Early this morning our cat had her first litter of kittens. There were six and only two are alive. We were only there for the last on enad it was stillborn. They are very tiny but they do have hair except on their back feet. They seem to be having a hard time finding a nipple and have not nursed. We started supplementing with formula from the vet. They think that if they were premature maybe the mothers milk has not come in yet. Anyone know what we should do. We unfortunatley have to work today but my husband is able to go home a couple times to make sure they are fed. How long berfore the mothers milk comes in? They are trying to find something to suckle, which I think is a good sign. I really cannot hand feed them for weeks! At least it is a weekend and we will be able to be home. I would appreciate any help.
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Help kittens are premature
- Thread starter asmoke
- Start Date
Asmoke....welcome to TCS.
Did the vet give you any indication how early she was?? The normal gestation period for a cat is 61-65 days. Unfortunately, until she does produce milk, you will need to feed these little ones...this is a great site on how often that you will need to provide them KMR:
http://www.kitten-rescue.com/kitten_..._schedule.html
I am sorry to read about the other ones being stillborn. Was this a planned mating?
Katie
I don't have any advice, although I definitely agree that the link above is a great site with tons of helpful information.
I just want to send out some prayers for your cat and her litter.
I just want to send out some prayers for your cat and her litter.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #4
The kittens were born in our horse barn and we brought them in our laundry room when there were problems. My husband just went out to bury the dead ones and he picked one up and it was still alive!!!!!!!!! It lived out there all day by itself, must be a strong little booger! At least it wasn't too cold today! The other two are doing okay and we are trying to keep food in their bellies. Mama is trying her hardest and so are the little ones.
If the milk isn't in you can get her to the vet for a shot of oxytocin. This is usually to finish labor but is also used to help the milk drop. I was told its very unusual for the milk to not drop after this injection but everything that happened to me was unusual. My kittens were so premature they couldn't nurse on their own and there was no milk if they could. Anyway, the babies need moms first milk but if they don't get it soon then it won't matter as they can only assimilate it for a short period of time after birth. Its still good if mom can nurse as that increases bonding.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #6
These kittens are amazing! By all laws of nature I don't think they should even be alive. They actually have no hair on their feet, tails, genitals, bellies or ears. Yet they are fighters! Last night I was able to get them to suckle and even though they have problems finding the nipple on their own if I can get them to it they don't let go. How do I know they are getting enough milk? We have been trying to suplement them but since they got their mommas nipples they aren't very interested in the syringe and the bottle we bought at the store is way too big. they want to nurse continuously.
I have no experience with premies, but if it was me, I would buy a scale and start weighing them. That will be the only way to be sure they are getting something.
Them nursing will be stimulating the milk to come in, so that is a good thing. If they are not gaining, or it seems the milk isn't there, Solarity's advice to get a shot to start the milk is a great idea.
Them nursing will be stimulating the milk to come in, so that is a good thing. If they are not gaining, or it seems the milk isn't there, Solarity's advice to get a shot to start the milk is a great idea.
Not sure if I saw a update for them please let me know thank you.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #9
All three of the babies are fine so far. They look full term now. They are in our laundry room and we try to leave them alone as much as we can. Mama's milk is in and they are growing very fast. I think they have almost doubled in size since they were born. Thanks for all the support. All three are girls and now I need to find good homes for them. Unfortunatly this mama cat's sister is looking to have kittens any day now also. These are our barn cats and our horses best friends, but don't worry they will be spayed as soon as possible. The horses are missing them in the barn!
I am so glad all is well. Breath
