Kitten Hydration

We have 4 little 3 week old kittens that were dumped into someones truck only days ago. The local shelters were full so we took them in to keep them from being euthanized. They are eating great on their own but I wonder about them getting enough fluids. We supplemented with a bit of formula at first because they had been with out anything for days but now I am just adding water to their wet food. When will they start drinking on their own? How do I get them to start drinking water at all? So far they don't want anything to do with it. 

beardallcats

Small kittens do not usually drink from a water bowl yet. They are getting the fluids they need from the wet food.

If you'd like, you can continue to offer them a bottle of KMR after each meal. They need to eat about 6 wet meals a day right now. They also need dry kitten chow available 24/7.

So nice of you to save them! [emoji]128522[/emoji]

I'm guessing they still need Kitten Replacement Milk for awhile longer, but have asked some experts to chime in. 

BTW, THANK you for rescuing these little ones

beardallcats said:

 
We have 4 little 3 week old kittens that were dumped into someones truck only days ago. The local shelters were full so we took them in to keep them from being euthanized. They are eating great on their own but I wonder about them getting enough fluids. We supplemented with a bit of formula at first because they had been with out anything for days but now I am just adding water to their wet food. When will they start drinking on their own? How do I get them to start drinking water at all? So far they don't want anything to do with it. 

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Wet food contains by itself much fluid, so cats living of wet food typically drink very little. (although they shall of course have some fresh water standing ready).

Your trick of adding water to their wet food is good - I suppose its summer at your place too, and thus, they need more to drink than usually.

As the other said, some good formula or goats milk to supplement with is never wrong with such little ones.

Tx a lot for helping them!

Thank you! We did replacement formula for them but it made their bowel movements almost too runny. Should I just supplement a little tiny bit here and there?

I'll give them a bit more of the formula, thank you! And we are glad we got to save them! They finally have the energy to run around and play!  

They are adorable! [emoji]128149[/emoji]

Best part is one of the girls is a polydactl! 

UPDATE:

We rescued 4, 3 week old kittens. But two last night died of unknown causes. We think they had a bug or it was because they were the runts but we're not sure ( They showed no signs of being sick at all). So now I am completely terrified and paranoid that I will lose the other two. They are pretty healthy and chubby and the oldest one eats pretty good but the other one just today has started not eating or drink as much. It's just little bits here and there. He's usually my biggest eater. So I am so scared that he is sick or depressed from his litter mates passing away or something but I don't have the funds to take him to the vet to find out. I don't know what to do. Any advice please?

- Desperate Mom 

Have the kittens been dewormed? Do they have fleas? Fleas can cause severe anemia, especially in young kittens.

How long have you had the kittens? What are you feeding them (brand names, flavors, etc...)? How often are you feeding and how much?

Is there a rescue nearby that could help?  They may know if any viruses or bugs are going around the area?

They seemed in perfect health. No worms it seemed, no fleas no ticks, nothing 

beardallcats said:

 
We have had them for 2 weeks and they seemed perfectly fine. Normal bowel movements, no throwing up, eat steadily, no fleas or ticks and didn't seem to have worms. We are feeding them a patte and formula mix and pretty much feeding whenever they seem to get hungry but they were portioned out because they would fight over food. I can't remember the brand off hand but it's not Hart brand

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A switch to goats milk  may  be worth the trouble, and doesnt costs more than KMR.  Especielly if you can get raw goats milk, it may even do some good.

Raw goats milk is pricey, but it may sometimes be the difference.

But if its some big fault, say something genetic, it wont help of course.

What is their names?  Its easier to send prayers if we know whom is the addressate to the help we beg for.

I was just looking into that and I can't find anyone who sells that goats milk here. I live in a small town. The next closest place is 45 minutes away. 

The two surviving babies are Sophie and Pribbs. Pribbs is the one struggling. We got chicken baby food to put in a syringe and help him along. He doesn't like the syringe but he seems to be taking small amounts of it. Thank you for all the prayers he needs them.