anyone have hints on helping a runt kitten to thrive?

[grasswire]

A friend has a beautiful litter born last week. One of the kittehs isn't thriving, despite being bottle fed every two hours. Sweet little orange kitteh.

Any hints would be appreciated.

[JimDandy]

1. I have tried this twice in my life. The runts died both times.

Years later, a vet I met said that these runt kittens are rejected by the mom because they recognize that something is really wrong with them physically, so they don't put any energy into nurturing them.

Knowing that now, I'd still do everything I could to feed them, touch them and provide them every comfort I could until they pass.

I'm sorry I have nothing but encouragement that she try anyway.

[TexasBushwhacker]

2. Digestion and elimination is important

Normally, mamacat will lick the kitten's anus to stimulate peristalsis. Your friend can use her moistened finger. The kitten should be having a BM at least every other day.

Some helpful hints here:

http://www.kitten-rescue.com/premature_kittens.html

[Mac1949]

3. A little practical advice, and a little encouragement

TexasBushwhacker's link contains excellent advice, please make sure your friend is aware of it. We rescued a kitten who was the runt of the litter, born to a feral cat, in bad shape when we go him. On top of everything else, when being fed he aspirated formula something to beware of during feedings. Here's another link that might help http://www.wikihow.com/Feed-a-Newborn-Kitten. Fortunately the kitten we had avoided aspiration pneumonia and eight years later Beau (pic below), our runt, weighs eighteen pounds of hard-charging muscle. So while it's hard sometimes, they can thrive. Good luck. Maybe keep us posted?

[catbyte]

4. Gorgeous boy, Mac. You guys did a great job. He looks like he's full of business, too.

[Arugula Latte]

5. Keep it warm, either by "wearing" the kitty in a sling or putting it on a heating pad turned to low.

And, yes, make sure to wipe the butt area with a warm moist washcloth frequently. In some cases it is necessary to "tutch the but."

Good luck little baby!

[hamsterjill]

6. Make sure the kitten is being fed kitten formula.

Not watered down milk, etc. (which I'm sure your friend is already doing).

Does the kitten actually drink? Is it peeing and pooping? Sometimes a small syringe is much easier to use for baby kittens than an actual bottle, too.

Also, please pass my thanks on to your friend (and anyone else involved) for their efforts for this tiny baby!!!

[grasswire]

7. thanks everyone for the advice....

....I passed it all on to her. This kitteh is the one I would choose from the litter, but my friend is keeping it for herself because she has bonded with it while giving it TLC. If it survives. I am taking its brother, a lighter orange boy who is the fattest of the bunch.

I would have claimed both orange boys were she not keeping the little one. I like it when cats can live with a sibling.

[47of74]

8. My future sister in law raised a kitten from the age of just a few weeks.

I don't think she was a runt, but TK was found at a very young age, maybe two to three weeks old. Here she is now.



My future sister in law took her to the vet and followed his advise. She fed TK from a bottle and just gave her lots of TLC. If it hadn't been for that TK never would have survived and grew up into the young hellion she is today.