two new kittens

[L. Wayne]

Yesterday, while reading about some shelter's pets on the internet, I came across, the Arkansas City. Kansas, animal shelter's site. They had shown 2 Siamese mix kittens. So, I thought I would drive out the 80+ miles to see them. When I finally found the shelter, the keeper was outside and just getting ready to leave. She asked what can I do for you? I replied "I came to see your cats". She said that there were only two kittens and that their eyes were covered over with pus. I said, "that is OK, I have some stuff at home for this." What she brought out were not the siamese kittens, but rather 2 other kittens who are too young to be away from their mother. I suspect they are about 4-5 weeks old, or possibly younger. I notice that they are still wobbly on their feet while playing. One is a solid yellow/orange male and the other is a dilute calico (that is, instead of one of the calico's tri-colors being black she is gray), both from the same litter. I asked what do you want for them? She replied, after thinking for a minute, "Nothing". Then I said, "do you want me to just take them? "Yes" she said. Well, needless to say I was overjoyed. The 160-mile round trip was definitely worth the effort. Before placing them in my pet carrier gently removed the goo from their eyes so they could see. From what I can gather from their situation, (and my deduction may not be correct) that the keeper did not exactly know what to do for them. Although there came a little later some other folks who were looking at dogs at the shelter. I surmised, she was a "dog person". I do not know who brought them in, but whoever it was is not familiar with cats, and their kitten needs.

After getting them home I first stopped by my vets office and asked what I can feed them , seeing that they are so young. So, I purchased some kitten formula, and tried to give them some of that to drink. However, I believe that they were too upset with all the changes going on to eat much. Also, Puma has natural mothering instincts, as she immediately took an interest in them.
Last night I place her and the two new kittens (which I kept in my pet carrier, because of the males) in my isolation bedroom. This morning when getting coffee and feeding my menagerie, I still could not get the little tykes to eat anything. While mixing my furkid's dry food with some canned cat food tuna-dinner, I thought of giving some of the tuna to my kittens. They immediately began to eat it up. This was a relief for me because up until yesterday morning, I don't think they ate much of anything. Although I did manage to get a little of the kitten formula down them yesterday afternoon. Now they are playing and just now calmed down enough to sleep. Yet, their eyes are still red, but they were not glued shut this morning as they had been for a day or longer.

I have not named either of them yet, but the joy of seeing two little kittens being neglected, taken from their mother while being too young, coming around, being cared for by Puma, and now eating and playing is worth the effort.

[PayItForward]

What a shame that the kittens weren't cared for properly at the shelter (Surely they have access to a vet !!!)

Well done in rescuing those kittens, poor babies.

Have you thought of names ?

And of course we do need photos. :D :D

[jenluckenbach]

Congratulations, Wayne. If you need to you can force feed with an eye dropper or syringe (without the needle). I cannot believe that was a SHELTER you were dealing with, but am glad you got these kittens.
When my kittens had pussy eyes I used terramycin and it did wonders for them.
Keep us updated on their progress.

[Logan]

Oh Wayne, thank goodness you were inspired to go look at them! No telling what would have happened if they hadn't gotten some care soon. They sound adorable! I do hope their little eyes will clear up soon. ((((((Wayne))))))) (((((Puma))))) for being there for these babies!!! :)

[moosmom]

Way to go Wayne!!!!

I would've done exactly what you did. If you hadn't gone there, I'm sure they would've not survived.

One thing you can do for their eyes is put warm compresses on them. This will bring out any goo and help their eyes from getting crusted over.

Another thing you can do with the kitten formula (it's what I've been doing for Spike) is mix canned kitten food with formula and let them go at that. Also, you can put a little Pedialyte (to prevent dehydration) in with the dry food to soften it.

Good luck and, as usual....PICTURES PLEASE!! ;)

[L. Wayne]

From what I can gather after reading their site, they operate a high kill "shelter"! It is a good thing that I got there when I did because I doubt that either kitten would have been there a week from now. You can see a picture of the litter on "Hearts 4 Animals" -the Arkansas City animal shelter. I suspect that they are a high kill shelter because of the town being so small, and that apparently cats are not as popular as dogs there. Also, after reading the site's add for cats, I conclude that cats are NOT their specialty because of taking away the kittens too early from their mother. I have a notion to keep in contact with them through e-mail, to keep me informed about any cats that are up for euthanasia so I can rescue them.

I have found that if I leave a can of tuna banquet open for my two new kittens , that they will feed off of it at will, which is what I want for them. Also, I took your advice and added some of their kitten formula to the tuna dinner, and now they lap it up all the more. Their eyes are still a little red around the perimiters, but they are not full of goo as I saw them yesterday. Right now, they are resting. If I pet the little calico, you can hear her purr.:) The little orange male is very active and plays continually.

[HayleyRosie]

Congratulations Wayne! Those little kittens are go lucky to have you. I can't wait to see pictures.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Congratulations, Wayne! And welcome to the two new kittens! And it's good to hear from you again, too! :D

Something must have been calling to you for you to drive 80 miles to a shelter, and then to just catch the lady before she lives is just too coincidental. I'm so glad you went and were able to save these two little creatures, and it's so wonderful of Puma to take over the motherly duties. Like Moosmom's Fawn with little Spike, I think it's so wonderful for the kittens to have a mom back again. :)

How are the rest of the herd doing? :)

[K & L]

OMG Wayne what a wonderful thing you did saving these babies! If they have an URI they may not smell very good right now, explaining the reason they went for the smelly tuna over the other food. One reason a cat will not eat well when they have a URI is they cannot smell the food, therefore don't have the appetite.

Hopefully we'll see picture real soon! Way to go!!!

[kimlovescats]

Great job, Wayne!!! Sounds like you definitely saved these babies JUST IN TIME!!!! Pick up some Terramycin from your vet ... it works really fast! I'm so happy that they are eating well too!
Can't wait to see babies pictures really soon!!!! Congratulations!
:D

[L. Wayne]

An update; Earlier this afternoon my two new kittens were playing, scratching, wrestling, chewing, and clawing at all the stuff on my computer table as well as among themselves. They have nearly finished off the canned tuna and I just now let them out again before I go to bed. Apparently they were already somewhat weak from not eating when I brought them home yesterday because they were inactive and listless. I couldn't see what the shelter had for facilities for the kittens, I suppose because of the size of the place. (restricted intrance to employees only). However, I suspect that they had provided for them the same stuff for an older cat -something that these kittens could not utilize.

Cali, the little female calico is all of 7 inches long -not measuring her tail, and the little male is about 8 1/2 inches measuring the same way. I washed out their eyes again earlier, and they are beginning to look better especially after applying the terramycin.

I believe now, that the main reason why Arkansas City is a high kill shelter is because of the minimal amount of room they had there. (They are presently building a new shelter). Thinking that it is a good thing I got there when I did because I doubt that these kittens would have been alive there but for a few more days. Also, that the place is so small, and understaffed that no one would have time to care for any little ones especially those with a medical problem, (Clymedia, eye infection) and also, being cats. They only charge for an animal the equal amount that it cost them, so, apparently they had little expense into these two very active kittens.

I had an inclination to go looking for a seal-point Siamese, that is the main reason I drove there to look at the kittens, however, those were fostered out, and these that I brought home, were of another brood. However I couldn't resist them especially when I saw their eyes all crusted over and crying out -and the price was right! Neither one could see anything. Cali, cried the loudest, and she can be heard a good distance off. After I removed the crust from their eyes, they began to calm down, as they were terrified at first, being taken and moved about without the ability to see anything. They cried when I first got them into my pet carrier but then calmed down and slept most of the way home.:)

[rg_girlca]

Oh Wayne what a wonderful, wonderful person you are for rescuing these helpless little ones. I'm glad to hear that their little eyes are getting better and that they are becoming more active.

Hope to see pics soon.

[I Love Brian, Forever <3]

You are a very kind person, Wayne. I'm so glad you rescued these poor kitties!!! They've got a wonderful home now.

I can't wait to see pictures of your two babies! :D :D :D :D

[kimlovescats]

Yes, isn't that Terramycin great stuff???? So glad they are perky and happy now.... way to go "Daddy Wayne"!!!! :D

[L. Wayne]

When I finally arose this morning the kittens were meowing, wanting out of the pet carrier. After I let them out, they began to play. I am finding that mixing their kitten forumla with a can of tuna dinner cat food, is what they appear to like the best. I would post pictures of my menagerie if I knew how to do it. Last time I tried it I lost my status and the ability to access Pet Talk. My total amount of posts should be around 1200, not 111. So, now that I have 14 cats living with me, I'll have to wait until I can get a step-by-step instruction on how to post pictures on the site.

T & P M asked about the rest of my pride. They are doing just fine, no sickness nor losses. I have been letting some of them outside during the early morning hours. Namely, Amy, Cookie, Tiger, Pepper, and sometimes Tiara. But the other day, Tiara and Tiger did not come back in the late afternoon, but stayed out all night. Needless to say these two are grounded! Tiger has not wanted outside nor has Tiara since then. Mopsy is still a loner, and only tolerates the others. She sleeps most of the day away. Otis and Mopsy do not get along. Any cat that hisses at Otis or looks at him "cross-eyed" instantly bring on an attack from him. In fact the neighbors across the street told me of how Otis chases all the cats away, and fights with any cat that he does not like. I have to watch him because he darts outside when ever I have a door open. He still fights with Tiger once in a while. Chris and Happy/Snow Cat still plays their games of "chase and ambush" nearly every morning. So, things around here are as usual except for my two new additions.

[kimlovescats]

Wayne, I would be happy to help you with posting your pics to PT! If nothing else you can e-mail them to me and I will post them for you!

[email protected]

[K & L]

Wayne how are the kittens doing today?

[rosethecopycat]

Good for you and those babies, Wayne.

Here's something that may be handy to track their weight. it is important that they gain weight, maintaining weight is passable, but losing weight is a reason to see the Vet.

Unless you have a definite birth date, the normal growth rate for kittens is one pound for every four weeks.
Therefore:
One week old is 4 ozs
Two weeks old is 8 ozs
Three weeks old is 12 ozs
Four weeks old is 1 pound (or 16 ozs)
Five weeks old is 20 ounces (1 pound/4 ozs)
Six weeks old is 24 ounces (1 pound/8 ozs)
Seven weeks old is 28 ounces (1 pound/12 ozs)
Eight weeks old is 2 pounds (or 32 ozs)


I'm taking care of the sick kitten, Bella now. She really liked the:
prescription Diet A/D can + KMR (replacement milk) mixed to a creamy consistency. I syringed fed her for 6 days.

If yours go off their feed, use the syringe.

Thanks for caring so much about them.

Rose

[slick]

Well, since your posts should be around 1200, let me congratulate you for being a Pillar!!!

You are such a wonderful person for taking these two in. I'm sure they know how lucky they are. Can't wait to see pictures of all 14...hee hee

[L. Wayne]

K & L, they are doing great! Today is the warmest day of the year so far, and my cats are not doing much of anything except trying to keep cool. (I feel for poor Mopsy because of all the black fur she has.) My new kittens are definitely doing better. In fact they are beginning to run around on the computer table and using their little litter tray. Puma is still playing and wrestling with them as she washes them off. Also, their eyes are not gooping up as before. Since I did not bring my oz. scale with me, I can only guess at their age according to their weight. We figure about 3 weeks old. ("We", are the vet receptionist and myslelf.) :) Also, they have nearly finished off the 2nd can of tuna with kitten formula added, today. They slept behind the computer printer most of the afternoon. I

t is a good thing that these two are together, because if I take one away for some eye doctring the other one begins to meow out. I am supposing that they will need each other for a while yet.

Kim, I'll need instructions on how to get any photos over the e-mail service. Assume that I know nothing about photography and how to get it into the computer.

Rose, now that they are eating again, I am assuming that they did not eat while confined in the animal shelter, perhaps for 2 or 3 days The keeper said that the dog's barking scared them. :( Now that they are really scarfing down their kitten food, they are beginning to gain weight. I can tell just after watching them for 2 days, now. Also, with each passing day, they are not only gaining weight but are also, becoming more active. Apparently, I acquired two malnourished kittens but wasn't aware of their plight. But that situation is now on the mend.:D . Right now, they are sleeping under my printer table with their heads sticking out, and the little male has his paws around his sister:cool:

[Uabassoon]

Wayne you did such a great thing! I'm sure everyone here is very thankful of all your efforts with these kittens. I'm happy to hear that they are looking healthier and being active.

[L. Wayne]

I personally want to thank everyone who has contributed their support to me and the kittens. This morning they are really active, exploring and wrestleing. Typical Kitten play. It has been quite a long time since I have had kittens, so I'll have to be extra careful with them this time around. I m noticing that Cali is becoming more accepting of me, and willfully allows me to caress her paws. (This is one of the tests that I give to see how well they will adopt to me and the other furkids.) Thanks again, all.:)

[IttyBittyKitty]

Wow, I am touched by your kindness to these two beauties. I am very upset to hear about that horrible shelter that you got them from ... I can't believe that animals in a shelter would be in such a state :mad: :mad:

At any rate, those two beauties are very, very lucky that you came along. If only there were more people in this world like you, it would be a much safer and caring place for the rest of us.

Can't wait to see pics! If you haven't got a digital cam or scanner, try taking them with a normal camera and asking for electronic copies of the pics when they are developed. Most places can now do that for an extra charge.

Good luck, do keep us updated as they grow!!

[ChrisH]

Wayne, you are just wonderful, rescuing those little kitties is such a great thing to do. I am so happy for them! Thank you so much for giving these sweeties a life! And it is so good to read how much better they are now due to your love and help for them. Please keep us posted

Big hugs
Chris

[TheAntiPam]

Congratulations to you and your new kittens, Wayne! Your story shows how one person can make a difference!

I'm glad to hear that the kittens are growing and playing - I hope their less diciplined actions don't cause too much trouble! Raising a kitten can be a challenge. Be strong! :D

[L. Wayne]

Earlier in this thread, someone asked about names for them. I think I will name the little dilute calico, "CALLIE", and the little male "JUMPER", because of his jumping and rolling around when he is all charged up and playing with his litter-mate sister, as he was early this morning. Cali has a minor URI and I bought some meds for her this morning -some Amoxycillin. Right now, Puma is sleeping with Cali. I am very happy that of all of my furkids, I have at least one cat who will mother them - Puma.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Awww....I'm so glad Calie and Jumper are feeling so much better. Hopefully Calie's URI won't spread to the rest of your clan. And Puma is such a sweatheart for mothering the two little ones. I'm sure they like that too since they were taken away from their mother so early.

Must be fun to have kittens in the house again. :D

[TheAntiPam]

Originally posted by rosethecopycat
Unless you have a definite birth date, the normal growth rate for kittens is one pound for every four weeks.
Therefore:
One week old is 4 ozs
Two weeks old is 8 ozs
Three weeks old is 12 ozs
Four weeks old is 1 pound (or 16 ozs)
Five weeks old is 20 ounces (1 pound/4 ozs)
Six weeks old is 24 ounces (1 pound/8 ozs)
Seven weeks old is 28 ounces (1 pound/12 ozs)
Eight weeks old is 2 pounds (or 32 ozs)

I sent the kitten growth info to several friends who have cats - and one emailed back "Are you buying kittens by the pound now?" :rolleyes: :D :eek: :rolleyes:

[L. Wayne]

Maybe not "by the pound" but from the pound!:D