Help with new kittens

Hi, I just found this website and am so happy to get some help!! My kitty (Sassy) just had 5 babies this morning. This is her second litter and only 1 survived out of 4 the last time. I was constantly calling my vet but she said they just didn't start out very strong and mom did not produce enough milk. I got a scale this time and have been reading up constantly about it. I just wonder when do you know if you should start supplementing? The last time my vet said to just make sure they were all latched on at least every 2 hours, which they were. Then she told me to start supplementing but it might already be too late. Supplementing with a syringe was very hard and with a bottle was impossible!! Has anyone tried the tube feeding?? It obviously was too late they mostly just spit out all the formula and just fussed. The weird thing is, is that the one who fussed the most was the one who lived. It was so heartbreaking and i want to make this one so much more positive (of course the one surviver was soooo spoiled )
So any help with weight gain and supplementing would be appreciated. Thanks

Welcome Sassy....Does it seem as if the kittens aren't latching on to the mom? I know it is unnerving to start breeding and have most of the litter die...so I would really recommend that you also introduce yourself in the breeder's forum and reference your post here in case any other breeder's have suggestions for you.

Katie

Thanks! Yes, the babies seem to be latching on good so far. I guess I will have to wait it out and weigh them tomorrow.

Originally Posted by sassymom

Thanks! Yes, the babies seem to be latching on good so far. I guess I will have to wait it out and weigh them tomorrow.

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Well..it's good that this litter is doing well so far. There are several Persian breeders on this website (under the breeder's forum) that could certainly answer any questions you have. The moderator of this forum (Gaye) is also a breeder (Old Style Siamese) so she can also assist you.

Katie

Originally Posted by sassymom

I got a scale this time and have been reading up constantly about it. I just wonder when do you know if you should start supplementing?

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If you are weighing the kittens, then you will want to see the babies gain between 10-20 grams a day. Make certain you weigh at the same time each day and write the weights down each time. If you keep a record of the weights, then you will be better able to identify any weight loss quickly and to catch problems before they get out of hand.

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You might also want to do a search on tube feeding on this site, also check out the Strays and Ferals forum. I've heard tube feeding takes a knack, but it is more effective than bottle or syringe feeding. If you do supplement, remember to feed it like a kitten baby (on its tummy) rather than on its back. (which is the mistake I made). Also the stickies at the top of this forum are great, especially the "Welcome Message" and specifically, "Care of Orphaned Kittens." Good luck!!!