Kitten not able to suckle?

As you all know I have three 12 day old kittens that I'm hand rearing after mama was killed. I was pretty concerned for the first 24hrs because they didn't get the hang of the bottle, but then they seemed to and have been doing really well.

However one of them is now having real problems suckling. She doesnt appear to be able to latch on properly, although she tries. Sometimes she does manage to latch on for a few sucks, but the milk comes out her nose and she starts sneezing. She seems to be getting enough milk, (about 4-5cc 8 times a day) but I think most of it is dribbling on her tongue and then being swallowed. She is weeing well, and has pooped twice since I got her 4 days ago.

I have looking in her mouth and there is no obvious cleft palate that I can see. I feed her on her stomach across my stomach as I lean back. She's smaller than her brother and sister, but only just smaller than her brother. (the other girl is a lot bigger). The hole in the bottle is absolutely tiny, and the other 2 kittens dont have a problem with flow of milk. She doesn't choke, it just comes out her nose!

I will be taking her in to see the vets in the morning, as they are closed now, but does anyone have some suggestions?

Do u have a eye dropper??? Try that

Originally Posted by vi04

Do u have a eye dropper??? Try that

Click to expand...

No I dont, But I have various syringes if I feel she needs to be fed that way, thanks! She seems to be getting enough just licking the teat and having it dribble slowly into her mouth. She's not dehydrated (neck skin check) and she's weeing heaps so I'm not too worried about that, more about *why* she's struggling. Is she just not used to it yet? Is there a physical problem? That sort of thing.

On a good note, she managed half her feed tonight without it coming out her nose!