"Rescued new-born kittens, need advice"

**Dustys People 2** · 10-09-2006, 09:17 PM

With next feeding I am going to try and snap Photos of each Baby sepertly so I will have a referance for myself to see how they grow. Hope it all goes as well as its going now...... RieRie I can send some your way. LOL!!!! 7 is alot to care for but we are gonna do it. We gotta do it!!!!!!!

**Catlady711** · 10-09-2006, 09:53 PM

Sorry to hear about you loosing one of the babies.

Good luck with the remaining 7. I'm currently raising 3 week olds myself, but have never raised any that were as young as yours. I hope all of them do well for you.

**Catlady711** · 10-09-2006, 10:31 PM

I just saw your comment on my thread.

These people are giving you good advice with the KMR, syringe etc. Keeping babies warm is very important, but not too warm. I am currently using a snuggledisk that you heat in the microwave, but in the past have used a hot water bottle. Make sure to cover whatever you use with a blanket or towel. Personally I keep whatever I'm using to one area of the nest so that if they get too warm they can crawl off it if they need too, but like I said I've never raised ones that young.

I have read that for that small of kittens feeding every 2 hours is prefered, but all my cat books dissagree with each other about how often and how much to feed, so I just 'wing it' based on what seems to make the kitties content. Either way I don't sleep much, and I only have 3 kittens here. lol

Never feed cold formula, and don't feed a kitten that's hypothermic until you get it warmed up first. I am told it interferes with thier digestive system. If you use a microwave to heat your formula, make sure to stir it up and test it first. They can sometimes get 'hot spots' in there that might scald little ones mouths. Don't feed kittens laying on their back like a human baby, they can choke that way. Upright or 'prone' position is most natural to them. Burp them gently after feeding, that you can do like a human baby. lol

Don't forget to 'potty' them after eating. A warm moist cotton ball rubbed gently on their privates will stimulate them like mommy would do, as they can't 'go' on their own yet.

This site (as well as many others and a ton of library books) can help you with the basics. For anything 'wierd' not covered call your vet for help, or just call your vet for reassurance. Aww heck just call your vet to say hello. LOL

I updated my progress with the 3 week olds http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?t=114224

**kimlovescats** · 10-09-2006, 10:36 PM

That's right about the temperature of the formula. I usually buy the can of powdered KMR and just mix it each feeding with warm (not hot) water.

**krazyaboutkatz** · 10-09-2006, 11:30 PM

They sure are precious widdle ones. I hope that everything goes well and that they'll thrive in your care. Good luck and bless you for taking them in and caring for them.

**Freedom** · 10-10-2006, 07:55 AM

I don't think I have ever seen kittens this young, even in photos! You are such kind folks to take on this challenge; and you WILL be rewarded for all your hard work.

Obviously, their eyes have not opened yet. I read that their ears do not open until they are older, also. I guess that means touch is important for them!

Glad to hear your mom is on her way. It sounds like the more helping hands the better with SEVEN!

**smokey the elder** · 10-10-2006, 08:37 AM

What tiny precious babies! Good for you for rescuing them. I'm sorry about the little RB baby.

**kimlovescats** · 10-09-2006, 09:58 PM

Originally Posted by Dustys People 2

With next feeding I am going to try and snap Photos of each Baby sepertly so I will have a referance for myself to see how they grow. Hope it all goes as well as its going now...... RieRie I can send some your way. LOL!!!! 7 is alot to care for but we are gonna do it. We gotta do it!!!!!!!

You are doing great!!! It's nervewracking at first, but soon it becomes routine and you'll gain confidence! Do they all seem to be getting satisfied with the KMR?