Cats

» gnarly2 - Unhappy feeder

We are trying to save a foundling kitten and are now on day four. (It was picked up in the driveway still with placenta.) The kittn appears to be feeding OK but always wants much more than prescribed. Should we let it have all it wants? The instructions on our pet milk formula say 2mls per feed and 12 feeds a day. This little mite takes 2.5 mls and then seems to be hunting for more.

-- posted by gnarly2

» gnarly2 - And more..

Further to the above, I should add that he is not settling after his feeds lately and is right now crying loudly for more (Even though I almost doubled the last feed. I think I've burped him and he has expressed little bowel and urine motions. He is warm.It seems tome that the formula is not satisfying him?

-- posted by gnarly2

» ThatCrazyCatLady - And more..

In response to And more.. posted by gnarly2:

Oh, bless your heart for taking the little fella in! We had another reader who found one on her doorstep with the placenta still attached last year. It's a hard struggle with these little ones, but if you can save even one, it's worth the work!

Unfortunately, being fussy even after meals is a sign there might be something wrong. You could be right about the formula not satisfying him. You're feeding kitten milk replacer, the powdered kind?

Does he settle down when you try to snuggle him up? Or does he keep searching for food? He may also just want the comfort of suckling... are you bottle or tube feeding?

Does he sleep much?

Poor little fella! We'll send y'all all our warmest thoughts, and I hope he pulls through!

Let me know how things are going, and I'll see if I can help in any way.

-- posted by ThatCrazyCatLady

» ThatCrazyCatLady - And more..

In response to And more.. posted by gnarly2:

I was trying to think of some more things that would help your kitten ... you might put a stuffed animal in his bed with him. Also, have you been able to weigh him yet? That will tell you if he is gaining weight, thus getting enough to eat. Kittens should gain about 1/2 an oz a day on average.

Hope all is well!

-- posted by ThatCrazyCatLady