Sick Kitten

[Skadaddle]

Hello. I recently have gotten a cute little kitten (about 3 weeks old). I had him for less then a week when I started to notice that he was having little coughing fits. At first I dismissed it as a hair ball, but eventually became worried and made an appointment with the vet.

The vet gave me disheartening news. She said that it was in fact not a hair ball, but perhaps could be a numerous amount of things. She said he may have anything from a cold to a respiratory infection or even leukemia. Despite only having my kitten for a short while, I broke down. She took some test and said she will get back to me either tomorrow or Friday.

This news is terribly difficult to me to take. I have been given medication to give him but have to force feed him through a syringe for him to take it. He wont eat at all. When I look at him, he seems miserable and I can barley stand it. He likes to hid under our coffee table curled up.

I'm scared for the worst, and can't even imagine having to lose him or go through the heartache of having him put down. He just looks so tired. How can I help to make him feel as comfortable as possible?

[Karen]

Awww, he was too young to be away from his momma when you got him, poor little mite. Make sure you keep him warm, and give him as much liquid as you can, dehydration is a real worry at this point.

[sana]

I'm sorry because I can't help. But, prayers for the little sweetie. Big lovely prayers for the sweetie. PM Karen and krazyaboutkatz. Those two are the ppl I know that can help you. :)

[Skadaddle]

Awww, he was too young to be away from his momma when you got him, poor little mite. Make sure you keep him warm, and give him as much liquid as you can, dehydration is a real worry at this point.

I know. He was actually rescued by Toronto Pet Rescue so I dont think he's ever gotten to spend much time with his momma Thank you for your help. I am trying to keep him as hydrated as I can. I really appreciate this.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so sorry to hear about your little kitten.:( I would think that at 3 weeks of age that he'd still have to be on liquids like kitten formula and that he wouldn't be able to eat solid food just yet. I've never had a kitten this young but I know that Moosmom would be able to help you with any questions you may have about kittens. I sure hope that he'll recover. Lots of prayers and positive thoughts are being sent his way. Please take care.

Here's a great link with a lot of great information about kittens: http://www.homeatlastrescue.org/html/aboutcats/kittencare.html. Good luck.:)

[Cataholic]

Three weeks is awfully young. I would immediately contact a local rescue in your area and explain your situation and see if there isn't someone that can come to you, or you to them, and show you how to 'force feed'. I would think at 3 weeks an IV might be needed. I would not waste one more moment, and get some help for this kitten. The kitten needs nutrutients ASAP.

[GILL]

We have had kittens as young as 1 day old. If you can find a nursing mother and get him to nurse and or get milk from her that would be the best thing. At 3 weeks NO soild food, kitten formula. That would be 8-12 times a day in small amounts. NO water or cows milk.
Lucky we got at 1 day old. we did have a mother (LB) that is pregnet when she was spayed. She did not produce enough for him but filled in while we were at work. The schedule was one feeding at 4:30 am 2nd at 6:30 am then at 8 and off to work. At 5:30 pm the next, then at 8 pm, again at 10pm, then midnight.
It takes a bit of work and loss of sleep, but it is so worth it now my little black panther is just over 2 years old. He is my boy and just so loving.

[columbine]

Does the pet store near you have KMR? That's a good, nutritious drink for baby kittens, even if you have to squirt it in his mouth with an eye dropper.

Love, Columbine