Rookie Mistake/Sucker

So I was shopping at this local shop and I hear kittens- and I ask the owner- YOU have kittens- to which she says- Yeah- YOU want one? FREE. 

and I felt like- oh my gosh... what a golden opportunity. I had been wanting a cat.

Well, I thought about it and against my better judgement- I DID go get the kitten- because I just couldn't resist. and now I could kick myself because the situation is NOTHING like what I thought...

and after a day of googling and researching and trying to find this cat a GOOD appropriate home-

I know I just got snookered. Rookie Mistake.

I had had cats before, but adopted from some store- that had provided for the kittens- so it was EASY.

nothing like what's going on today.

The baby kitty is totally freaked out- hysterical--- separated from siblings, it cause I don't know if it is she or he- was never acquainted with mama... and I did know they cried a lot. but did not realize that that was happening 24/7 since this lady first got the kittens- and she didn't tell me that either.

at one point she said- she just couldn't get anything done- and I thought- "hahaha" - she was exaggerating... but NO. that's really what it is and I only have one.

nonstop crying. hysterical crying. but way too little to be anywhere but in a small box. I do pet the little fellow. and talk to him. and try to calm him down. I gave him food and water. and will check on him. but he's just too little to be anywhere but in a safe box... the house is just too dangerous at this point. 

but I can't carry him around all day long and I don't know that that is even going to do anything- cause from what I've read- separated from mama- separated from siblings- is just major separation anxiety-

what am I supposed to do?

I already just feel so stupid for not realizing I had no idea what I was doing! 

his crying is really very heartbreaking. he needs something I can't give him... and I don't know what to do.

I thought he would just grow out of it- adapt- but it could take a while- and I don't want him/her to be traumatized and abused...

I'm about to call 311 to tell them I need help with an abandonned animal. this animal needs other animals and trained care... I had no idea. and I feel terrible. 

We have some advisers and other members who are very knowledgeable about kittens and who will hopefully be stopping by to help you. Do you know how old the kitten is? This will determine treatment. People are able to care for these little orphans successfully - you just need some information and support. Rescuing a baby like this can be enormously rewarding and bring you a wonderful friend.

Sarthur2

catwoman707

The first thing is to calm down. Once you have found out what this little one needs, and can give it to him he will not cry so much. How old is he? What food are you giving him and how? How is he eliminating? Is he using a litter box? Give us as much detail as possible and we will help you through it. With any luck, you will have a wonderful loving cat before too long. He is naturally upset at the moment and missing his family and he may not be gettting the right amount and type of nourishment, but there are ways of sorting all that out. If he really is too young to be away from mom (under 10 weeks old) then you should take him back as soon as possible and the shop should not have given him to you.

Kitten is starving. This is the only reason for him to continuously cry like that.

May be too small/young to eat on it's own, starving.

Can you describe how old he is, if you have no idea or want a very accurate age, tell me if he walks with his hind legs straight or crouches?

Can he run at all? Hop, play, etc?

Any teeth?

Yes, he is starving.

Once I know his age I can help.

Also just a comment on the thread's title.

I don't see you as a sucker at all, the kittens clearly need help, just like a baby, they cry when something's wrong, almost always it's lack of food.

What food are youf eeding? If it's dry kibble, your kitten may not be able to eat it. Do not soak the dry food in water to make it mushy. If it's canned food, you may need to make the food soupy for the kitten to easily lap it up. Justy add water to the food and smush it up with a spoon. If the kitten is really young (under 6 weeks old), you will need to bottle or syringe feed a kitten mik replacer several times a day. KMR is one brand you can find in most pet stores.

A very young kitten will need help to go potty. Mom cats do this by licking around the genital area and tummy. You can use a warm damp washcloth.

Can you go back to the shop and ask the woman how old the kitten is and get information on the kitten's background? Or call if it's easier.

A clear picture of the kitten would help TCs members determine approximately how old the kitten is.

EMKAustinTX said:

 
So I was shopping at this local shop and I hear kittens- and I ask the owner- YOU have kittens- to which she says- Yeah- YOU want one? FREE. 

and I felt like- oh my gosh... what a golden opportunity. I had been wanting a cat.

Well, I thought about it and against my better judgement- I DID go get the kitten- because I just couldn't resist. and now I could kick myself because the situation is NOTHING like what I thought...

and after a day of googling and researching and trying to find this cat a GOOD appropriate home-

I know I just got snookered. Rookie Mistake.

I had had cats before, but adopted from some store- that had provided for the kittens- so it was EASY.

nothing like what's going on today.

The baby kitty is totally freaked out- hysterical--- separated from siblings, it cause I don't know if it is she or he- was never acquainted with mama... and I did know they cried a lot. but did not realize that that was happening 24/7 since this lady first got the kittens- and she didn't tell me that either.

at one point she said- she just couldn't get anything done- and I thought- "hahaha" - she was exaggerating... but NO. that's really what it is and I only have one.

nonstop crying. hysterical crying. but way too little to be anywhere but in a small box. I do pet the little fellow. and talk to him. and try to calm him down. I gave him food and water. and will check on him. but he's just too little to be anywhere but in a safe box... the house is just too dangerous at this point. 

but I can't carry him around all day long and I don't know that that is even going to do anything- cause from what I've read- separated from mama- separated from siblings- is just major separation anxiety-

what am I supposed to do?

I already just feel so stupid for not realizing I had no idea what I was doing! 

his crying is really very heartbreaking. he needs something I can't give him... and I don't know what to do.

I thought he would just grow out of it- adapt- but it could take a while- and I don't want him/her to be traumatized and abused...

I'm about to call 311 to tell them I need help with an abandonned animal. this animal needs other animals and trained care... I had no idea. and I feel terrible. 

Click to expand...

Does he eats it???    And exactly what are you giving him?

If he is as little as you mention, the chances are big he cant eat properly as yet.  So you must try with a bottle, or even - a needleless syringe, in the corner of the mouth. 

If syringe or a dropper: tummy down, head up, in the corner of the mouth, slowly so he manages to swallow.  it may be easier if you are  two to do it, one holds, the other gives.

Goat milk is always useful, especielly if its raw (or frozen raw). But bottled full fat is OK.

Otherwise, use some sort of bought kmr, this made by PetAg, called for KMR, in powder is best.

We dont recommend cow milk, but I have seen kittens survive on full fat cow milk... Risky, but if enough desperate...

Be sure the kitten is warm.   If he seems to get weaker,  try and smear some glucose sugar on his lips and gum ( a couple of drops).  If you dont have glucose sugar proper, so glucose syrup, white caro syrup, or even honey, can be used...    This gives him some energy directly into blood, direclty from the mouth.

How is the kitten doing today?

Have you begun feeding kitten formula with a bottle, or have you decided to return the kitten to the shop owner to continue raising? You'll need to do one or the other ASAP.

Can you please post a picture?

Please post an update.