kittens attacked by red ants

pryde

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Jul 31, 2015
Messages
3
Purraise
2
One of my 4H kids is bottle raising 5 kittens after the mother was killed. The kittens are 3 weeks old and in a large enclosure in their workshop. The youth found them swarmed with red ants. Three of the kittens were dead and one was swarmed and siezing. One kitten had climbed to safety. He got the ants off the one kitten. We helped by running fluids subq, a bath and feeding. The kitten has an appetite and is mobile but weak. What else can we do until the vet clinic opens?
 

catpack

TCS Veteran
Kitten
Joined
Aug 13, 2013
Messages
3,271
Purraise
646
Location
Southeastern USA
Keeping the kitten warm and hydrated are most important things. You can also rub some honey on the kitten's gums to help regulate glucose.

Are there any emergency vet clinics in your area?
 

kskatt

TCS Member
Alpha Cat
Joined
Jul 31, 2015
Messages
558
Purraise
277
My very first post, so it will be slow. I'm sure you are also keeping baby warm. No emergency clinic in your area I take it. Waves of shock washed over me as I read your post, how horrifying. My heart goes out to all of you, 4 legs and 2!
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #4

pryde

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Jul 31, 2015
Messages
3
Purraise
2
Thank you.  I can reach a vet in the morning, but until then, I have the fluids/equipment to be able to run Ringers under the skin.  We have a warmed bag of rice with the kittens.  I will try the glucose/sugar to see if it helps perk the kitten up.  Thank you for any advice.
 

kskatt

TCS Member
Alpha Cat
Joined
Jul 31, 2015
Messages
558
Purraise
277
I know we would all love to get an update. Been praying or the precious babies.
 

crimmie

TCS Member
Adult Cat
Joined
Jun 23, 2015
Messages
174
Purraise
27
Location
SE Mn
:( How sad. I hope you were able to get to a vet today...
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #7

pryde

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Jul 31, 2015
Messages
3
Purraise
2
Kitten is much perkier today when he is up and awake. He is sleeping quite a bit, but sleep is healing.  Talked with my vet and she said we are on the right track.  She has us continuing fluids and added in pain-reliever/anti-inflammatory to help with toxins and stress.  We are giving him good food, warmth, etc because that is what all babies need.  Suck reflex is still not super great, but the kitten was probably stung in the mouth mucosa.  The kitten will lap milk and eat wet cat food okay so we aren't pushing the bottle as long as he is intaking the necessary nutrition and calories. 

No idea if there will be any long term effects, but we are hoping not. 

Thanks all for the support during the evening hours. 
 

pushylady

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Jul 26, 2005
Messages
16,398
Purraise
451
Location
Canada
Thanks for updating. I'm so glad you were able to help this poor kitten. :vibes: that he continues to fight.
 

kskatt

TCS Member
Alpha Cat
Joined
Jul 31, 2015
Messages
558
Purraise
277
I take it we are talking about the kitten that was seizing. The one who climbed to safety, did this one end up totally okay? That had to be a terrifying experience!

Bless you for jumping into action and knowing what to do. You are angels to those two babies!
 
Top