HELP, abandoned kittens

[moonblossom]

HELP...they are building a new house next to me and was clearing the grounds today and found two kittens underneath the wood. They would be about 2 to 3 weeks old, and I took them instead of him drowning them, but I have no idea what to do :S I called the vet and they said if we brought them in they would just put them down because they are too young...

Any advice anyone

[polony]

If you were in WA or I in SA, I would take one..... how cruel to do such a thing... maybe someone will want them??

[Harmony83]

Im not an expert, but I was told that kittens are alot like human babies and need to be fed around the clock, you could use a syringe like the ones you get out of baby panadol packs?? You can buy proper ones from the vet, that imitate the mothers teat. Im not sure what you would feed them, perhaps you could call the vet up and ask them. I know they aren't sposed to have straight cows milk, are they allowed diluted milk. You will probably have to care for them yourself until they are old enough to be re-homed at 6-8wks. How awful for the poor kittens. I didn't think mum cats left there young, she might be out there still looking for her young, or the workmen may have frightened her off, keep an eye out and see if she returns...

[caz]

You could ring the animal welfare league and see what they suggest. Then when they are old enough advertise them to give away. Other than, i'm not sure.

I would have one but I think 4 cats are enough :o

[Chickadee]

I have seen "puppy milk" or formula for sale in some of the larger pet supply stores and had a chat with a farmer not long ago about what he was giving his bottle fed lambs (horse milk/formula apparently), so there should be a "kitten milk" that you or your vet could get hold of. I suspect cow's milk would upset their stomach, even diluted.

Editted to add this, lifted from an Australian Cat site (http://www.cat-world.com.au/catworldbuyingakitten.htm)

If you wish to give your kitten milk you can buy specially formulated "cat milk" from the supermarket. This is lactose free. Cats often have a problem with the lactose in cow's milk & it can upset their tummy.

We adopted a kitten once who had been taken from her mum much too young. She's always had some social issues - not cleaning herself properly, wanting to suck at our clothes when we cuddled her, and generally anti-social without warning.

[serenitynow]

Hey Moonblossom,
Keep an eye out for mumma cat , if they have lasted this long, she must have been suckling them.
I don't know whether your after short term, how do I look after them, sort of advcie or long term -arrgghhh what do I do with these cats, advice

For short term - I know you are not supposed to give them straight cows milk as it scours their system - maybe if you watered it down?? I know you can buy puppy milk, maybe there is a kitten one, too. Did the vet give you any ideas on looking after them? Maybe try a pet store for feeding advice??

As for long term, err, all I can advise is to keep them away from your children, otherwise you may find yourself with two new additions to the family!!

If you don't want them, after 6 weeks, advertise, notes on shopping centre boards, the pound, RSPCA, etc.

Good luck and good on you for being a caring person!!

[polony]

If you were in WA or I in SA, I would take one..... how cruel to do such a thing... maybe someone will want them??

I just realised it sounds like I am saying you are cruel. SORRY!!!

I meant because they were abandoned and the vet said to put them down!

You are such a caring person with a huge heart. Especially with all your children too! My goodness!

[Chickadee]

Some more info to get you through this first night if you need it. From http://www.petalert.com.au/faid/fa19.php

What if the *****/queen can't or will not feed the puppies/kittens?


You will need to feed the litter. Start by weighing the pups/kittens and marking them in some way so you can tell them apart. Puppies and kittens need to be fed 20 % of their body weight daily divided between all feeds. Newborns should be fed every 2 hours and by weaning meals can be spaced to four times daily. Diluted condensed milk (50:50 with water) can be used in an emergency while human baby under 6 months' formula is even better. You can feed with an eyedropper or a syringe. Long term purchase a milk replacer made for pups or kittens and pet nursing bottles. Keep everything very clean.

If the mother is not taking care of her litter it is also necessary to toilet the pups/kittens otherwise they will not feed. Rub around the pup/kitten's bottom with a warm damp cloth. This stimulates the pup/kitten to urinate and defaecate. If a pup or kitten takes part of its meal then stops stimulate it to empty its bowel and bladder as this might be the reason it is not drinking.

[Rockett]

I think it's Whiskas that make the cat milk...did the vets at least give you any advice other than saying they would put them down???
Perhaps try your local RSPCA for advice.

[madvoice]

I am a registered cat breeder.

Firstly, are their eyes open and are they crawling about? This is a sign that they are around the 2-3 weeks of age. If they are a little larger, they would be closer to 3 weeks possibly 4.

You can buy formula for kittens. It should be available from your vet or a reputable pet store. You will need to buy very small bottles and teats. It is a very intensive exercise. Kittens require to be fed at least every 3 hours.

Not only do they need to be fed, but they need assistance to evacuate their bladder and bowels. To do this, have a warm damp cloth handy that you can wipe over their behinds in order to stimulate defecation and urination. An emergency 'short term' forumula can be made from a tin of evaporated milk and an equal volume of cool boiled water, an egg yolk and a heap teaspoon of glucose(honey is suitable) beaten together until smooth). You can use an eyedropper if necessary, just make sure it is sterilised.

You could also try to introduce some solid feed (tinned cat food) mashed finely with a bit of cat milk and syringe it into their mouths.

The kittens will also need to be kept in a warm area. Preferrably an easy to clean area as they will not be able to recognise a litter tray at this time. You can heat a water bottle (not boiling water) and wrap it well in order to help keep them warm and place it in the box with them.

[Mamaduke]

I wouldn't bother calling the RSPCA...there was a litter of kittens at my mum's work and someone called the RSPCA as they were starting to move around onto the road(no sign of the mother cat), and the RSPCA didn't want to know about them...they were told to call the local council!
I think you'd have to seriously think about taking them on, it sounds like alot of work...but then again, I'm not a cat person.

[SassyMummy]

I'm not too sure what you should do...but there seems to be a lot of useful advise available from other members.

I remember when I was younger (like...about 10 years old), my friend's dog died giving birth...but all three of her puppies survived. Her family decided to hand-raise them...giving them bottles all day long (even at 2am in the morning...). They also had to "induce urination"...as apparently puppies need help doing this for themselves. That was pretty easy...I helped sometimes, and all that needed to be done was using a wet warm cotton wool ball to gently wipe over their genitals until they peed. Apparently that's what mother dogs do with their tongues...a bit gross if you ask me, and I'm glad it's a trait that human babies do not possess.

But yeah...I'm sure if you were up for it, you could do it. Perhaps call another vet...or even ask your vet for the number of someone who COULD help you out. You could even try calling a cat-breeder...surely they'd know what to do and could help sort you out (I doubt they'd take on the kittens themselves...but they might be able to point you in the right direction).

GOOD LUCK!

[Foxymoron]

You've had some great advice about helping them urinate etc, also spend time "grooming" them with a damp face washer. I took on an abandoned kitten... We fed him goats milk, warmed a little from a dropper style syringe thing. I fed him every couple of hours and kept him warm and cosy, flea free.. we had a six week old cat as well so they were able to keep each other warm and learn to groom and socialise. Our little ragamuffin kitty is now a year old and just lovely.... Best of luck to you!

[Charlie]

I'm in Gawler also, which Vet did you call?? How old do you think they are?? I know of someone who would take them if you need!!

[reAllytee]

I cant believe the vet said they would put them down :eek:
madvoice has given the best advice as she would LOL being a cat breeder :)
I had to syringe feed a kitten my mum & i got from a pet store that we later found out to be too young ! Wont even go into that ! :mad:
Your vet should stock the food you need so i would actually advise calling another as the original seemed rather well brutal.
But be prepared they are like human babies in that they need constant feeding, i nearly lost the plot after 5 days of no sleep but it was so rewarding watching the little guy thrive ( guess it was my trial run LOL ) i even used to rock him to sleep :o
Hopefully you can keep them till they are ready for homes but otherwise just make sure the person who takes them knows what they are in for as its hard work for a few weeks until they can more.
Good luck !

[moonblossom]

Thanks for all your advice guys, The kitties have been great, They have been feeding well and sleeping. They have been weeing when i've done the cottonwool thing, but no number 2's yet.

I thank you all for your concern, they are so little and I can only hope I'm doing the right thing :S

[reAllytee]

Your a mum MB so im sure your doing just fine :D

[MumsieMel]

Oh gosh

How are they this morning???

[hayleylea]

Oh the poor kittens!!! I looked after 4 puppies from 3 weeks old :eek: their mother got bitten by a snake and man that was hard work but it was soooooo rewarding! I had to feed them every 2 hours with a little bottle and puppy formula dont know if its the same for cats. I then weaned them onto puppy milk and eventually water...i cant remember what age though. It was such an amazing experience, they use to get so excited whenever i entered the room as i suppose i was their "mum". Come 8 weeks when i had to let them go to their new home i was soooo upset! I cried for days lol:( Your a good person! Goodluck with them and let us know how they go!

:yelclap:

[hayleylea]

oh yeah i also remembered the cotton wool thing to help them go to the toilet....i also use to clean the puppies with cotton wool or a clean cloth and water mimicking the way the mother would lick them....this is what the vet told me to do. I use to do that once a day or whever they had food on their face :o I use to use hotwater bags and wheat bags in their bed of a night to keep them nice and warm (it was in winter that they were born but my understanding is they still need to be kept warm in summer dont know what climate you are from though) If i think of anything else i will drop back in but id say you have all the info you need by now :ecomcity:

[moonblossom]

Thanks SO much for your help guys. The little critters are doing well so far. Such sweet little things. One question tho, at 3 weeks old is it ok for them to sleep through the night without wanting a feed?

Do they wake if they are hungry? I fed them at 11.30 last night and they went down to sleep...then i set my alarm for 3 am but it didnt go off...I woke at 6.30 and they were still sound asleep, they are right next to my bed so I would of heard them if they woke.

Is this bad? Should I wake them up?

OMG its like having a baby all over again LOL...good practice ONCE again LOL

[Sarie]

If they're hungry they will let you know. We breed persians and have been lucky enough not to have to feed them ourselves. If they wake up then feed them but if they're having a good sleep just let them be, just like a baby.
Best of luck!
Sarie

With the vet saying they'd be put down... When we had our pet shop we had an arrangement with our local vet (who serviced the local animal shelter) that we would take pups and kittens who couldn't be rehomed and give them another chance. We also took mummy cats and dogs with their litters then the adults, if we couldn't give them away had a better chance of being rehomed once the babies we weaned.

[hayleylea]

Id say they will probably let you know if they are hungry..with the puppies i raised i was advised to feed them every 2 hours because they were a little weak....if they see happy and healthy enough id say they are ok. Maybe just ring your vet and ask them if its ok for them to go without a feed for that long..Sorry i couldnt be of much help

[moonblossom]

Pheww Thanks Sarie, I was SO scared to look in their box this morning incase something had happened :S There is only two so thats pretty easy to manage. I have done the wiping with cotton wool but they have only wee'd so far...do u know how often they do no 2's?

Lol never thought i would be asking questions about kittens on a baby forum LOL

[Sarie]

I'm not sure how many #2 they should be doing, mumma cats clean it all up, so you don't actually see it, but I would assume at least 2, though if they didn't feed over night I probably wouldn't expect one till they've had a couple of feeds this morning.

[Mum2Lucas]

When my cat had kittens she wouldnt feed them, so we went to the vet and they gave us some sort of formula to make up and feed them through a syringe every few hours. Then you have to toilet them too. And keep them in a box with some blankets or something. We kept ours in my cupboard which we left open during thenight and when we were in the loungeroom during the day we brought them out in the box and when they could move better they'd explore a bit.

[moonblossom]

Just an update, the kittens are doing wonderfully, sucking well, sleeping well and weeing well LOL

Just still no no 2's and that is concerning me a bit :S

[Rockett]

Glad to hear they are doing well,good on you for taking them in.:)

[MumsieMel]

Gee your doing a great job, :yelclap:

How are they this morning?

[madvoice]

Have you got them on a specific formula yet? The recipe I gave you is only for short term use. Once a day for defecation for the kittens is acceptable. I wouldn't stress too much over it. You should be proud of yourself :)

[lil button]

I tip my hat to you moonblossom :thumbsup: Sounds like you are doing a fantastic job so far.:yelclap:

[moonblossom]

Ok update on little critters. They are doing extremely well. They are so adorable. Nearly did a happy dance when they finally did number two's LOL.

But now i have another question for ya. I know its dangerous for pregnant mums to handle cat trays etc, but what about kittens fed on milk? Is it the same? As you know they are very young so i have to wipe them to get them to go...

Would LOVE any advice on this...

[Sarie]

You really should stay away from all cat poo, you can have a blood test to see if you've been exposed. But ideally it's best to stay away. Try using rubber gloves and washing your hands really really well afterwards.
It's hard when the little ones are so helpless, can hubby or one of your older kids help out when they're home??

[DjF]

I had a cat when i was little, and last year adopted 1 from a shelter and have just adopted another (who was far to young - still had baby blue eyes!) Most people (if they have been exposed to animals when younger) are actually immune to toxoplasmosis - but its always, as others have said, smart to wear gloves - or get somebody else to handle it. Basic good hand hygiene should get you through. But if your worried you can get a blood test done - this shows if your immune, have it or are free of it.

D

I for got to say - in regards to your vet saying they would put kittys down - there is such a feral cat population Australia wide - thats the main reason he/she prob said it. I saved both my kittys from being euthanased - my most recent a burmese was to be put down the next day - she was only 4 or 5 weeks old. So glad you havent given up on yours!

[madvoice]

While handling the kittens for 'potty time' I'd be sure to wear latex gloves and dispose of the refuse as soon as possible. Most people who have grown up with cats often have an immunity to the toxiplasmosis. While I was pregnant hubby was on kitty litter duty :)

[lil button]

Hi moonblossom

as others have said you can be immune to toxoplasmosis, though i have had cats all my life and got tested before i conceived and i have never contracted it and therefore not immune to it.
Toxoplasmosis is also mainly linked to cats who are outdoors. Indoor cats are never usually exposed. Trent is on cat litter duty too but if he is away i have to do it and as they are only inside kittys atm then i have no worry its just once i let them outside i will be extremely careful.( of course still using gloves for your protection.:)

[moonblossom]

Update.

Both are thriving, getting bigger and absolutely love their bottle times LOL.

We have called the girl Daisy and the fella Bundy :)

They have been absolute angels.

Thanks to everyone for their advice and concern.

[Rockett]

So glad they are doing so well!:smiliedance:
Are you going to keep them now?

[moonblossom]

mmmm I am getting attached...but with the new baby coming I dont know if it would be such a good idea :(

[Rockett]

Hmm yes it would be a hard decision to make,I know I wouldn't be able to give them up....but if you do keep them,at least by july they won't need round the clock feeding etc...and they'll be great playmates for your bub too.:D

[moonblossom]

Well I've managed not to kill them yet LOL. They are getting so much bigger, just nibbling on kitten mushy food, and drinking really well. I really didn't think they would survive, but i'm very happy to say they are doing very well.

Guys, I know this forum is about human babies, but oh boy you've been a great support for my little furry friends. :)

[KatherineIV]

I HATE nothing more than people being cruel to animals...

If you were in WA I'd take one home tomorrow... one of my cats went missing two months ago and we were only talking last night about getting a new one!

We only ever take in the homeless... I can't bear to think of paying for one when so many are put down every year!!:mad:

[moonblossom]

Thanks Mandy and Katherine. Yeah pity your not closer Katherine, they are adorable and so friendly, well not friendly. Bottle feeding kittens really is quite cute. No way as demanding as I thought it would be, but ummmm the toiletting...could give that a big fat miss LOL

Cheers guys

[KatherineIV]

Moonblossom..

My aunt just hand reared one that was found in the middle of a shed floor in an industrial area.. no one knows how it got there... the most beautiful kitten you'd ever see... Grey and fluffy...

She hand reared her from 3 days old... the kitten is now 3 months and is so attached to her... she loves it...

[moonblossom]

Opps didn't mean to say not friendly LOL, I mean not so much friendly, but major suckups LOL

[moonblossom]

Ok. The kittens have just got teeth coming through, would anyone know what age that happens? They are walking really well now and seem very happy.

[carls]

They would be about 2 to 3 weeks old, and I took them instead of him drowning them, but I have no idea what to do

How ********!!!! Bloody men and drowning cats - would it have been so hard for him to take them to the vet to be euthanised? :banghead:

Mooblossom, I have PM'd you

[madvoice]

Teeth coming through would make them about 3-5 weeks old. (all depends on when they were first noticed). They first start to peek through at around 3-4 weeks. Wow I guess they were much younger than I first thought. Keep up the good work. You're doing great :)

[moonblossom]

Thanks Mad, they felt like really hard lumps, now definate teeth thru, must be teething badly the poor things cos they keep chewing on the nipple LOL

[moonblossom]

Latest update. The little black and white girl (daisy) has gone to her new home tonight ..She has gone to a family member so I know she will have a good life. The boy (Bundy) we have decided to keep, because it was hard enough to let his sister go.

Thanks for everyones help and advice over these past weeks :):thumbsup:

[Shazbutt]

Ahhh, you always end up keeping one....my cat had kittens, and i couldn't bear to part with the last 2! You did such a good job! Good on you! :yelclap:

[moonblossom]

Thanks Shaz...yeah a sucker for black little puddies LOL.

It was very easy once they came off the bottle and started eating themselves. And the bonus was them using their tray instead of me having to do it for them ROFLMAO, absolutely grose i tell you LOL