Newborn Kitten

[dehlers43]

Are you "helping" the kitten to pee and poop? Babies that young need to have their bottoms stimulated (usually the momcat does this by licking) in order for the baby to eliminate waste. If you haven't done so already, just gently wipe that area with a cotton ball or soft cloth. That should make the little one do its thing. If you haven't been doing this, start doing so right away. That could be the cause of the belly bulge.

[Medusa]

Are you "helping" the kitten to pee and poop? Babies that young need to have their bottoms stimulated (usually the momcat does this by licking) in order for the baby to eliminate waste. If you haven't done so already, just gently wipe that area with a cotton ball or soft cloth. That should make the little one do its thing. If you haven't been doing this, start doing so right away. That could be the cause of the belly bulge.

Yes, that's what I was going to say, too. Also, even if you can't afford vet care for the kitten right now, call your vet and ask for advice as to how much KMR to feed it and how often. Your vet can also advise you as to anything else that you might not think of. Mine told me to put a clock underneath a blanket so that the kitten could hear the ticking, y'know, the kind that you must manually wind. It reminded it of its mother and helped it to thrive. Good luck w/this attempt at saving a life. You're doing great and bless you for not turning your back on the little orphan. Please keep us posted and maybe a pic or two? Prayers are going up right now that you'll be successful w/the wee one.

[kittykittyagogo]

I had been wiping her bottom with unscented, no additive baby wipes- what I had on hand. But when I tried a cloth instead, it seemed to help. She went to the bathroom quite a bit in one sitting!

I think perhaps the wipes just weren't... substantial enough, maybe? And didn't remind her of a tongue. I've started using very soft wash cloths on her and she seems to be doing well. She is much less agitated and sleeps more restfully. She still prefers my lap to her blanket lined box, though.

I don't want to disturb her, but maybe when she wakes up, I'll take some pictures of her to post.

However, while her belly isn't hard to the touch anymore, it is still quite round. Is this normal for a kitten?

[Karen]

I had been wiping her bottom with unscented, no additive baby wipes- what I had on hand. But when I tried a cloth instead, it seemed to help. She went to the bathroom quite a bit in one sitting!

I think perhaps the wipes just weren't... substantial enough, maybe? And didn't remind her of a tongue. I've started using very soft wash cloths on her and she seems to be doing well. She is much less agitated and sleeps more restfully. She still prefers my lap to her blanket lined box, though.

I don't want to disturb her, but maybe when she wakes up, I'll take some pictures of her to post.

However, while her belly isn't hard to the touch anymore, it is still quite round. Is this normal for a kitten?

Do her stools look normal? She's such a small baby, I hope she's okay! I am sure she is much more comfortable now, in any case!

[aTailOf2Kitties]

I always used a moist cotton ball for potty duty, especially for really really young ones. Worked pretty well for me. I always made them go after each feeding.

Round belly even before feeding?

[kittykittyagogo]

I'm not positive what newborn stools are supposed to look like. They are kind of a yellowy-brown. Very soft. I didn't think this seemed like it should be abnormal, because all she has for food is formula. I should have researched it, I imagine.

Round belly before feeding, yes. Although it's size is beginning to diminish since she's been using the restroom with the washing of her bottom after every meal.