Bottle feeding kittens...

I need some advice and/or a point in the direction of good sites about bottle feeding kittens. I know my vet will tell me a lot when I go to pick the kittens up but I'd like to learn some on my own beforehand as well plus a good way to get info. so I make sure I don't miss any details. The story behind this is a mother cat was killed last night, :(, and I've been asked to care for her kittens from tonight until Thrusday morning since my vet and her office manager are going out of town/state. I'm sort of nervous since I haven't bottle fed kittens in years, and then only for a few days because we found a mother who had just given birth to a litter around the same time and accepted them. I have no doubt I can do it, it will be very tough I know, but I want to make sure I have all the best resources availble in case I can't get my vet while she's gone.

I'll be posting pictures of the kittens as soon as I can. :)

I don't have a clue since I've never bottle fed before but I'm sure someone here can help. I just wanted to say how nice of you to do this. Poor kittens.

I can't wait to see pictures.

Also, look at Tucker! Looks like I need to go check out DG and get some info on that gorgeous pup!

Thanks! I need to come over here to Cat General a lot more than I do, I love kitties, who knows, I may end up keeping one of these babies. I haven't had a cat since my Max passed three years ago this September. :(

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Originally Posted by dappledoxie

I may end up keeping one of these babies. I haven't had a cat since my Max passed three years ago this September. :(

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You've done it now, give us the slightest inkling that you want to keep one and you'll have a whole message board of cheerleaders urging you on. ;) :D :)

lol I do want another cat, Shannon keeps saying no though. haha

When I had newborn kittens to care for (their mother abandoned them) I fed them every four hours or so around the clock. I usually fed them as much as they wanted to eat. Sometimes I would have to wake up throughout the night to feed them, but as they got a little older I wouldn't have to.

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Originally Posted by Jessika

When I had newborn kittens to care for (their mother abandoned them) I fed them every four hours or so around the clock. I usually fed them as much as they wanted to eat. Sometimes I would have to wake up throughout the night to feed them, but as they got a little older I wouldn't have to.

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Yep, I know she said these were born last Saturday, a week tomorrow, and most places I read it says every 2-3 hours until they're about 2 weeks old. Then 3-4, and so on... I've read they need about 32cc each day from those multiple feedings. I'll have to set my alarm for every 3 hours over the night, every 2 and I doubt I could get any sleep at all. haha I gotta get them a nice place to be cozy and warm tonight. :)

What I did is I just got one of those small plastic dog/cat carriers and put a heating pad in there wrapped in a towel on the lowest heat setting, and put it in a room away from other animals and away from drafts etc

In the beginning when I first started bottle feeding kittens I was so paranoid, I did everything to the T, measured everything perfectly etc, but after awhile you just get the hang of it and it gets so much easier. Don't sweat it! If you don't wake up EVERY three hours, its OK, don't feel bad! I can't count the number of times I slept through the alarm, and the kittens all grew up to be happy and healthy little balls of fluff :)

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Originally Posted by Jessika

What I did is I just got one of those small plastic dog/cat carriers and put a heating pad in there wrapped in a towel on the lowest heat setting, and put it in a room away from other animals and away from drafts etc

In the beginning when I first started bottle feeding kittens I was so paranoid, I did everything to the T, measured everything perfectly etc, but after awhile you just get the hang of it and it gets so much easier. Don't sweat it! If you don't wake up EVERY three hours, its OK, don't feel bad! I can't count the number of times I slept through the alarm, and the kittens all grew up to be happy and healthy little balls of fluff :)

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Wonderful, that makes me feel a lot better. :D Thanks! Any idea what department heating pads would be in, at say, Wal-Mart?

Ummmmm... not sure, actually. I know they might have some in the women's department by the "feminine items", you know... hehehe maybe by the medicines or muscle stress relief or stuff like that? I can't think of what the department is called for the life of me!

I found them over where the ace bandages and stuff like that is but I would just ask somebody or you could spend all day looking for it.

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Originally Posted by Jessika

Ummmmm... not sure, actually. I know they might have some in the women's department by the "feminine items", you know... hehehe maybe by the medicines or muscle stress relief or stuff like that? I can't think of what the department is called for the life of me!

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Ooo yes, I bet that's where they are :D Thanks!

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Originally Posted by Laura's Babies

I found them over where the ace bandages and stuff like that is but I would just ask somebody or you could spend all day looking for it.

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Yep, if I don't find them where you guys suggested I'll definately be asking, way too much to get lost in. hehe

No advice, just prayers for the Kittens.

How old are the kittens? Very young (just born to 5 weeks) need to be fed every 3 hours. That's alot for one person to take on.

KMR is a milk supplement that is given to kittens. It comes in powder or liquid form. I find the liquid is the best. Fill the bottle up. Room temperature is fine. Make sure when you feed them, that they are on their bellies or upright, you holding their head. The same position they'd nurse if mama was around.

Once their done (don't forget to burp), you'll need to take a cotton ball and gently rub their little winkies :p. This will help them pee and poo, as that is what happens when their mama would've licked them down there. (EEEW, I know, gross).

Make sure the heating pad is on low and is covered with a towel. Don't want them to get burned. Put them in a box that has a lip to it. this way they won't be able to get out till their far older.

Good luck!!

Thanks!

Well, I'm bummed a bit, another lady took in the kittens. Either way I'm glad they're taken care of :)