Found Kittens

jenniemiche

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I found 3 newborn kittens under a dockplate at work. I waited 8 hours for the mother to return before taking them out- she did not even after 12 hours. We have been feeding them kmr. One baby died a couple hours after taking it out. The other two were doing exceptionally well until this morning. The big one is still squirming and crying and eating and peeing. But the other baby is unresponsive. We have tried warming her up and stimulating to no avail. I have no experience with cats let alone newborn kittens (the emergency vet said they are a week old) I couldn't find anyone to take them as everyone -including shelters- was evacuating for hurricane Matthew. Please help!! I'm completely willing to see this through but would much prefer to find another home for them as I often work 12 hour days. In the meantime would like to keep big guy healthy and bring the tiny baby back to health.
 

Sarthur2

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J jenniemiche

They need 24-hour care, so you need to bring them to work with you.

They must stay warm, as kittens cannot regulate their own body temperature for 3 weeks. Use a heating pad set on low under a blanket, or a microwaved rice sock or hot water bottle wrapped in a towel and placed nearby.

Do you have kitten formula? They need feeding every 2 hours around the clock at this age. You need to weigh them. Once I know weights I can tell you how much they need to eat.

Feed tummy down, head up, like they would feed from mom. Never on the back, as they can aspirate formula into their lungs, which will cause pneumonia and death in 24 hours.

Using a tiny, needleless syringe, go drop by drop in the SIDE of the mouth. Let the kutten swallow and breathe, and go again. Feed 2-3 mLs each time for now.

After feeding, you must stimulate the genitals so the kitten can pee and poop. They cannot go on their own. Use a warm, damp cloth.

If the kittens are lethargic, smear honey on the gums for a quick pickup.

Thank you for rescuing them! [emoji]128522[/emoji]

Edit: You may be able to call area rescues who may have a foster to take them after the storm passes.
 
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StefanZ

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I found 3 newborn kittens under a dockplate at work. I waited 8 hours for the mother to return before taking them out- she did not even after 12 hours. We have been feeding them kmr. One baby died a couple hours after taking it out. The other two were doing exceptionally well until this morning. The big one is still squirming and crying and eating and peeing. But the other baby is unresponsive. We have tried warming her up and stimulating to no avail. I have no experience with cats let alone newborn kittens (the emergency vet said they are a week old) I couldn't find anyone to take them as everyone -including shelters- was evacuating for hurricane Matthew. Please help!! I'm completely willing to see this through but would much prefer to find another home for them as I often work 12 hour days. In the meantime would like to keep big guy healthy and bring the tiny baby back to health.
Adding to the advices above.  Exactly what kmr do you use? Some brands alike Hartz are unreliable.   An alternative is goats milk - raw, fresh or frozen is best, but almost any other is OK too.   I understan with the hurricane coming in, your choices will be limited - everything is closed / closing, and you dont want to go outside.

You will use what you have.  You can surely ask your neigbours for help if so is - in times alike this folks are extra helpsome.

Thick honey water put on gum and lips is good for the weak and lethargic - gives quick energy.

You may try to brush the dying one with a tooth brush - it feels alike moms tongue - this will work whatever fate is hers...  Carrying at the chest is a good warming up - especilly if the electricity goes out, and you cant warm up any heat pads.

In the wild mommas must often leave their kittens for many hours.  Of course with such friends they really dont need any enemies... So you did wise to wait for momma, dont accuse yourself  what if - if you took them earlier...   Chance is big these dying were goners anyways...   But these whom survive, they will survive tx to you, none else.

We do have here some articles on thaking care of newborns.  the www.kitten-rescue.com is good - its one of our veteranmembers whom is the owner.
 
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