Stuff I need

4crazycats

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Ok well I have decided I might as well go out and buy a bunch of stuff I might need. So I was wondering what stuff I might or will need. I know I'm getting a big dog crate. But I dont know if it should be the metal kind that you can see thru or one of the solid plastic ones? Which would be better? I have other animals and none of my rooms have doors except the bathroom which has my finches in it and she will go after them. So I need her to be in a contained area.

I have KMR from my last foster kitten (Bagheera he's permanant now) and some bottles. But I was wondering how long it can be kept before getting rid of it. I've never had any left over before. I usually just give it to the kitten's until it is gone no matter how old they are. But Bagheera started refusing the milk in any way at 9 weeks. Not from the bottle or from a bowl or food soaked in it.So should I replace the formula just in case?

Also a couple of the sites said those rubber maid like containers. I dont know if the big ones are called that? Are good for a nest box. What size would be best? Should I just leave it intact or cut a whole in it. With my fosters they were just in cardboard boxes with heat pads under half of it. I only had mama with babies foster one time and she stayed for 2 days and then moved to different foster home so I could take in some older orphaned kittens. Her and the kittens were in an old dresser drawer that they came to me in. I want the best for Annie and her kittens if I have to go thru this with her.

Hmmm Also what is the best kitten food to feed her? My parents have been feeding her Purina Indoor formula. I dont like that stuff not good enough quality IMO. I feed my cats Blackwood Adult Formula for Lily and Kitten and Bagheera eat the kitten formula. http://blackwoodpetfood.com/bwadultcat.htm They are also supplemented with BARF. Would switching her to my kittens food hurt her? Or should I feed something else? Should I offer her KMR? Some people I have talked to say yes other say no.

Is there anything else that I might need that I havnt thought of?
 

ericanicole

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maybe a heating pad.
My kitten was an orphan at two weeks old and for the first week I kept a heating pad on low under a bunch of blankets for him.

KMR should have an expiration date on it. Is your KMR open? no more than a day or two should it stored after open.

I'd say go for a metal crate that way you can keep an eye on whats going on with mom and kittens.

You sound like your ready to go!
I hope everything works well with your new litter.
 

scoomoo

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I would not use a metal crate unless the wires are very close together (under 1 inch). I have seen many kittens find little holes in the metal crates. It isn't hard for them to crawl out and get lost from mom. If you find a metal crate with no large holes, it may be acceptable.

KMR does list on the package how long it is good for. I think it is 3 months in the fridge and 6 months if in the freezer.

I usually prefer a plastic container than a box since the plastic is easier to clean and disinfect. Boxes can get quite dirty and smelly. I recommend a size tall enough for mom to easily get out, but will keep young babies in (6-8 inches). I use one that is a little larger than a large litter pan.

I use sheets, blankets instead of a heating pad. Also easy to clean. Good luck.
 
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4crazycats

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Originally Posted by EricaNicole

maybe a heating pad.
My kitten was an orphan at two weeks old and for the first week I kept a heating pad on low under a bunch of blankets for him.

KMR should have an expiration date on it. Is your KMR open? no more than a day or two should it stored after open.

I'd say go for a metal crate that way you can keep an eye on whats going on with mom and kittens.

You sound like your ready to go!
I hope everything works well with your new litter.
The KMR is the powder kind. Not the already mixed stuff. It last longer. Or at least I hope it does because the one I have was fed to Bagheera for about 2 weeks. And its been sitting for 8 weeks. Yikes its hard to believe Ive had him for so long.
 
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4crazycats

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Originally Posted by scoomoo

I would not use a metal crate unless the wires are very close together (under 1 inch). I have seen many kittens find little holes in the metal crates. It isn't hard for them to crawl out and get lost from mom. If you find a metal crate with no large holes, it may be acceptable.

KMR does list on the package how long it is good for. I think it is 3 months in the fridge and 6 months if in the freezer.

I usually prefer a plastic container than a box since the plastic is easier to clean and disinfect. Boxes can get quite dirty and smelly. I recommend a size tall enough for mom to easily get out, but will keep young babies in (6-8 inches). I use one that is a little larger than a large litter pan.

I use sheets, blankets instead of a heating pad. Also easy to clean. Good luck.
So I should get some new KMR just in case she doesnt take care of them or needs ehlp. I will get that a bit later though. I wasnt planning on using a heating pad with them unless she doesnt take care of them. I was going to use bath towels.
 

tnr1

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Originally Posted by 4crazycats

The KMR is the powder kind. Not the already mixed stuff. It last longer. Or at least I hope it does because the one I have was fed to Bagheera for about 2 weeks. And its been sitting for 8 weeks. Yikes its hard to believe Ive had him for so long.
I prefer to buy the already mixed KMR. Gaye prefers goat's milk. I'm not a big fan of the powdered version..I've read a few instances of kittens getting sick...perhaps the individual didn't mix it right or it was past it's expiration. I used a metal crate with my mom and kittens..it collapses for easy storage and I didn't have a problem with the kittens getting through the bars..but you definately need to look at how apart the bars are. If you get a plastic crate....you need to ensure that it is well ventilated.

I used a large box for the nesting box and placed a towel inside (but I would put a towel inside a pillow slip now).

I fed mom both wet and dry kitten food.....I bought a mixed pack of wet kitten food and Eukanaba kitten formula dry food.

Katie
 
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4crazycats

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Originally Posted by TNR1

I prefer to buy the already mixed KMR. Gaye prefers goat's milk. I'm not a big fan of the powdered version..I've read a few instances of kittens getting sick...perhaps the individual didn't mix it right or it was past it's expiration. I used a metal crate with my mom and kittens..it collapses for easy storage and I didn't have a problem with the kittens getting through the bars..but you definately need to look at how apart the bars are. If you get a plastic crate....you need to ensure that it is well ventilated.

I used a large box for the nesting box and placed a towel inside (but I would put a towel inside a pillow slip now).

I fed mom both wet and dry kitten food.....I bought a mixed pack of wet kitten food and Eukanaba kitten formula dry food.

Katie
Wow I never heard of kittens getting sick off the powder version. I usually use it only when I have one or two kittens. When I have whole litters I use the pre mixed stuff because they use more of it. I dont like to keep the mixed stuff for more then one meal. So when I have only one or two I make just enough for that meal. With whole litters they usually used most if not all of the premixed stuff. Thats the only reason. I just read about the towel in the pillowcase in your other post. Thats sounds like a great idea. That way the kittens cant get wrapped up in the towel accidently and sufficate or something.
 

beckiboo

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I prefer the powdered formula, because you can mix it up fresh in warm water. I am pretty careful how I mix it when the babies are tiny, and when they get older, I just make sure to thin it with extra water, and use it to moisten the kibble.

I like the metal crate, so you can see the kittens easily. My bars are close enough that I don't lose any kittens.

Having a scale is nice, so you can weigh the kitters to be sure everyone is gaining.

Oh, and a digital camera, so you can post lots of pics!
 
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4crazycats

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Originally Posted by Beckiboo

Oh, and a digital camera, so you can post lots of pics!
Oh you dont have to worry about that. I am already taking tons of pics of just Annie. LOL Poor girl is going to go blind.
 
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