Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have 3 cats aged 5y,3y and 2y. Two of which are rescued persians. Several days ago I see a tiny kitten crossing the street during daylight. He is feral and going toward a home who feeds the feral cats. That nite I drop off food at the home and there he is. I am amazed he allows me to pick him up and he falls asleep purring. I take him home and to the vet the next day as he has cold symptoms. He is about 10plus weeks and weights 1 pound and 1 ounce. The vet put him on .25cc of amoxicillin and eye ointment. I keep him in the bathroom away from the other cats who know he is there(one cat is putting his big persian paws under the door). He is very affectionate and eating and using the litter box. I still do not know if I am going to keep him since I am not a kitten person. People kind of make comments like "another cat" so I feel like a animal collector or something. To be honest I feel like a stereotyped old maid with cats. Any suggestions? Also how long will the URI last in the kitten? The vet said to isolate him for 14 days and to wash my hands well and also to change my clothes after handling him. I am taking him back to the vet this week and hopefully he will be well enough to get his shots. I think the changing of clothes is too much?? He was tested for ear mites,worms and feline aids and all were negative. Also how much should I expect him to eat?

Do you give him daily medication? As long as he is sneezing or has runny eyes I would be cautious with hands washing and clothes changing.

I think it's very applaudable that you take a feral kitty in that otherwise might have died. If you have enough space in your home and the financial resources, and if your other cats accept him, keep him! Four cats isn't much and doesn't make you a collector. I know one couple with 13 cats and all are very well cared for. It depends on how much a person can handle. It only becomes a problem if you take on too much and start to meglect their needs.

If you feel four are too much for you, you could set out to find him a loving home.

If you love cats so much and there are a lot of strays in your area you might consider becoming a certified foster home for ferals.

Call your vet again for instructions on how much and what to feed him. It depends on his health status, age and weight.

Also take care that he's warm enough in the bathroom. Good luck!

He is doing better...I give him a oral antibiotic and antibiotic eye ointment twice daily. His eyes have stopped draining and I only notice what sounds like snoring when he sleeps. He eats a 3 oz can of kitten food and a little dry kitten food daily. I have sort of named him and bought him a bed but I can't say outloud that he has a home with me. Today I was at the petstore where there was a rescue with many kittens for adoption. I asked the age of the smallest who is much bigger than the kitten I rescued. Anyway the comment by the rescue worker was something implying that he probably would not survive at 1.14lbs. I know he will.

nHAVE SORT OF NAMED HIM AND BOUGHT

That's good to hear! Keep the good work up and keep a close eye on him. He could still have a relapse.

I hope you'll keep him!

Warm greetings!

Hi There,

It kind of sounds like this precious baby has chosen you. Bless you for taking him into your home.

The URI should improve within a few days. As far as how much the kitten should eat, I would just let him have as much as he wants. If his appetite decreases, please contact your vet immediately.

I think changing clothes after handling the sick baby is a very good idea. In the cat hospital where I work, we have special gowns we put on over our clothes when we have cats with URI in isolation. You just can't be too careful.

Please keep us updated on how the baby does.

Regards,
AshleyElla

I took the kitten who I sometimes cal danny to the vet. He gained 1 pound so he is now 2 pounds from 1 pound. His eyes are fine but he has developed this congestion that you can hear so the vet changed the antibiotic. He is still in isolation in my bathroom from the other 3 cats as the vet has not given him his immunizations yet. The other cats are all vaccinated but she is afraid he couod catch something they may carry. I asked her about moving him to my den and she said to steam clean the carpets as the cats live anywhere in my condo. So right now I am wondering why did I take him in? Especially last nite at 230AM when he is very active and meowing and knocking everything over in the bathroom. Any words of wisdom are appreciated.

You took that kitten in out of the kindness of your heart. I know it must be very rough - especially the 2:30 cries from the bathroom, but probably in the long run you will be very glad you saved him. Just be patient and continue to follow the vet's advice. Good luck to you!
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

Can't be that much longer till he can get his shots, or is it?

Maybe you can move him to another room where you can put a small mattress in to sleep there sometimes.

Best wishes for a continuous recovery!

Yes I moved Danny to the den after cleaning the carpets which the vet recommended. I had to purchase a rug cleaner but I needed one anyway. He must think he is in a palace after living in the woods and then a bathroom. He still sounds congested but is active and eating well. Occasionally there is an escape when I open the door at which time 2 of my 3 other cats enjoy. The vet said he may have a herpes viral infection which may take 4 mos to clear up and can reoccur. She was hesitant to give his immunizatons since she said they could trigger other problems./??? She also felt his acquired immunity was poor because his mother was not immunized and probably in a malnourished state also. Does anyone know what the problem with giving immunizations would be? And I also slept well not hearing the meows in the bathroom.

I can advice you to visit this forum

http://www.cathelp-online.com/forums/index.php

The vet there (Traci) will be able to give you detailed and exact advice on immunisations.