Concerns about kittens

I can't afford kitten food, I'm deep in debt and dont know when I'll get my check. I'm scared for the little guy and can't help.

HanjiSNK said:

The runt just stopped eating. I'm now getting concerned as he's not nursing anymore, even if I give him a good nipple..

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If he ate nice and well, he is perhaps just satisfied now??

Otherwise, if you think he is too weak to suckle properly and long enough, you must help him. Be sure you know how to do it - as faulty supplementing is dangerous.

Also, get home some glucose sugar, glucose sugar proper (dextrose) is best, but white caro syrup, or even a little honey in water is OK.   You can smear this on the lips and gum, and it gives extra energy for the feeding.

Also, be sure the weak one is warm enough.  The weak and sick are always freezing.

HanjiSNK said:

I can't afford kitten food, I'm deep in debt and dont know when I'll get my check. I'm scared for the little guy and can't help.

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kmr = kitten mother milk replacement.  Avoid Hartz and Sargeant brands, almost all other brands are OK.   A needleless dosage syringe of 1 or 1,5 ml   you can probably get for free in the pharmacia if you ask. You can also use a dropper, although its a little more difficult.

full fat goats milk is fine too.   Cow milk is not good.

Raw sheep milk or buffalo milk should be OK   (these advice depend on where you live)

If necessary, you can perhaps lend from some neighbour?  The rules fo the sociale behavior are, if you are in need, and ask for help, explainging why, they other is supposed to help, even a neigbour whom usually dont talks with you.   HE will be a brute refusing help, not you ridiculous asking for help.

What have you been doing with the kittens from all the litters your cats have had?

If you cannot afford KMR, you can make up kitten glop at home to use. However, a can of powdered PetAg KMR is only about $10 at Walmart. It lasts awhile.

Is the runt latching and nursing, or not?

So far, from what I've observed, the runt will eat but needs help being guided to a good nipple. As long as no other kitten tries to push him away, he will eat decently well

Then you need to put him to a nipple every hour.

It's essential that you get your cats spayed and neutered. Kittens are far more expensive than the procedure, and losing a cat due to lack of medical care is not something you'll be able to live with.

Here's the runt eating! (:

Great! Hope he continues. [emoji]128522[/emoji]

I woke up this morning to see the runt eating by himself, he even fights the other kittens for nipples now!

That's good!

Do you re-home the kittens? I notice you've had several litters over the last year, as none of your cats are fixed. Do you have a low-cost clinic in your area for spaying/neutering?

There's only been one litter in the past, which is where my male cats came from. Low cost clinics are decently far away, but still in range.

Today, I noticed one of the kittens opening their mouth and panting. It's not from heat, could it be because it might still have liquid in it?

After rubbing its back and sides by its chest, the panting stopped

Liquid where? That's usually a very bad sign. Do you hear any clicking if you put its chest to your ear?

HanjiSNK said:

Today, I noticed one of the kittens opening their mouth and panting. It's not from heat, could it be because it might still have liquid in it?

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??

Its potentially very alarming.  an immediate vet action is probably needed, depending on the exact situation.

But if its for example, pneumonia coming in, these kittens may sometimes by saved by a quick and massive antibiotica treatment, thus a vet necessary.

HanjiSNK said:

Today, I noticed one of the kittens opening their mouth and panting. It's not from heat, could it be because it might still have liquid in it?

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Are you thinking the liquid while in utero?

No, babies should not pant.

Is or has the mom had a cold?

How is everyone today?

All kittens are good, eating and going to the bathroom very well

Great to hear! [emoji]128077[/emoji]

What a silly kitty