a bottle. She may enjoy the sucking still. Watch she doesn't chew the nipple tip off and swallow it.
Beyond that, tummy rubs, and vets have approved the use of a couple of drops of baby simethicone for gas relief in cats.
I hope she feels better and poops soon. Keep us updated!
mindyl3igh
Do you have a heat source set up for her? I know she is past the stage of needing it, but it can't hurt and may provide comfort.
Try mixing some oil into her wet food to help with the constipation. You can also try an infant glycerin suppository. Just shave a tiny piece off and insert it.
Is she getting enough fluids? You can offer KMR or water in a bottle. She may enjoy the sucking still. Watch she doesn't chew the nipple tip off and swallow it.
Beyond that, tummy rubs, and vets have approved the use of a couple of drops of baby simethicone for gas relief in cats.
I hope she feels better and poops soon. Keep us updated!
mindyl3igh- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #29
She got worse. I feel like I shouldn't touch kittens anymore.
But, I made an appointment with a higher quality/staffed vet for this afternoon and took her. She is currently hospitalized for three days, but likely to not make it through the night, but it was stressed that this is her best chance of survival and that sometimes they do pull right on through. I couldn't leave there with her, knowing that was an option. The other option was me bringing sub-q fluids home and doing it myself over the weekend, but that IV and the other care they can offer would be the best thing for her. I feel bad that a great deal of the option was on the fact of how drained I was before and after Gravity passed...I did not think I could handle going through it another day or so, 24/7 and felt a veternarian would do better than I could and that if she did pass, I did not have to witness it. Gravity broke my heart so bad. It felt literally broken, and I didn't think I could handle this all on my own again so soon. I already love her so much and I can't believe this is happening again. They said they could feel some dried up feces in her abdomen, but that she is severely dehydrated and has a 94.1 temp...at this point, I know I made the best decision for her chance of survival, although slim, even if she passes through the night, she is a little fighter in my eyes because she thrived for so many weeks outside before this happened. I am just praying she's a part of that small percentage that makes it.
My heart doesn't handle this well.
Please pray for my Sparrow!
But, I made an appointment with a higher quality/staffed vet for this afternoon and took her. She is currently hospitalized for three days, but likely to not make it through the night, but it was stressed that this is her best chance of survival and that sometimes they do pull right on through. I couldn't leave there with her, knowing that was an option. The other option was me bringing sub-q fluids home and doing it myself over the weekend, but that IV and the other care they can offer would be the best thing for her. I feel bad that a great deal of the option was on the fact of how drained I was before and after Gravity passed...I did not think I could handle going through it another day or so, 24/7 and felt a veternarian would do better than I could and that if she did pass, I did not have to witness it. Gravity broke my heart so bad. It felt literally broken, and I didn't think I could handle this all on my own again so soon. I already love her so much and I can't believe this is happening again. They said they could feel some dried up feces in her abdomen, but that she is severely dehydrated and has a 94.1 temp...at this point, I know I made the best decision for her chance of survival, although slim, even if she passes through the night, she is a little fighter in my eyes because she thrived for so many weeks outside before this happened. I am just praying she's a part of that small percentage that makes it.
My heart doesn't handle this well.
Please pray for my Sparrow!
Good vibes for Sparrow.
I am so sorry to hear that she is in such distress. Don't feel like you shouldn't touch kittens because of it though. You gave both Gravity and Sparrow a chance to be loved and looked after which is something that never would have happened for them otherwise. You are a godsend to both little cats and have made their lives better no matter what. Don't forget that.
I am so sorry to hear that she is in such distress. Don't feel like you shouldn't touch kittens because of it though. You gave both Gravity and Sparrow a chance to be loved and looked after which is something that never would have happened for them otherwise. You are a godsend to both little cats and have made their lives better no matter what. Don't forget that.
Praying very hard for Sparrow!
She got worse. I feel like I shouldn't touch kittens anymore.
But, I made an appointment with a higher quality/staffed vet for this afternoon and took her. She is currently hospitalized for three days, but likely to not make it through the night, but it was stressed that this is her best chance of survival and that sometimes they do pull right on through. I couldn't leave there with her, knowing that was an option. The other option was me bringing sub-q fluids home and doing it myself over the weekend, but that IV and the other care they can offer would be the best thing for her. I feel bad that a great deal of the option was on the fact of how drained I was before and after Gravity passed...I did not think I could handle going through it another day or so, 24/7 and felt a veternarian would do better than I could and that if she did pass, I did not have to witness it. Gravity broke my heart so bad. It felt literally broken, and I didn't think I could handle this all on my own again so soon. I already love her so much and I can't believe this is happening again. They said they could feel some dried up feces in her abdomen, but that she is severely dehydrated and has a 94.1 temp...at this point, I know I made the best decision for her chance of survival, although slim, even if she passes through the night, she is a little fighter in my eyes because she thrived for so many weeks outside before this happened. I am just praying she's a part of that small percentage that makes it.
My heart doesn't handle this well.
Please pray for my Sparrow!
You have given them both a fighting chance and an opportunity to know what a full belly, warm bed and caring family feels like. They have felt happy and cared for for the small time they were on this earth. I really hope Sparrow makes it through the night, miracles DO happen, but be prepared for the worst.
If Sparrow does pass, maybe it was Gravi taking her to you so she can also experience love like he did before meeting him over the rainbow bridge. He must have been so happy at his time with you he took Sparrow to meet you as well!
You have done a lot for this lonely kitten so thank you.
Maybe consider disinfecting your home. I once had two puppies die, and on the 2nd one they told me it was parvo virus. That he must have contracted it from the previous puppy that we had found on the street as well. We were told to disinfect everything he came into contact with or throw it out before we brought home a new puppy. I wasn't told this the time the 1st puppy died, but I did clean everything. Maybe there is something in your home making the kitties sick, maybe it's the food or something. Please ask your vet about this.
I'm rooting for Sparrow to live for you, but if she passes, she has a buddy waiting to keep her company in kitty heaven: Gravity.
More massive positive vibes for Sparrow
Good vibes for Sparrow.
I am so sorry to hear that she is in such distress. Don't feel like you shouldn't touch kittens because of it though. You gave both Gravity and Sparrow a chance to be loved and looked after which is something that never would have happened for them otherwise. You are a godsend to both little cats and have made their lives better no matter what. Don't forget that.
Don't you ever tell you self you should not touch kittens. If you have love to give let those kittens feel it, each one is so precious yet so vulnerable and any love they can get in their life will help give them a chance of life, and a much better life than they would ever have without you. It is draining, and painful when they are sick, and especially if they do not have the strength to survive any more, but as long as you can keep your heart open and able to welcome such little ones in to your life they can also bring unimaginable joy.
Every ounce of my energy going in to willing Sparrow to have the strength to stay with you and come home from the vet. Can't imagine how painful this is right now, but yes you are doing the right thing. Believe that vet surgery will do everything they can to help your little one and bring Sparrow back to you.
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Don't you dare ever give up hope or think you are in any way responsible for a kitten not making it in your care! You are the most caring person a kitten could ever ask for. You have done nothing but save these babies, who had no chance without you! Please do not blame yourself no matter what happens!
I am praying that Sparrow will come through, and I am praying for you to recognize your own strength in what you are doing as a rescue care giver.
My heart is with you and Sparrow! Please do not give up nor be discouraged.
My prayers are with you tonight and always! Blessings.
PS: What does the vet think is the problem? I do not understand the issue. I get she is constipated, but she was eating and drinking for you. I know her temp is low, but they were treating for infection. What do they think is wrong? Please thank your husband for paying these vet bills. He is an awesome hubby!
I am praying that Sparrow will come through, and I am praying for you to recognize your own strength in what you are doing as a rescue care giver.
My heart is with you and Sparrow! Please do not give up nor be discouraged.
My prayers are with you tonight and always! Blessings.
PS: What does the vet think is the problem? I do not understand the issue. I get she is constipated, but she was eating and drinking for you. I know her temp is low, but they were treating for infection. What do they think is wrong? Please thank your husband for paying these vet bills. He is an awesome hubby!
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- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #37
Thank you guys so much for every kind word, every prayer, and every happiness you had for Sparrow and I. Sadly, after the call I received about 40 minutes ago, I am going through this all over again. I thanked my husband for everything he's done, luckily he is going to go pick her up from the office for me, and bury her. They put her in a little coffin. My heart can't take it this morning. He's burying her right beside Gravity.
@MagiksGirl thank you so much for allowing me to see it that way. While reading that made me cry my eyes out, I can only hope it's true and it is the way I will shed some kind of light on this.
@sarthur2 I am not sure and I guess I will never know....she pretty much stopped eating for the most part and had trouble using the bathroom it seemed, the same morning I took her to the vet, I noticed her having trouble around 2AM and I took her at 8AM just because I know how fast these things can happen and I wanted to give her the best chance she had at getting better. I would always follow her to the litter box to check things out and that is when I realized she was uncomfortable and not able to go, it seemed. I am sitting here, just trying to figure out what could have happened, but it makes no sense to me at all. At the second vet I took her to, which was by far the best thing I did for her, they wanted to get her stable and go from there, because they could see no signs of anything other than palpitate a little stool her in colon, and the clinical signs of fks, the low bs, hypothermia, not eating/drinking, etc and they did everything to fight that, but it just wasn't meant to be.
@MagiksGirl thank you so much for allowing me to see it that way. While reading that made me cry my eyes out, I can only hope it's true and it is the way I will shed some kind of light on this.
@sarthur2 I am not sure and I guess I will never know....she pretty much stopped eating for the most part and had trouble using the bathroom it seemed, the same morning I took her to the vet, I noticed her having trouble around 2AM and I took her at 8AM just because I know how fast these things can happen and I wanted to give her the best chance she had at getting better. I would always follow her to the litter box to check things out and that is when I realized she was uncomfortable and not able to go, it seemed. I am sitting here, just trying to figure out what could have happened, but it makes no sense to me at all. At the second vet I took her to, which was by far the best thing I did for her, they wanted to get her stable and go from there, because they could see no signs of anything other than palpitate a little stool her in colon, and the clinical signs of fks, the low bs, hypothermia, not eating/drinking, etc and they did everything to fight that, but it just wasn't meant to be.
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Oh, Mindy, I am so very sorry, both for little Sparrow, who had found a wonderful forever home, and for you, to have another kitten pass away.
Sparrow was happy, loved, well-fed, and returning that love to you by choosing to cuddle and purr with you in bed.
Whatever claimed her had nothing to do with you. Without you she would have died a horrible death under that trailer where you found her.
As heartbreaking as it is to lose both Gravity and Sparrow, they knew your love and your heart knew theirs. Your heart overflows with kindness and love - take a breather, but never close your heart to love just because it hurts right now.
Blessings!
Sparrow was happy, loved, well-fed, and returning that love to you by choosing to cuddle and purr with you in bed.
Whatever claimed her had nothing to do with you. Without you she would have died a horrible death under that trailer where you found her.
As heartbreaking as it is to lose both Gravity and Sparrow, they knew your love and your heart knew theirs. Your heart overflows with kindness and love - take a breather, but never close your heart to love just because it hurts right now.
Blessings!
@MindyL3igh don't give up on cats. You took in two orphaned kittens and gave them a better life inside. Many kittens born outside don't make it through the first year. When you doubt yourself and you are able take out your pictures of Gravity and Sparrow and look at how they grew and played. They were warm and fed. I can't imagine how hard it is to lose two kittens so close together. You didn't cause this. It could even be something the kitten stepped and licked off his paws, automotive fluids are deadly to cats. When you're ready, visit a shelter or rescue and adopt an older kitten, they also need homes.
I'm so sorry about your little baby Sparrow. Just know you did everything you could and that you love her--those things mean everything. I agree with sarthur2, this was in no way your fault. I realize that doesn't take the pain away though. I'm so sorry.
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