Help sexing 10 day old rescued kitten

Sarthur2

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How much does the kitten weigh? How many mLs are you feeding per day? I'm sure the eyes will be open soon!
 

Sarthur2

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That's good. She needs about 6 tablespoons per day at 10 ounces, more as she grows. Glad to see her eyes opening. She looks sweet! [emoji]128522[/emoji]
 
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catmom marcia

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Upper respiratory infections are common with kittens, but can turn very nasty quickly in tiny babies like this because they have no natural defenses against that at this age.  I would definitely get him to a vet to evaluate those eyes as URIs can often cause eye infections and if left untreated, can lead to an irreversible condition causing them to lose their eyes.  This could very well be why his eyes look only half way open.  They look goopy to me.  The herpes virus is present in 85% of cats so don 't freak out at the terminology here.  It's not like herpes in humans.  Be sure and keep up the regular feedings as this tot needs the nourishment to fight off this cold.   And be sure to keep him on a heated mat (pet mats or heating disks are available) as they cannot regulate their own body heat until they are a month old.  A human pad may be too warm so offer him a chance to squirm away from the heat by using a larger box with the pad under 1/2 of it.  All lots of blankets to get his away from the direct heat.  A slight, gentle heat is all they need - like mimicking a momma's body.

Good luck!  I hope they baby pulls through but don't be surprised if he takes a turn for the worse.  At least you are giving him a chance!
 
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toulousekitty

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Thanks for the advice. I called the vet at banfield in petsmart as my mothers pets go there, and they seemed to not be well educated in young kitten care. I called about her symptoms and they said they could fit her in between clients. When I got there they were concerned about they eyes and said she would need an eye stain. I asked how that would be done if the eyes weren't open yet, and they said they thought we had said 12 weeks old not 12 days old. They said to gently dab her eyes with saline and let her breathe in the warm steam from a shower and to return when she is at least 8 weeks if symptoms persist. The doctor who was more interested in cats wasn't going to be in until Tuesday so I'll have to call today to check for her opinion on my situation or find a new vet. Is this normal advice from a vet? Should I seek the opinion of a vet from another animal hospital instead? If it is the herpes virus, then what would the vet be able to give as treatment? Perhaps antibiotics to as a preventative measure? That seems that could take an extra toll on her already weakened system though.
 

talkingpeanut

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Thanks for the advice. I called the vet at banfield in petsmart as my mothers pets go there, and they seemed to not be well educated in young kitten care. I called about her symptoms and they said they could fit her in between clients. When I got there they were concerned about they eyes and said she would need an eye stain. I asked how that would be done if the eyes weren't open yet, and they said they thought we had said 12 weeks old not 12 days old. They said to gently dab her eyes with saline and let her breathe in the warm steam from a shower and to return when she is at least 8 weeks if symptoms persist. The doctor who was more interested in cats wasn't going to be in until Tuesday so I'll have to call today to check for her opinion on my situation or find a new vet. Is this normal advice from a vet? Should I seek the opinion of a vet from another animal hospital instead? If it is the herpes virus, then what would the vet be able to give as treatment? Perhaps antibiotics to as a preventative measure? That seems that could take an extra toll on her already weakened system though.
I think you should find a vet who will look at the kitten and give you an antibiotic ointment.
 
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toulousekitty

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I will call the vet at banfield who is very knowledgeable about cats and see if she will take Violette for an appointment at this age. Her eyes are opening even more and she is barely sneezing anymore. She still does have some clear nasal discharge and some (lessening) eye discharge. She seems to be doing well for now, but I don't want to take any chances so I will call a few vets and see if they will care for a kitten this age.
 

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I will call the vet at banfield who is very knowledgeable about cats and see if she will take Violette for an appointment at this age. Her eyes are opening even more and she is barely sneezing anymore. She still does have some clear nasal discharge and some (lessening) eye discharge. She seems to be doing well for now, but I don't want to take any chances so I will call a few vets and see if they will care for a kitten this age.
You should easily be able to find a vet who will see a kitten. From your photo she is obviously having trouble with her left eye.

Did her siblings die because there was nobody to feed them? So sad since they look perfectly healthy at birth.
 
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toulousekitty

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Yes, I was surprised that they wouldn't take her at a well known chain like banfield. Fortunately her cold is much better, the discharge from her nose and eyes have been lessening and has remained clear in color so far. Her sneezing has also basically completely stopped. Her left eye is opening much slower than the right eye did, but seems to not be swollen or have any more discharge than the right eye, so I believe it will open naturally soon.

I am not sure why her siblings died! The person who found them said he did trap neuter release and was always unable to trap the feral mother and she got pregnant. He said she was probably only able to nurse them a couple times before she was hit by a car that left her in the street. I believe he was attempting to bottle feed all five of them by himself (and he could've made a mistake) although he claimed to have bottle fed kittens before and was very emotional about the other kittens and the mother. He instructed me to get kmr formula and that if I didn't feed every 3 hours she could die and to keep her very warm. He only had the kittens for about 2-3 days so I don't know what may have gone wrong while they were in his care! She was 3 days old when I met her and she must've been with her mother for a few hours-1day.
 

Primula

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So you know how to stimulate her to pee & poop? There's loads of threads here on taking c/o a newborn. Violette is so sweet. I'm looking forward to seeing her progress.
 
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toulousekitty

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Does it sound alright that she already weighs 13.5 oz at 16 days old? She has gained weight steadily every day with no major jumps in weight.
 

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She is absolutely precious! I'm looking forward to your updates. She's such a cute baby and is going to be a beautiful cat!
 

catmom marcia

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You can buy Terramycin antibiotic ophthalmic ointment from Amazon but having a vet see it would be the best course of action.  Call around and see if there is a cat only vet.  You could also call your local shelters and ask to be put you in touch with a bottle baby proficient foster mom or dad.  They can help guide you.
 
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SeventhHeaven

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I've had eyes open late just wipe wash regularly don't pry, wipe her down regularly as well change blankets

bedding daily or every 2nd day. Not that you aren't already extra clean clean when they aren't doing perfect can help. 
 
 
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