New to orphaned kittens (need advice)

StefanZ

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Here's the little guys!

Anyways, I don't own a scale but I can defiantly tell that they are getting bigger. I keep them in a box with plenty of soft towels/blankets to get under and nap, and a blanket over the top to prevent drafts from getting in.

I have another question also. How much should they be eating at every meal time? They usually eat from 5-7 ML each every time is that enough or too much?
The rule of thumb is 8 ml / Oz a day.   Where 1Oz = about 30gram.   So a normally  newborn of 100 gram shall have  3x8 ml = about 25 ml kmr or goat milk a day.

And exactly how much each time depends on how often you are giving them...   If you take a pause during the night, you must of course increase accordingly the day-time doses, to get the summa totalum for the whole 24h period.

So this is another reason to have a scale, to know exactly how much they weigh, and thus, how much they should have.

Not all of our forumites manage to press in the fully daily dose, but its good to know roughy where it is.

If the kittens wants more, let it have it.  Its difficult to give too much.   Its the minim-dose which is tricky - its not unusual they get too little, occasionally even waay too little.   The owner perhaps following the recommendation for infants when the kitten is already several weeks.
 
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moriles9

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Well sinced I've posted this now they usually eat about 10 ML every day feeding, and 5 in every night feeding.
 
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moriles9

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Does a stuffy nose in kitties sound like an occasional snoring like noise? the noise is kinda are to explain but he's made it while eating before so I didn't think its a cough.

Oh a ps.

We've got eyes open! One down two to go!
 

handsome kitty

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Yes, a stuffy nose does sound like snoring.  You can take the box of kittens in the bathroom with you when you shower.  The steam will help clear it for a little while.
 

kitkat428

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They are absolutely darling! :) So glad they have you to look after them. Hope you can weigh them soon! I use a digital kitchen scale and a bowl.
 
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moriles9

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Update:

Kittens have been doing better! Since they've started antibiotics they've been sneezing significantly less, I did switch their formula from harts to a milk replacer with colostrum in it which is making them kinda constipated, but other than that they're eating more, and sleeping well and are turning into little chunks!
 

StefanZ

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Update:

Kittens have been doing better! Since they've started antibiotics they've been sneezing significantly less, I did switch their formula from harts to a milk replacer with colostrum in it which is making them kinda constipated, but other than that they're eating more, and sleeping well and are turning into little chunks!
A drop or two of some good vegetable oil in their bottles usually helps.  My favorites is coldpressed olive oil, or coldpressed rapeseed oil  (canola?), but almost any vegetable oil should do.

Also, be sure they get enough with water.  Either by diluting the kmr a shade more.  Or by giving a few drops between the feedings.

Exactly  what brand of  kmr you you get hold now?
 
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moriles9

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Not exactly sure what the brands called, I think it's essential pet? The labels kinda confusing


This is what it looks like.
 

handsome kitty

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Looks good.  You can mix the KMR with pedialyte instead of water if you think she may be dehydrated. 
 

Sarthur2

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I am not familiar with this brand, but I think it's a good idea you switched from Hartz. I'm glad to hear the kittens are doing better! :)
 

mamapasta08

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Regarding the rice filled sock, it may be a stupid question, but that is uncooked, correct?
 
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moriles9

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Yes it's uncooked! And I don't think their dehydrated as their pee is clear and they've been drinking so much! But will try vegetable oil and try giving them a little water to help!
 
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moriles9

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Look whose eyes were open when I got off from work!

Now I'm just waiting on the runt to open his.
 
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moriles9

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My little grey guy hasn't been wanting to take the bottle in the last two feelings. Ive got him to eat at least 5 mL each time but it's not what he usually eats. He cries like he's hungry but when I put him back in the box he just falls right to sleep. He has eaten a bunch earlier today and he's the runt so he's a little smaller than the others. Should I be worried, or should I only be when they won't eat at all?
 

handsome kitty

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I would be worried.  He needs more food.  Is he still nursing from mom?  You can smear a little light Karo syrup or liquid honey on his lips or gums.  The sugar will go right into his blood stream and give him instant energy.

@sarthur2
 

Sarthur2

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Hmm. Has he had a poop recently? It sounds like he may have a belly ache. Do you burp him after each feeding? It may be gas.

5 mL is better than none, but it is not enough. Occasionally a kitten will feed a little less and gain a little less, then a day later be back to drinking more than ever.

You can try a couple of drops of infant simethicone in his bottle to help with the gas.
 
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catwoman707

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Just catching up here, a couple things.

The use of karo syrup or any sugar applied to the gums is specifically for use when a baby is failing or seems suddenly lethargic, I wanted to make this a bit more clear because when they are eating formula, they are getting glucose, so too much glucose can actually cause hyperglycemia, which we don't want either.

I have also found that, if it is needed, honey is now my preference as it has a longer lasting affect.

Also, it is better to add a few drops of oil to bottles than it is to dilute formula more, which means filling their tummies but with less nutrition that they need.

Regarding the little one's lack of feeding much the last 2 feedings, it is very important to keep the amt of intake leveled, one day of 1/2 the normal amt can be dangerous at this age. They are about 12 days old correct?

Don't allow him to dictate how much he eats too much, not longer than a feeding or 2.

Do we have a weight?
 
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moriles9

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He did exactly what you said, he ate a ton today!

He isn't lethargic, he's still his regular self I guess he was just acting weird for some reason.

And no we don't have a weight yet because of the lack of a scale.
 
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