Reptile & Amphibian Forums

my sisters husband found a kitten at the construction site he works at, still covered in afterbirth and any advice relating to how to care for it would be greatly appreciated. Our local shelter pretty much said they would euth it and the other cat rescue groups we contacted were either unable to take it on at this time or in once case had a majour respitory infection spreading through the cats in its care. I dont think it is likely to survive but I picked up some KMR , baby bottle and bene-bac from our local petstore and I also have a ceramic heat emitter (I keep reptiles) that I can lend her. I'm not sure what temperature she should be keeping the Kitten.... I have far more experience hand feeding reptiles and birds than mamals and am at a loss for what to tell her.

Obviously she will be keeping it far away from all other animals in her household in case it is carrying anything.
On a side not, my sister is also pregnant and I am concerned that handeling this kitten may be harmful to the fetus, I've heard cat feces can contain things that can be dangerous to unborn children.

I don't have any recent experience, can't help in that way, but if you need advise as to temp, how much to feed, etc... Although the SPCA can't take the kitten, they should be able to answer basic newborn care questions, as can a local vet if you call them, until folks can post more on here.
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Tammy
Stanley and Pookey

Hi There,

Please check out this excellent article on taking care of orphaned kittens:

http://www.cathobbyist.com/articles/CatHobbyist/OrphanedKittens.html

If you still have specific questions after reading this, please feel free to post them.

Glow for the baby to do well.....

Regards,
PHKitkat

Hi, wow that is tiny. Your right, saying that one that small is not likely to survive. Yes, the kitten needs to be kept quite warm, a heating pad under a box works fairly well, and away from drafts. They need to be fed every couple of hours around the clock. I've never had to deal with this situation myself, but I have forwarded your post to someone who cares for infant bottle kits regularly, and I'm sure you will hear from her soon..keep watch here for replies...good luck
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PHTessie

You're on exactly the right track.
We are a haven home for an animal rescue group (www.animalserviceleagueny.org) and generally take the orphans who need to be bottled. (just for credentials, iffn you were interested.)

Bottle the babykit on demand or at least every 2 hours. Most are good about demanding! Follow the label directions to mix up the formula. After the babykit finishes, each time, rub the kit down from head to tail with a washcloth, just like its mamacat would do. It will yell. Don't worry about that; they always yell. Then rub its little anus area with the washcloth until it pees. Most times it will also poop, but as long as its pooping once a day, it's okay. (babykits CANNOT poop on their own, so it is absolutely imperative that they be rubbed.) If it seems constipated, add some Karo syrup to the formula in the bottle. It doesn't need much, just a drop or two. That generally fixes the problem. If it doesn't, you'll need the vet.

The babykit can be safely scrubbed with Dawn Antibacterial Dish Detergent. Not only will the kit be clean, but the fleas will be gone. Make sure that you wrap the kit so it is warm after wards (my kids tend to stash them in their pockets to keep them warm. they especially like sweatshirt pockets.)

Keep the kit about 98 degrees for now, but keep it in a big enough box that it can scoot off the heating pad if it gets too warm.

As for concerns with the pregnancy, if you sister has other animals, she's already been exposed to the organisms that I can't spell, but you are thinking of. As long as she washes her hands, she'll be fine.

I'll keep watching this board, so when you have questions, ask away. (and when you get a photo, please post it.)

Well, I can't think of a thing to add to what the others have already written. Except maybe bless your sister and her husband for giving this kit a chance. Even if he doesn't make it, at least he will be loved and safe for the time that he has and not scared and alone and crying for Mommy! And if he does make it, he will have a very strong attachment to his human Mommy and Daddy and will be a loving friend for life And yes, we would love a picture

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PHWildCat/Tessa and 21 cats, 1 dog and even a hamster
Tabitha, in my heart forever.... earned her wings 6/26/05, Samantha, the bestest whineameezer...earned her wings 4/7/06.
Cat Board Monitor and Chat Host
Pet Hobbyist
A house without cats is like a garden without flowers

I always send people to a rescue website that has extremely good info on how to care for newborns. Good luck with the new baby!
Safe Haven for Cats

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Bob Daisy Emily