I need help! My sister brought me a 4 week old kitten (born4/17). His mom passed 2 weeks ago and they have been taking care of him. But I have a easier schedule and can keep better care of him. Anyway, I weighed this baby and he weighs 5.08 oz that is as big as a 6 DAY OLD KITTEN. I can't get into the vet till Friday. I'm planning to bottle feed --they have been using a syringe. I'm thinking 5 ml. Per feeding??? Every 3-4 hours. What do you all think??? Any advice will be helpful! TIA
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4 week old kitten only 5.08 oz! HELP
- Thread starter shuddrbug
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@sarthur2 will know how much. This kitten needs to be weighed daily. I'd say feeding every 2-3 hours, as much as it'll take. Thank you for taking in this sweet baby!
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Because this kitten is so underweight, I think it needs more frequent feedings for now. I would do every 2 hours for now. 5ml at a time is a good start, but if he is still hungry give more. He should quickly put on weight and the amount you are feedings should increase accordingly. Do you have a scale so you can weigh daily?
Also what exactly are you feeding him? Can he potty by himself? Does he have teeth?
Also what exactly are you feeding him? Can he potty by himself? Does he have teeth?
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As asked, what exactly are you feeding? can you get raw goats milk? do you have problems with salomonella in eggs where you are? I see you are in the USA.
The amount usually used as a rule of thumb for kmr or goats milk, is 8 ml/oz a day. Him having 5oz gives 40ml a day, ie 5ml every three hours.
In his case its minim-numbers, as he is older than usual at this weigh, and needs more...
So at least every third hour, but preferably every second, and try to give at least 5ml at a time - more if he accepts. But dont force if not absolute necessary. The risk for faults is greater when forcing. As long as he swallows by himself its good.
@shuddrbug
The amount usually used as a rule of thumb for kmr or goats milk, is 8 ml/oz a day. Him having 5oz gives 40ml a day, ie 5ml every three hours.
In his case its minim-numbers, as he is older than usual at this weigh, and needs more...
So at least every third hour, but preferably every second, and try to give at least 5ml at a time - more if he accepts. But dont force if not absolute necessary. The risk for faults is greater when forcing. As long as he swallows by himself its good.
@shuddrbug
Ok, why this low weigth. Unless he is a mini-cat - rare but happens, he is essentially severerly undernourished, yes even emaciated.
He almost surely got way too little. Its easily happen, if the caretaker doesnt know how much they need, and isnt having a scale, so she sees the kittens is gaining daily at least 6g, but preferably 10g+.
My guess is, when momma died at 2 weeks, they got a number of how many ml he needed a day, and so they gave him this. Not thinking he must have more and more as time goes by and he grows...
Its also possible momma hadnt really enough for him.
Anyway, its RED ALERT till you notice real improvements. I mean, there is a substantial risk for a sudden collapse and going downhill in hours.
You must work wigorously with him till you see he is really improving.
Could we have a picture? This way we will see if he is emaciated, or if he is simply a miniature cat..
Does he plays etc, or is mostly laying down?
He almost surely got way too little. Its easily happen, if the caretaker doesnt know how much they need, and isnt having a scale, so she sees the kittens is gaining daily at least 6g, but preferably 10g+.
My guess is, when momma died at 2 weeks, they got a number of how many ml he needed a day, and so they gave him this. Not thinking he must have more and more as time goes by and he grows...
Its also possible momma hadnt really enough for him.
Anyway, its RED ALERT till you notice real improvements. I mean, there is a substantial risk for a sudden collapse and going downhill in hours.
You must work wigorously with him till you see he is really improving.
Could we have a picture? This way we will see if he is emaciated, or if he is simply a miniature cat..
Does he plays etc, or is mostly laying down?
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How did the mama? Was she sick?
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I am feeding him PetAg it's a liquids kitten formula. I do have a scale and know to weigh him everyday at the same time ish. He is pooping on his own but needs help to finish peeing.
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Here mate a couple pictures.
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I put some pics in. They did not know to weigh him. I am from the USA so no goats milk. He doesn't "play" but he walks around and sleeps A lot.
KMR is fine although you should be able to get goat milk from a supermarket. If you have safe eggs (no salmonella) you can beat up a yolk (not the white) into the milk or formula sometimes to give him a richer diet. I find it easier with very small kittens to use a syringe rather than a botltle - often they don't manage to get their mouths round even the smallest bottle teat. And sometimes the sucking reflex is missing. But work out whatever is easiest for him, as long as he is getting it into him. You probably know to feed him as he is lying on his tummy, not his back, or he may choke. Good luck, you have a difficult challenge ahead, but you sound ready for it.
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The PetAg premade in liquid is OK, but theirs in powder is more reliable. So when you are buying next batch, try to get this in powder instead. Or if you after all find a full fat goats milk.
Raw (fresh or frozen) is really good - may be pricey though. But canned / bottled full fat is OK too.
As said, a yolk in the kmr / goats milk makes it even more nourishing.
His overall looks isnt that bad, he perhaps looks younger than 4 weeks. What is, a healthy robust kitten is usually rounded, while he isnt...
I see you are thinking the right way, and are surely doing everything necessary. Im sure you will manage to save him.
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Hercules pass to the rainbow bridge at 5:00am this morning. Thank you for all your help and support.
Horrible! Im deep sorry for you and Hercules. RIP little Hercules.
I knew and even wrote it was a Red Alert situation, the danger grave and the Angel of Death hovering, but I did really hoped and though with your good care and with some help of our advices he should make it, that it wasnt too late...
Im deep sorry, even devastated...
The only consolations is, NEXT time, if you ever take on a weak orphan, you will know for sure what to do, what food is good, etc etc...
I really hope you will do this again and again, as long there is need for these deeds of good heart. God wants it! And the Jesus Child rejoices to such good rescuers and the kittens saved.
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I'm so sorry
I'm so sorry to hear this. It is very difficult to take care of such young kittens when they don't have their mother, but Hercules was loved and cared for during his short stay here on earth. That counts for something.
I'll lock this thread now, as I sign of respect.
If you'd like to start a thread in Hercules memory in our Crossing The Bridge forum please do so when you feel ready.
http://www.thecatsite.com/f/19/crossing-the-bridge
Rest In Peace Hercules, you'll find your mother waiting for you at the bridge.
I'll lock this thread now, as I sign of respect.
If you'd like to start a thread in Hercules memory in our Crossing The Bridge forum please do so when you feel ready.
http://www.thecatsite.com/f/19/crossing-the-bridge
Rest In Peace Hercules, you'll find your mother waiting for you at the bridge.
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