6 week old abandoned runt kitten help

Last week, I got a 5 week old (guess from vet because she has teeth) that was found by a young College girl who didn't want the responsibility of the abandoned runt she found. I've had her a week & she seems to be doing well, but this is my first rescue for a cat and especially one so young. I'm feeding her minced kitten food about every 4-5 hours. She's using the litter. But, she won't drink water. Is there enough water in the wet food to sustain her? If not, how do I get her to drink it? She had an eye infection and I got her antibiotics and both eyes are clearing. But, every time I even ask the vet a question, they want me to bring her in and charge me. Please, can someone give me some advice on the food & water!! Thank you!

Thanks for taking this little one in!

I would guess that she's getting most of her water from her food. You could try feeding her a dish of kmr once or twice a day. That would be good for her and would up her fluids. We like powdered formula by PetAg. Avoid Hartz.

You may want to find another vet that you feel more comfortable with.

You can also add an extra teaspoon or two of water to her kitten food, but most kittens this young do not drink water because they still nurse mom.

You could give the wet food somewhat more often.  That is my comment.  Otherwise, as said, cats eating solely wet food, dont need to drink much, just occasionally.

Goats milk is another alternative as an extra, if its easier for you to get then the kmr mentioned.

There are a couple of ways to tell if the kitten is dehydrated.  One is the tent method where you pinch a bit of skin and see how long it takes for it to go back down.  Hydrated skin should go down right away.  The other is watching to see if the kitten is peeing often.

What kind of minced meat are you feeding the kitten.  Is it people food or food designed for kittens?  Kittens need special nutrients to help with brain development.  Pate type foods are also easy for the kitten to eat, you may need to water it down so he can lap it up easier or mix with KMR if you get some.  He needs to eat 4-6 smaller meals a day and should have access to kitten dry food all the time.

He has found a wonderful home with you.