good grief - i found a baby kitten on the porch

[peacebird]

when i got home from work. So very tiny, covered in ticks and crying it's little heart out. I tried to take it to animal welfare but they closed hours ago. I hit three vet hospitals before I found one still open (I don't know the town - only been here a month)
The little boy is estimated to be between two and three weeks by the vet, WAY too young to be away from momma... argh...
I offered to PAY to have him borded overnight so I could take him to the ASPCA in the morning at 10 when they open but NOOOOOOOO.....
So now I sit with kitten in an outer building (studio) in a box with towel, feeding it by hand and then "helping" it urinate... wetnursing the little beast, I can't bring into the house because it has an upper respiratory infection and gummy eyes and I have two house cats - one elderly and asthmatic...
arghhh.... I have never had to deal with such a tiny little frail kitten before. Scares the bejeebers out of me... I have the radio playing in the studio because music seems to calm the little one but... sigh.
It's gonna be a long night.

[frogbison]

1. You are a wonderful, caring person.

You did what's right and I wish you all success. I'll be checking back later to see how things are going.

Edited because I don't proofread b4 hitting send.

[peacebird]

3. thanks for the encouragement - i'm terrified the little beast will die

it is SO tiny...

it's a little calico looking bit, white with buff and brown splotches... very cute - i think the little bit of food (and peeing) helped because it is trying to walk and crying loudly again... I think that means it has more energy?

[misanthrope]

55. A male calico?...

...Isn't that a bit unusual?

[Felix Mala]

69. Very rare, you should try to save him.

Requires several feedings throughout the day and constant holding/petting. Use your thumb like a kitty tongue and "lick" from head to tail a couple times a day. You gotta "wipe" up his wee and poo, too. (Don't use your tongue!) There's probably some websites with instructions for formula.

[peacebird]

76. well - he's a boy and has beige, brown and orange splotches

on a white coat... calico kitties are girls i know but those are his colors.... and his eyes are blue but he's very very young...

Who knows? But he's really cute, so hopefully in about 6 weeks or two months he will be snapped up by a loving family!

[frogbison]

67. So, how's it going this morning?

[El Fuego]

2. Aw, you are wonderful.

Let us know what happens.

[KittyWampus]

4. You Are Magnificent. Good Luck. Do Your Best & Don't Worry.

Kittens live in a state of grace meaning they're not seperate from the Primal Unity. If little fella dies... he'll just go back to the One. :)

I fostered a litter and one of the little critters died. :(

There's so many of them this time of year.

[Bunny]

5. Dumb question, but how do you think it landed on your porch?

The poor little thing sounds so pitiful - bless you for taking care of it. :hug:

[peacebird]

6. that's what I want to know

see I live in the country, almost half a mile from my nearest neighbor on the side of a mountain - can't have come from the bottom of my land - there's a river. I just cannot figure it out. I have a ramp onto the porch but this little guy can barely walk....

the vet thought maybe someone drove by and dumped a litter of kittens beside the road and this one made it down the hill to my place.

I just looked along the road near me for others but didn't find any. (it's a quiet gravel road in the country) and there are none in visible (or hearable) in the field between me and the road...

I just don't know. Who could pitch out little ones that way? But how else? He isn't hurt (ie: no predator bird left marks on him)

[Bunny]

10. Yeah, that's a real puzzler.

I hope it works out well for him, and you!

[xmas74]

22. I used to live in the country and dumping is very common.

Sometimes people will dump just the sick ones and sometimes they will dump entire litters.
They seem to assume that a farmer will take them in. Usually they starve, get picked off by predators or get hit by cars.

[MuseRider]

7. Ahhh good for you!

It is hard when they are that small. I have done it a couple of times and even though it will be a long night you will be so glad you did it. If the sweet thing does die it will not be for your lack of trying to help him and he will go feeling companionship and love. You can't ask for more than that.

[peacebird]

9. please pray he doesn't die, that would be horrible....

It would be my ineptitude and that would just suck... I wish the vet had let me pay to have him boarded - then he would have had people who realy KNEW how to care for him instead of a complete rank amateur... Poor little beast deserves better than the start he has gotten. Why oh WHY won't people nueter or fix their pets if they are not prepared to deal with babies?!?

Question: It's going down to 65 tonight - will that be warm enough for him in the unheated studio? I really am concerned about bringing him into the house with my old cat - Shadow - because he is 13 and has asthma... My other cat, Webbie is young (4) and I don't worry about him getting a "cold" or anything...

[MuseRider]

14. I will. They did not want

to stay up all night because you will probably need to feed him several times at least. I do not remember how much a kitten that age needs, someone else will probably be able to tell you.

Do not bring him in with the others, that is a wise decision and I would not even let the younger one in for the reason that he could pass an infection and he might not be ready to be around a kitten. Not good for any of them.

I would think with a blanket to cuddle in 65 should be OK but a heating pad or something else that would stay warm might help.

Keep this kicked and someone that knows far more than I can help you out. I will kick it when I get home later.

Good luck, it will not be your ineptitude. He has not had the best start apparently but he now has a chance with your care. Seriously, I would feel as you do but it will not be your fault if he dies. Cuddle him a little and feed and potty him and that is just the best you can do and no more can be expected or asked.

I will check back later. Think about sleeping close to him. I know it will be inconvenient but think about it. It might be easier for you and better for him. Just a suggestion.

[peacebird]

16. Thanks -

does he need water? I couldn't get him to drink, but got a spoon of wet food into him...

[fleabert]

35. he doesnt' need water, but he does need formula..

using a bottle will help. I agree with the heating pad idea, covered with a towel on low, and space for him to crawl away if he gets too hot. He needs to eat every two hours, and his tummy can't hold much, so don't expect massive meals. Wet and potty him before he eats, and wipe the eyes with a warm wet towel when they get gunky.

I have four right now and the momma. They all had gunky eyes at first and now only one does.

good for you! It's a hard job, but a blessing. No matter what comes, that kitten knows it is loved and cared for.

please feel free to pm if you need help.

[peacebird]

39. the vet didn't send me home with formula -

is there a substitute? i am putting little bits of wet kitten food in his mouth, he seems to swallow it okay if I put it in, but he can't eath without me putting it in?

[Lauri16]

40. Yes

It's something called Mother's milk supplement. You can get it at any pet store.

[fleabert]

43. that seems VERY young to try and intoduce wet food, even by hand.

mine didn't start it until two weeks ago, at about 6weeks old.

Do you have a petsmart or same type store nearby? they have kits just for this, bottle and formula together. since it is after 9 where you are, you could call a store here and ask for help locating a place to buy it. Walmart may have some as well if there is a 24hr location.

regular milk isn't good, but there is stuff at my safeway called 'catsip' or something like that - it's milk for cats, that might do to get you thru the night, mixed with soft food. You can use a needlless syringe instead of a bottle if you cant get hold of a tiny bottle and nipples.

google kitten rescue and kitten feeding for more guidance! I'll be back later!

[misanthrope]

54. Note:...

...if you use a syringe, be careful not to squeeze too much into its mouth. They can aspirate that way. Just let him take it a little at a time.

[musette_sf]

79. KMR (Kitten Milk Replacer)

or if you can't get KMR, you can substitute goat's milk.

http://www.kittenrescue.org/handbook.htm

keep it warm. if it looks really logy, you can give a teeny bit of corn syrup in a dropper.

good luck :hug:

[Arugula Latte]

8. Awwww. I hope she makes it!

Good for you for helping. :toast:

(I'm assuming it's a she 'cuz it's a calico ...)

[radwriter0555]

11. make SURE you wash your hands too.

Could be deadly.

[peacebird]

13. deadly? for my elderly cat?

I don't want to endanger Shadow - got him from the pound 10 years ago when he was two. Also don't want to endanger Webbie, the feral kitten my son foisted on me 4 years ago. Can you elaborate please?

[nicknameless]

47. Until the kitten has had blood tests, you won't know if she has any

communicable diseases.
The biggies are Feline Leukemia and FIV.
After handling a cat with FIV, it is very advisable to wash your hands so as not to transmit the virus to other cats.
The kitten should be kept separate from your other cats, but it sounds like you're already doing that. No shared food or food bowls or cat litter, brushes, nail clippers, etc...

[frogbison]

85. I'm thinking that its momma

provided it with early defense against some of those diseases, with antibodies provided in her milk. Bigger problem now is how to keep warm, feed and simulate mother's care....

[Skittles]

12. we are here peace, keep talking to us

we are rooting for the little guy

[BikeWriter]

15. My sympathies! That's how my descent into hell began.

[bertha katzenengel]

17. peacebird, you're a good soul

Lots of DUers are sharing similar experiences these days. You are a good soul and I know that kitten will grow to be a loving companion for someone because of your tlc.

[peacebird]

18. he's finally quit crying! he's not asleep yet but he's breathing

peacefully now! Not crying just curled up! Maybe the second little meal finally filled his little tummy and he'll sleep a bit!

[NoSheep]

19. fluids fluids and good luck to you and the kitty

:-)

[Lauri16]

20. You're a good person, Peacebird!

:hug:

That's exactly how we got 2 of our kitties....14 years ago. The first week was tough, but they made it as i'm sure you're little guy will. Do you have a manual alarm clock? If you do, wrap it up in a towel and lay it next to the little guy. It simulates the mother's heartbeat.

Good luck!

[RevCheesehead]

21. Kindness begets kindness.

You are in for a shower of blessings (as they say in my trade). Thank you for caring enough to make a difference.
:hug: to you and the little guy.

[AlGore-08.com]

51. Sorry, RevCheesehead - - your screen name has me ROTFLMTO

Thanks for the laugh.

:hi:

[RevCheesehead]

56. Then my work here is accomplished.

I love the fact that I can get people laughing by simply showing up. :)

[Lauri16]

23. Another thought

If there's a pet store near you, go and get a small feeding bottle and something called Mother's Milk Supplement. Don't give him regular milk, it'll really upset his tummy and his digestive tract.

[Yavin4]

24. We Should Name Him

What should we name him?

[Lauri16]

25. How about Peacekitty?

,,,=^..^=,,,

[GreenPartyVoter]

27. Good name!

[peacebird]

29. I can't name him - because then I would want to keep him

and I have two huge beasts already (Shadow is the elderly asthmatic 18 pounder and Webbie is the former feral kitten-now 4 years old- who, while a lovely cat in his own right, absolutely DEMANDS to be the only cat. (18 pounds also - all muscle) He terrorized our middle kitty (the girl was only 5 pounds, former feral kitten who never grew, scared of everything but me) until she finally died last january.
If this little bit of fur gets a name then I will have let it into my heart, and while I want it safe and well, I do not want to try to mediate between Webbie and this little one...
Shadow can hold his own and is mellow enough to not care...

[GreenPartyVoter]

26. Where's mama and the rest of the crew? Under the porch maybe?

[peacebird]

30. i searched when i got back from the vet - not a sound or a trace

i have no idea. they are not in the orchard (it's small - only a dozen trees) they are not under the deck or in the field between me and the road... I am really clueless as to how this little creature ended up on the porch...

[GreenPartyVoter]

32. Maybe they _were_ under the deck.. Mamas move them at about that age

to a new hiding place.

[applegrove]

28. Make sure that box is safe. Better yet put it in a secure cat cage.

You can sanitize the cage afterwards. It will be crying all night and god knows what will be attracted to the sound. Try finding out if there are any people who foster very young kittens until they are ready to be adopted.

Try paying for the initial treatments too. $70 may sound steep now but you get carry that good deed around with you forever!

[peacebird]

33. he will be in the studio - it is a secure building with electricity and

such - nothing can get into that unless it can also get into the house. I have turned on the radio to an all music station because I don't have a windup clock to wrap in a towel to put in with him, and the music seems to calm him.

I offered to pay to have the vet board him overnight, but they said no. I will offer to pay the ASPCA also to find someone to care for him... It is such a quandary - I absolutely do NOT want another cat and I feel totally responsible for this little creature.

I hope the ASPCA will foster it tomorrow - I work full time and the little beast needs feeding and care much more frequently than that would allow....

[applegrove]

36. Take a photo (once you have wiped his face). Make sure you

get a really cute one. Then put up wanted poster at every vet or nearby grocery store.

[peacebird]

37. I will post a photo - he is SO cute

I'm heading out now to check and see if he is still sleeping

[barb162]

41. self delete

[barb162]

42. I have done this a number of times, it's hard work. God bless you

Each of my 4 are rescues, usually found in winter starving

[fleabert]

31. if you are anywhere near Sacramento, I can help you!

your profile is disabled, so I can't google any rescue groups, but I know of several here that have foster parents available.

you are wonderful to take this one on, poor baby needs love badly. did the vet help with the tick situation? One tick can kill a baby that young and weak. Please pm me if I can help.

[peacebird]

34. How can I find a group in Charlottesville, Va?

Please!!! If you know a way to find a group to make certain the little furball is properly cared for..? I mean - he IS just really cute... he's asleep at last.

[fleabert]

38. google results :

http://www.1-800-save-a-pet.com/cgi-bin/public/shelter-search.cgi

(i don't know your zip, or I would have looked further)

http://www.kittysites.com/boarding_va.shtml
call these folks, they may know someone who can foster the babe.

http://www.people.virginia.edu/~rmm7e/phonebook.html
this one has links


I have to run, but I will check back tonight to see how you are doing! remember that your body heat is good for him too, so snuggle skin to fur after a feeding, you may get a purr as a reward. :hug:

[LynneSin]

49. How far are you from some of these places in Virginia?

http://www.catsrule.org/
Fairfax VA

Harrisonburg, VA
http://www.catscradlevirginia.com/about.htm

These are both TNR Feline Rescues (ie - trap, neuter, release). Many of them have adoption sites setup with local petstores too (Our local TNRs have cats adopted out at both PetSmart & Petco). TNRs are usually all no-kill places that have the ability to foster kittens. Plus, if their cat adoptions are anything like Delaware, that kitten will have a home in no time flat.

Usually it does help if you can contribute a few dollars towards food & medical bills, most of these places survive on shoestring budgets. I know the $75 adoption fee we had for our cats barely covered the cost of getting the cats adoptable (neutered/shots/vaccines) - but they are all wonderful programs

If you're not near any of those 2 places, they may have someplace they'll recommend near you

[peacebird]

52. i will call the one in harrisonburg tomorrow

thanks so much for info on places where kitties won;t be put down!

[LynneSin]

53. I sent you some more Feline Rescue groups

I hope that you can find one tomorrow morning - most of these are volunteers

[RebelOne]

61. Go to YahooGroups.com.

Put in a search for animal rescue groups in your area. I found homes for 3 kittens that were dumped in my yards through one of the groups.

[LostinVA]

62. I live in Cville. Check you inbox n/t

[MuseRider]

44. I am back

and checking in. I would suggest one other thing. The formula that has been suggested is the best idea at this age. If he will not take a bottle, the kittens I raised would not, then put drops of it on the web of your hand between your thumb and your first finger and let him suck that. It will get sore but that way he will at least be able to get it and still suck it. I also raised a squirrel that way.

I see that a few of the people I was hoping with much experience have shown up and given you what you need. That is all I would add at this point.

Good luck. Sweet little kitty, they are a blessing to us aren't they?

[likesmountains 52]

45. You can probably get some free infant formula at your local

hospital...try calling the nursery there and see if they will donate a few bottles...

[nicknameless]

46. Be sure to get her to poop too!

Very important. If she doesn't she could die.
I used to have a book called "The New Natural Cat."
The author wrote about taking in tiny kittens and losing them (all but one? I can't remember) because they hadn't pooped.
The solution is to imitate the mom cat's cleaning of the kitten's butt, which stimulates elimination. Use a warm, wet cloth. This could help save her life.

Good luck to you, and bless you for your kind, caring heart! :hug:

[peacebird]

48. he has eaten a little three times now, and peed - but no luck with pooping

i have tried the wet cloth, that get him to pee...
hopefully he will be okay until the aspca opens at 20 tomorrow?

[friesianrider]

50. You're so wonderful for taking him in :)

I had a kitten - about 5 months old - wander into our yard a few weeks ago. I held him hostage in the garage until I could get him to a vet and then had him neutered a few days later. We're gonna keep him, despite 6 other cats in the house :o

You're wonderful to care for him. Maybe he'll even grow on ya and you will have a new addition to the household :) Good Luck and thanks for caring enough to take him in tonight!

[RPM]

57. I'll trade you a 9mm pistol...

that's what i found tonight...

interested?

[grace0418]

58. You can do it! Bless you!

I found my two cats when they were two weeks old. They were stuck in the insulation of a house under construction and mom had abandoned them when the workers installed and locked the front door of the house. I had no idea what I was doing and I mixed milk with some tuna. I'm embarassed to admit that now, but at least it gave them strength until I could get them to a vet and on proper formula (and it gave them an insane love of tuna). One passed away at ten (the vet didn't expect him to a year) and the other is twelve and still healthy.

[friesianrider]

59. Such wonderful, compassionate people here...

You are all true angels for being so kind to animals who needed you :)

[grace0418]

71. They gave me more than I could ever hope to give them.

Every day when I come home from work, my Frankie meows through the door while I'm getting the key out. When I get inside, he's all over me. He follows me everywhere and is such a wonderful, loving, calming little guy. I love him so much it makes my chest hurt.

[peacebird]

60. kitty made it through the night!

he looks a little stronger today too! but I can't get him to pee or poo....

[In_The_Wind]

63. will you be able to get the kitten to a vet today?

it sounds like the very least it's going to need is antibiotics

[RebelOne]

64. Please do not take the kitten to your local animal shelter.

Unless it is a no-kill shelter, they will euthanize it. These people do not have the time to hand-feed or doctor a tiny kitten. See my post above. Go to YahooGroups.com.

[LynneSin]

65. I've PM and Posted a list of No-Kill Feline rescues in her area

and she's going to try one of them tomorrow.

I agree whole-heartedly with your comment. Our local SPCAs here in Delaware are just sad places for pets although I do know the problem is with overcrowding. Unfortunately for the SPCA, I know they're trying their best but fortunately there options out there especially for cats.

I was able to find about 6-7 Feline Rescue/TNR groups in Virginia that are all no-kill. I know the DE ones usually have plenty of foster homes available that can help out with her kitten and usually are hooked up with the local PetStores to help get these cats adopted (and the kittens go really really quickly). Most of these groups ask, if you can, to contribute a little to help defray costs since the adoption fees for cats barely cover the cost of Neutering/Vaccines.

Hopefully she'll find someone in the area that can help out. I think this was the group closest to her

http://www.catscradlevirginia.com/

They look like a good group too!

[peacebuzzard]

66. Hi peacebird, .....peacebuzzard here......

Looks like we have issues in common. I also help the critters when I can. I will follow this post.
Hi to all (Lynnesin and Joan_Alpern):pals: :hi:

[Felix Mala]

70. Don't worry about poo. When he's ready, you'll know...

[IdaBriggs]

72. Use a warm damp washclothe to wipe.

Also, KEEP HIM WARM, as the cold is very bad for him. :) Keep us posted, please. :)

[Shell Beau]

68. Awww! I hope the little sucker is okay!

I did the same thing with a baby squirrel I found one time. Still had its little eyes shut. I had to bottle feed him every three hours (with some weird formula I was instructed to concoct) and make him use the bathroom. Luckily my vet took him the next day and I heard they gave it to the wildlife refuge so he could be released into the wild. He survived. Yeah!! So there is hope! Good luck!

[borlis]

73. nevermind

[peacebird]

74. little kitty is safely in foster care!

he was happily slurping at a bottle last i saw him!

thanks for telling me where to find places that don't put down unfortunate little ones!

and thanks for all the advice and support!

[LynneSin]

75. Which group did you end up using

I'm so glad you found a no-kill place. I just figured your poor kitty would get lost in the shuffle at the SPCA!!

[stlsaxman]

78. your love saved it, birdie!

you are so incredible....

sorry i'm gettin' all teary-eyed 'n' shit....

:cry:




:headbang:

[Arugula Latte]

80. Great news!

:thumbsup:

[nicknameless]

81. Yay, peacebird!!!

:hug:

[fleabert]

82. Yea!

:woo-hoo:

the kitty world is one richer! My foster's say thanks for loving their little far away brother!

Little Tortie


Cotton


Squeak


LBK, Little Black Kittie

[Lauri16]

83. That's great peacebird!

Kudos for taking care of the little guy!
You gave him a chance and now a second chance.
,,,=^..^=,,, :hug: ,,,=^..^=,,,

[Dr Fate]

77. yeah, but imagine the Karma points the 'lil fella is helping you rack up!

You are doing the right thing- he needs you.

[tibbir]

84. Best of luck to you through the next hard period.

You are truly a kind-hearted person. The world doesn't have enough of them.