I'm now a mommy cat to 5 abandoned, probably 1 week old kittens. Help!

It's been a little over 24 hours without a poop. At what point should I get concerned?

Also, I'm noticing now that if I don't get to them exactly at feeding time, they've begun wetting the box. What are the signs to look for to start litter training?

Whenever you think they are ready. Litter training generally occurs around the time the kittens wean to solids, which is anytime after about 4 weeks old. Many kittens are better at solids and litter training around 6 weeks. Try putting them in the litter box and showing them how to dig. If they pick up on it, they are ready. My 4 kittens did not all catch on at once.

Still no poop. It hasn't even been 48 hours yet, so I know I could be prematurely worrying. They feel like they're stuffed to the brim though!

Is it normal for them to eat less during the feeds during the day, then go crazy at night? Last night, the 5 of them demolished 2 large scoops and 1 small scoop like it was no body's business. Today, they're back to where they were before. I'm following their cues, so if they don't get their entire portion after 3 separate attempts, I put them back in the nest til the next feed. So far, none of them have gone more than one feed not eating the full amount.

Happy moment? They're starting to play with each other while waiting to be fed!

Sounds like they are eating well! Their bodies are adjusting to the new food. Have you tried adding a few drops of olive oil to the food? The oil usually helps with constipation. [emoji]128522[/emoji]

How many drops should I use for that amount of formula? One has finally started to go.

I'm starting to get worried about whether or not I've constipated them. The can says 1 scoop of formula and 2 scoops of water. Yet I watched a video that said differently.

Thankfully, they're all urinating incredibly well and it's a very light yellow, so they're hydrated.

They will not poop... Eating, playing, and urinating habits are awesome. I cannot get them to poop.

This feed, I'm going to dilute the formula. If that doesn't work, I'll add the mineral oil. I can't find non spiced canned pumpkin.

Any suggestions?

Add a couple drops of olive oil to each kittens KMR. 

I advised adding olive oil 5 days ago. This has proven to work well with kittens. Have you tried this yet? Plain, canned pumpkin is found in the baking aisle. Have you asked?

Diluting the formula is depriving them of nutrients. Do not do this. Do you need help? Please call a rescue. Where are you located? We can call for you.

You sound at the end of your rope. Can we help?

I have found canned pumpkin in the baking aisle and also in the canned goods aisle next to all the other canned veggies. 

Agreed that you should not dilute the food.  That means they are filling up without getting all of the nutrients they need.  

Adding olive oil to the bottles is good.  So is a sliver of a glycerin suppository.

They didn't like the formula with the olive oil. I finally found the pumpkin last night, and it's been in their last 3 feeds. I also got coconut oil and placed it on their anal area to ensure I wouldn't inflame the area by all of the stimulation. 

They're all still eating like champs and urinating well. None seem to be in obvious pain. When I wake them for their feeds, they play around in the bathtub while waiting, and fall asleep quickly once returned to the nest. 2 have even started using the litter I've provided for them. 

I have a message into the only rescue in the area that volunteered to help, but I haven't heard back from them yet. 

You only need to put a few drops of olive oil in each bottle. They shouldn't be able to taste it.

I'm glad they're not in pain, but you do need to get them pooping. It's not comfortable. Keep trying the pumpkin and olive oil. They made need a suppository.

Any specific type of olive oil? There are so many varieties.

Extra virgin olive oil is fine.

Stupid question, but do you need to refrigerate the canned pumpkin afterwards? There doesn't seem to be anything perishable in it. 

ForbiddenPluto said:

Stupid question, but do you need to refrigerate the canned pumpkin afterwards? There doesn't seem to be anything perishable in it. 

Click to expand...

Yes, you should. Pumpkin itself is perishable.

If I've had a can out since last night at approx 10:30, I've wasted it, haven't I? 

Just talked to the vet where I take my older cats. They said that adding pumpkin, and a minute amount of mineral oil is the way to go for now. If there isn't any change in 24 hours, then they need to go in. They were happy with the amount they are getting in their feeds.

Yeah, I wouldn't risk it with the can you've had out. Mold can grow very quickly.

I would try the suppositories before bringing them in for an enema.

EXCELLENT NEWS!!! 12 hours after adding the pumpkin, they've started to poo! 4/5 just went during the last feed, which lasted an hour and a half. 3 of the 4 eliminated on their own. 2 of the 3 went in the litter box! 

I know there's still plenty of poo where that came from, but I can finally take a peaceful nap. Haven't been sleeping well at all because I've been worried sick! 

Aww. Congratulations! What a relief! [emoji]128522[/emoji]

We've had several poops since. So excited for them. 

I do have another question (I'm not trying to rush them, just looking for a light at the end of the exhaustion tunnel). Right now, I'm feeding them 1/2-3/4 of an ounce every 4 hours. I push it to 5 hours at night. They're 24ish days old now. Walking around well. Teeth are in and razor like. Playing with each other. Starting to use the litter box. 

When can I start introducing solid food? When can I let them go more than 5 hours at night?

Here's a video of them walking about during a feed if that helps age them more accurately.