Kitten Care at local Shelter

tjn66

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Good Evening Everyone!

I have  couple of questions.  I go to the shelter and take care of the kitties in isolation/sick room.  I treat their eye infections, dose them with antiobiotics, socialize them and generally spoil them while they are in there.  I go daily to help out.

We have had a couple of litters come in where the mom is missing/dead.  They are in isolation, which I feel is dangerous because that is where the sick kitties are.  But I am not sure if I can do anything about getting them moved.

They are about 3 weeks old.  I tried to get the babies to eat a gruel of soft food and kitten milk.  It usually it works.  But not today.  We had to bottle feed 6 of the new kittens.  I am so worried that when I go in after work tomorrow they will have all passed away.

The staff is great and I try not to step on any toes there. I just don't think they can give those little ones enough time.  That is why I go.  They are so swamped with just taking care of the well kitties that the sick ones get less attention.

So what I want to know, is how can I make sure that the young kittens survive the nights until I can get there? 

I have done some research and at 3 weeks they might be able to eat softened kitten food if left out.  I'm not sure if they would though.  They couldn't grasp the concept of eating the gruel today from a dish.

It broke my heart to hear them screaming from hunger when I got there.  They finally settled down after feeding and I cuddled them a long time as I was off work today.  Also the shelter closed today at noon.  That is a long time until I can get there at 3:30 tomorrow.

I am a RN so I cant leave until after my shift and the shelter closes at 4pm.  It takes me 10 to 15 minutes to get there from work.

HELP..I need some ideas to help these babies.  As well as the ones that are going to be coming behind them.  It never stops!

Any suggestions?  Please I am desperate. 

Thank you so much for anything you can tell me!

Tammy
 

handsome kitty

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Would the shelter let you take them home at night or foster them?  Then you could feed them around the clock.
 

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Yes, that is my suggestion also. Offer to foster them at your home so you know they are cared for.

Those kittens will be starved when staff arrives in the morning. I am having trouble with the concept of 3-week-old kittens being left alone from noon until morning. That does not seem like responsible shelter work to me.

At the very least mush must be left out for the kittens, and someone needs to stay long enough for you to feed those kittens before locking up. They may still even need stimulating for potty.

Perhaps the shelter would be relieved by your offer. I truly hope it works out for all of you!

Please let us know.
 

Sarthur2

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And perhaps you could phone in and ask if someone has time to bottle feed these kittens until you come in. And go ahead and broach the subject of you fostering them at home with whomever is in charge to get that ball rolling.

Do you have any friends who have time to feed kittens? Perhaps you could convince them to volunteer some time as well.
 
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tjn66

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I went to the shelter after work. One of the kittens had died. The others were wet from having a bath because someone else left them soft food and they made a mess trying to eat. I medicated the other cats and gave them all soft food. Then I went to work on the kittens. Fixed dishes of soft gruel with kitten milk, got them all awake and started feeding them off a spoon as I couldn't find the bottles. They were sucking on the spoon like a bottle. So sad!!!

They all got some food, but I am sure it was not enough. By this time it's 4:15 and they close at 4. I then got some kitten food and mixed that with water to soften up and leave in the cage overnight. Then the worker came in and handed me a dish of kitten milk to put in the cage.

Of course they made a mess and some were lapping up the kitten milk and the gruel. I had to leave at that point. I don't have any way to foster them as they would be alone all day while I am at work. There is another shelter worker that was not there today. I am going to ask her if there are any foster families that could foster them until they are a bit stronger. I know that they have some. I just don't know if anyone has contacted them about this litter.

I asked the worker today "How do handle kittens so young that are so hungry?" She said to me "you just get used to it."
WHAT???? You just get used to kittens screaming in hunger because they are starving to death?

I wanted to say that so bad but I didn't dare because they could stop me from helping. I also wanted to say " why are you giving them baths when they are hungry? Feed them, then worry about getting them clean."

I am looking around for rescue groups in my area. I'm not sure if that is even a possibility or if the will survive to get them there.

Those kittens heard my voice and immediately started screaming. Do you think they remember me from bottle feeding them from yesterday?
I feel so bad and I am in disbelief that people can be so cold.

Thank you for listening and giving suggestions. I know that I can't save them all but it is still horrible to see.
Tammy
 

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I think that it can just be really hard in a shelter. The people working there are used to trying to find homes for many cats when there aren't homes available. They are understaffed and over stressed generally. In the scheme of things kittens that no one is fostering probably won't do well in this situation. Workers don't have the time to devote to them. At my local shelter all kittens are fostered out, any that can't fit in foster homes get turned away. Shelter workers know that the kittens that are turned away likely won't survive but the sad reality is that there are only homes for so many of them anyway.
 

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I'm sorry one died. I am relieved to hear they were at least left with soft food and kitten milk. They stand a chance with that. And I'm glad they let you stay a few minutes longer.

Where were the bottles? Can you buy some and bring them with you? Those kittens still need bottles!

Yes, foster families need to be found.

It takes caring people like you to raise awareness and try to recruit more volunteers. It's truly wonderful that you are so dedicated.

I know the frustrations of short-handedness are great. I can never get used to it though. It's hard when babies are crying. I would have just wiped them down with a damp cloth, but I guess everyone is doing the best they can.

I'm sure they appreciate what you do. And you're right not to say anything inflammatory, because you are still helping the cats and kittens that are there no matter what.
 
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tjn66

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Iam going to pick up some bottles tomorrow. They do have syringes there so I will use one of those to feed them. I am again in a time crunch tomorrow as I am working.

I just started a new job so the orientation is more days than I usually work. I just need to get thru the next few days and then my schedule will settle down so I will not have so many days in a row.

I wonder if they would let me stay longer. Animal control is in the same building and they leave later. They even share the same door to the shelter. I can ask and see what they say.

Thanks again everyone!
Tammy
 

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I think asking to stay later is a very good idea!

Keep us updated on those kittens!
 
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tjn66

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There are two kittens left. I have been feeding them and keeping them cleaned up after trying to get them to eat the gruel I make. Today they each ate 3 ounces in two feelings. I found a basket and put all the kitten supplies in it and put it in a cupboard where I can find it each day. They sit in that cage yelling at me as soon as I come in. I know they are hungry and it drives me nuts!
I bought baby wipes, soft food to make gruel, kitten milk, baby bottles, soft blankets, and some cotton balls to clean eyes and bottoms. They are going to the bathroom by themselves.
I feed them in a round robin session. Feed, clean them and let them rest, go medicate the other sick cats. Feed and water the other kitties. Check the mama kitties and their babies, change litter boxes and then I give soft food to all the cats in the shelter. It's only a small spoonful but they seem to enjoy it.
There are two other kittens that are small but they wolf down the gruel I make for them without any problems. I also put kitten food in the kittens cages and soften it with kitten milk for those kittens too. I think they are too little to eat the hard food so I think this helps them when they finish up the gruel.
Then I go back and bottle feed the kittens again. Wrap them in a soft blanket and cuddle with them while I clean up the isolation room. They cuddle right in my neck and purr softly and give out sweet, soft meows.
I worry about them until I see them the next day. I know that it is not ideal but I am hoping that it will be enough to help them grow and get stronger. I told them today that if anything happens to just wait for me at the bridge and I will meet them there with their siblings. I felt like crying.
I made a bed for them out of a small litter box with low sides and a fleece blanket to cuddle in. When I left they were cuddled together softly meowing at me as they drifted off to sleep with full bellies.
If I could only get them to start eating the kitten mush (kitten food mixed with kitten milk until soft) and the kitten gruel (soft food mixed with kitten milk) that I make and leave for them. I would feel so much better.
I know that they have a better chance than most kittens out there without a mama at this age. I just feel that I'm not doing enough and they are going to die because of it. Not rational I know but there it is.
I try to feel comfort in knowing that if they don't make it they had love and affection from me. It doesn't really make it any easier but I am trying to hold onto that.
 

Sarthur2

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You feel this way because you know they need round the clock care and attention, and they aren't getting it. They are too young to eat on their own, and they need more bottles than they are getting. I'm going to pray that these two make it!

You have eloquently and beautifully expressed your feelings, and you feel that what you are doing is inadequate, yet you also acknowledged that you are doing all that you can. That is all any of us can do.

The fact that you have bought and gathered supplies on your own to help with kitty care, the way that you get around to feed and visit with all the cats, and yet make the babies a priority, is heartwarming. It's caring volunteers like you who make a difference for these cats and kittens.

I think you are doing a wonderful job!

What if you brought the two babies home? You would be able to give them lots more food and comfort than they are getting. I know you have to work, but it sounds like you might still be able to offer them more at your home. Or is it just not possible?
 
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tjn66

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I wish I could bring them home.  It is just not possible for us.  If I wasn't working it would be much easier.  I tried to figure out a way to bring them home at night and drop them off at the shelter in the mornings but they don't open to the public until 10am (workers go in at 8am) and I have to be to work at 7am.  There is not anyone else that can help.  Hubby has to be to work even earlier than I do.

I asked about coming in early to the shelter and staying later than when they close at 4pm but they said that unless I am an employee that they can't legally do it.  I have been trying to come up with ideas but I just can not figure one out. 

I wish/pray that the director of the shelter could be me.  I tell you what it would be run much differently.

Such as I would be posting on facebook for volunteers, going to the news station requesting help, any way I could think to get people to foster and volunteer. 

This has almost become to much for me.   I hope I can stand the sadness of it all.  I can tell you that I have been an oncology nurse for 16+ years and this is far harder than that! 

Thank you for letting me vent.
 

Sarthur2

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Yet if you quit, it will be one less person helping, and that many more cats who get less attention. I know it's sad though. Even advising on this site is frequently sad. The stray cat situation in the world is sad.

I'm shocked that your rescue does not advertise for volunteers, especially during kitten season. I wonder why?

I hope you will continue. I can imagine that being an oncology nurse could be stressful, but helpless cats can really get to us too. Unfortunately, turning our backs doesn't solve the problem.

Sometimes it helps to take a break. I think you'll feel better if you can get these babies to the point of eating mush on their own soon. Small successes help us to hang in there over the long haul.

Can you take a picture of these babies to post here next time you go in?

The thought of them in their little bed that you lovingly made for them and lined with fleece gives me the "feel goods"!

Do you volunteer there every day?
 
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tjn66

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I wondered that myself why they don't advertise for volunteers/foster families.  I have been baking goodies and taking over home made jellies to the workers.  Trying to get on their good side.  I am hoping that they will become more lenient with me as time goes by.

I go everyday except when I am out of town, which is not very often.  We go 2 weeks in the summer but have stay home vacations the rest of the summer.       I started going when I caught some 5 week old kittens from a stray that had them in the neighbors siding of his house.  I kept one of her kittens and took the 3 others to the shelter.  They were all adopted.  That was at the end of May this year.  Now the mom...oh boy..it took me 2 months to her to trust me enough to come on my porch so I could take her to the shelter.  We were going away on vacation and I knew that she needed to go there before we left.  She was very pregnant by the time I caught her and had her second batch of kittens a week later. 

Sadly they all died.  They were healthy one day and had passed overnight.  Even the shelter workers were shocked. 

Mama did foster another set of kittens and they are almost ready for adoption now.  I have been treating them for URI and they are so much better!  Today marked 7 days of meds and eye treatments.  They are so cute!    Mama is on the adoption floor now and is ready for a good home.  Yes..I called every day we were out of town =)  I am sure that they workers were thinking Oh boy...a crazy cat lady lol.

I think I have missed maybe 2 weeks due to vacations in the summer since May.  They tell me that it was not for me treating the sick ones they would put them down.  The lady that is the manager of the shelter told me that she is relieved that I can come and treat the sick kitties in isolation as they just do not have the man power to do it.  I understand that...but...it takes a total of 15 to 20 minutes depending on how many need medications.   I think they are just overwhelmed and burned out.

I am the only one that goes in the isolation room.  Its not open to the public but when Mama was moved in there with her kittens they knew that I was gonna pitch a fit if they didnt let me treat her. 

I wont stop going to help though.  I know that.  Your right.  If I dont go then that is one less person to help.  The ladies there tell me every time I go that they are so thankful for all that I do to help.  I kid with them and tell them are you sick of me yet and they always say never.   So maybe they will start to relax with the rules just a bit.

I will take some pics of the babies tomorrow.  I hate sundays and mondays because they leave at noon and dont go back until 8 am the next day.  I know that the animal control officers are there though.  Hmmm...I wonder if I bribe them with goodies they will check on the kittens and call me if they need to be fed.  I live 10 minutes from the shelter and could go anytime after work.  It might be worth a shot to ask.  All they can do is say no right?

Ok..sorry this is so long.  I take pictures tomorrow.  Again..thank you for just listening.  It really helps to know that someone understands and a pair of fresh eyes for solutions is always welcome!

Tammy
 

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Are you off tomorrow and Monday? Can you bring the babies home for even those two days? They will surely starve with those reduced hours!

It is nice that they let you know you are aporeciated, and keeping sick cats from being put down by caring for them is incredible!

Yes, bribe them all with goodies! Why not? ;)
 
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tjn66

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Ok...what size crate will I need if I bring them home.  As long as I am bringing one home I will also bring home the other two that are so small but eating the gruel I give them each day.  I know that is the only food they get too. 

My husband is going to kill me!

Tammy
 

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Ok...what size crate will I need if I bring them home.  As long as I am bringing one home I will also bring home the other two that are so small but eating the gruel I give them each day.  I know that is the only food they get too. 

My husband is going to kill me!

Tammy
I wouldn't worry about that no man can resist kitten cuteness it's a scientifically proven fact. I did the research myself on myself and others.
 

Sarthur2

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They will fit into a standard-sized pet taxi to make the trip home. You can then put them in whatever sized "nest" you have available.

I'm so excited that you're doing this :). [emoji]128571[/emoji]

You said bring one home - I thought there were 2 babies left that you were bottle feeding, and then the other little guys who are just barely eating their gruel. Am I confused?
 
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Bless you for helping these kittens and cats! I was in tears reading your posts. I wish I could help you!! Thank you for caring!!!
 
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tjn66

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I'm sorry I misspoke. Yes there are two bottle babies and two that are eating the gruel.

I didn't bring them home.  It caused one hell of a fight with hubby this morning.  I spent 2.5 hours at the shelter today.  I do have permission to go in when the workers do at 8am.  The bottle babies are eating the gruel I made this morning when I got there.  A friend of mine works for a different shelter and she was giving me advice on how to get them to eat.

Mix the gruel up and offer that first as that is when they are the hungriest.  Well..it worked with one of the bottle kittens.  The dark tabby ate a belly full and then wanted to cuddle and just chew on the bottle.  The grey one didn't want anything to do with the gruel yet.  I fed him 2 ounces and then he cuddled with his sibling in a blanket on my chest/neck.  They love to snuggle under my chin.  (I have no idea if they are boys/girls yet so I just use that he/she term for now).   I carry them around and softly hum to them while I put food and water in the other cages.  They are not sick so that is good.  I know any type of URI will just kill them.  So I am very careful not to expose them to the other cats in isolation.  I keep them in their cage until I am ready to go out and take care of the well kitties.  I use hand sanitizer like a mad woman as well as washing my hands before touching them.

I fed them when I first got there and then again just before I left.  Their bellies were nice and round and they were sleepy and cuddling in the nest they have.

I noted that one of the kittens has some blood in their poop.  I am not sure which kitten it was as they both were in the litter box after I fed them.  I alerted the shelter worker and said it is probably worms but they will check first thing in the morning when they get in.  The lady that was there today...I have a feeling that she comes in earlier than 8am.  Just a hunch though, but they are usually right.

The lady at the shelter moved them to a different cage.  She told me that she disinfected the cage and then set them up with a nice soft towel until I got there to feed them.  She said that she thought they had ate the gruel over night as there were foot prints in it and their fur was stiff around their mouths.   I cleaned them up really well with baby wipes after feeding them.  So when I get there in the morning I can see if they have eaten, and I know exactly how much food I left in there with the gruel and softened kitten food.  That will tell me a lot. 

I made them another fleece lined bed and they were very cozy in there when I left them. 

I am so sorry that I didnt take them but I do have to listen somewhat to my husbands wishes.  He is worried that I will get attached and if something happens I will have a hard time.  I already told him I am attached.  I think he may come around but for now I will do my best.

Now that I can go in at 8 and spend more time with them I think that will help also.  Hmmm...I wonder what would happen if I spent all my time there when I am not working.  If I can only feed/treat/take care of them at the shelter then I will be spending more time there.  That I will not budge on.

Anyway...All 4 of the kittens look good and have energy to walk around and cuddle with me.  I took pics of the bottle babies now I just have to figure out how to post them.

Tomorrow after I feed them they are getting a bath in Dawn just to be sure they dont have any fleas.  I didnt see any but I want to be sure.  I have the dawn and will take extra towels and get them all cleaned up and full bellies.  I am hoping 4 hours will be enough time to get that all done. 

Thank you for listening,

Tammy
 
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