Help! New kitten is malformed - what do I do?!

[GreenGables]

Our cat had her litter yesterday and all was fine, kittens and mother all doing very well
BUT she has just had another and this surprise kitten seems to have a cleft pallet and it's front paws are twisted under and outwards - they are also a spade/big flipper shape.

This is the cats first litter I don't want to move them all to the vets and risk her abandoning them (she isn't the most attentive mother as it is) likewise, I don't want to separate this kitten from it's mother because a) it is clearly going to need her b) it clearly doesn't like to be away from her - it screams the most horrific scream if it becomes separated.

The mother is behaving differently towards it - she didn't clean and dry it properly, and has just folded it in her arms which makes me think that she knows something is up...

What should I do for the best?

Ah, that is so sad- that the mother didn't clean her properly No advice at all, I don't even have a cat, but I hope someone will be along soon with some advice.

Bump!!

Why not give your vet a call and ask them?

Our vets are usually good at giving info over the phone.

Yes, phone vets. Also, keep an eye on whether it is getting milk and also whether mum cat is cleaning it afterwards as this will stimulate urination and defecation importantly.

If the vet thinks it will survive then you may need to hand rear if mother abandons this kitty but I have a sad feeling it may be better for this kitten to not struggle on. REALLY hope not though.

I would phone a vet ASAP. It might not be possible for the kitten to survive, but a vet will need to advise you on that.

Oh dear that is so sad.

I have a friend who is a vet and a cat breeder. He's had cases of malformed kittens, and although some problems (like the paws) can sometimes be managed, I think the cleft palate thing is a real problem - I'm pretty sure ot can't be rectified easily, and the kitten probably won't be able to suckle. Does it seem that way to you?

If the kitten can't feed, I think there's not much hope for it (I really hope I'm wrong!). Is there any chance you can get the vet to come out? Will be £££, but possibly worth it emotionally?

Of course! I'll call the vet!
Thank you all. It is so so sad and the DDs are so upset!

oh that is sad poor thing, sorry I have no idea about these things. Hope you manage to get some good advice from vet.

Unfortuntely the cat world isn't as PC as us and won't think twice about discarding of malformed kittens

Aww Poor little kitten. I think sadly in the wild the mother would probably abandon her - so the likelihood is you will have to make the difficult decision between speeding up nature's job and putting her down or hand-feeding her in the hope that she will get strong enough not to be rejected, and grow up, possibly having surgery to correct her paws?

I bet she will be very cute and full of character if she makes it, big if though

Just been to the vet - I have some formula to feed it if it doesn't suckle soon - it may not survive, or it could be OK. Only time will tell.
Thanks for your advice!

My brother had a cleft palet when he was born, and back in those days they had a bottle that had a flat 'lid' above the teat that covered the cleft hole while he fed, dont know if they still do them but might help with feeding?

poor little thing.hope its ok.please keep us updated!does it have a name yet?

I syringe-fed a baby guinea-pig that had such a bad leg he couldn't get to his mum to feed. I warn you if you want to go down that route it's hard work - I had to feed him every 2 hours including at night. Fortunately he got stronger pretty quick and managed to start suckling.

Do let us know how it gets on!