Getting a foster baby tonight

[Bekki]

So cute!!! I hope he grows up to be big an stwong! Best wishes to that little angel


"Those who wander aren't always lost"

 

[Patti]

I feel for you. These little babies are so fragile, it doesn't take much for them to go downhill fast. At four weeks of age you might try KMR Stage II replacer - it is what finally helped my bottle raised baby to get over the diarrhea. Also, if his belly seems upset try a couple of drops of baby gaviscon or other anti-gas medicine. He might also need albon or another antibiotic for his tummy - or if he's been on antibiotics already then give him probiotics. You can use an antibiotic cream and/or zinc paste (e.g., Desitin) for his sore bum.

I know rescues will introduce solid food at four weeks of age but that is just too young in my book, their digestive system is just too immature to handle solid food yet. At five weeks I start offering solids but usually don't find kittens terribly interested until about six weeks of age. When you do start with solids I would start with Beechnut Stage I chicken (NO additives, just chicken and water). You can scoop a bit on your finger or a baby spoon and place it on his tongue. If he's not ready he'll spit it out, but eventually he will start eating it and asking for more.

 

[Kristin]

I feel for you. These little babies are so fragile, it doesn't take much for them to go downhill fast. At four weeks of age you might try KMR Stage II replacer - it is what finally helped my bottle raised baby to get over the diarrhea. Also, if his belly seems upset try a couple of drops of baby gaviscon or other anti-gas medicine. He might also need albon or another antibiotic for his tummy - or if he's been on antibiotics already then give him probiotics. You can use an antibiotic cream and/or zinc paste (e.g., Desitin) for his sore bum.

I know rescues will introduce solid food at four weeks of age but that is just too young in my book, their digestive system is just too immature to handle solid food yet. At five weeks I start offering solids but usually don't find kittens terribly interested until about six weeks of age. When you do start with solids I would start with Beechnut Stage I chicken (NO additives, just chicken and water). You can scoop a bit on your finger or a baby spoon and place it on his tongue. If he's not ready he'll spit it out, but eventually he will start eating it and asking for more.

Where do you get the KMR Stage II replacer? He is currently on Nurturall-C and it is making his stomach so upset. He is looking better today, with the probiotics in his system.
I found a recipe online for kitten formula...essentially it is goats milk, egg yolk, protein powder, kid's vitamins, and probiotics. Would that be an acceptable alternative?

He is getting panalog on his bum twice a day. I had the vets look at him yesterday, but they didn't seem overly concerned. He was crying all night though, because he can't bear for anything to touch his bum.

What do you consider solids? In the past, I know the kittens have been started on slurry (development kitten food mixed with formula) around 4 weeks. Thor wasn't at all interested in it yesterday when it was offered to him.

Also, where do you get the Beechnut Stage I chicken?

Thanks for all the advice and kind words everyone, it is helping a lot!

 

[Carykd7kau]

Don't have answers to your questions Kristin, Just love and prayers for the little guy. Got to get Thor ready to rule. (He IS a little King...Right?) I'm sure you will do just fine. Your heart is in the right place.

 

[Kristin]

Thanks he is doing quite a bit better today. My dad named him...figured he needed a strong name to help him through the tough weeks. He is a big kitten though

 

[Carykd7kau]

He will do fine. He is getting the best of help.

 

[Patti]

You can get the KMR Stage II at Petco or PetsMart. Th Beechnut baby food should be at any grocery store in the baby food section. I have used goat's milk in the past but the kitten also developed diarrhea on this. I have heard of mixing rice in with formula to make it 'stage 2' or even chicken baby food. Have you considered putting a numbing gel such as Orajel on his butt to see if that helps the pain?

 

[Kristin]

I got some of the KMR at the local pet store thankfully. I am mixing it with his current formula. I have been putting a dab of polysporin on his bum, and it has worked wonders. I put some panalog on it at work, and that helped...it isn't nearly as red now. I gave him a bath to get some of the poopy gunks off of his lil bum, and he has been wandering around the living room to air it out. He isn't in nearly as much pain now, thanks largely to the probiotics I think. I also got some anti-gas stuff and put a drop in his bottle. I also got some organic pureed pumpkin and put a bit of that in his bottle.

I will get some of the Beechnut baby food soon, and see if he is at all interested. We are guesstimating his age, but he has little tiny teeth in there, so I am approximating his DOB as March 21.

 

[Carykd7kau]

You are a REAL Kitty Angel. Thor is in wonderful hands. Thank you for loving him.

 

[Kristin]

You are a REAL Kitty Angel. Thor is in wonderful hands. Thank you for loving him.

Aww thank you! I'm just happy I can help him. Whoever adopts this little guy is getting a pretty special boy