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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

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Original poster

Eight week olds

44 replies

Camargue · 23/11/2013 19:15

Just got a pair of lovely 8 wk olds from Celia Hammonds(. I was reluctant to take them so soon but they insisted it was fine) Still a bit concerned about socialising them, so what should we do to help them best? They seem fine, under the chair atm and have been with mum in foster home.

OP posts:

cozietoesie · 29/11/2013 13:38

ABs can sometimes cause constipation although I wouldn't be too worried after - a day is it? - and if they're not straining and have peed. I suspect it's more likely to be because they haven't eaten much and are a bit low key.

Are they drinking OK?

If in doubt, phone the practice and have a chat with one of the vets or nurses to see what they think.

cozietoesie · 29/11/2013 13:40

PS - or position them on the tray and do a small bottom stimulation as you would if you were hand rearing - see if that awakens thoughts of their duty. They're still only young.

Original poster

Camargue · 29/11/2013 20:46

Getting really worried about one of them now, he hasn't eaten or drunk since this morning. He is unwilling to lick anything off paws too, I have started trying to get a paste of wet food in by syringe but he fights it so much only the tinest scrap has gone in. Will take him back to vet tomorrow if no improvement.

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Original poster

Camargue · 29/11/2013 20:47

(The vet nurse has seen them today to help with medication)

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cozietoesie · 29/11/2013 20:59

What did she say?

Original poster

Camargue · 29/11/2013 21:07

He had eaten fairly recently then, so wasn't so concerned about that, but she said he obviously had it worse. Poor scrap.

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cozietoesie · 29/11/2013 21:18

Maybe the vet tomorrow morning then if no improvement. The weekend can seem awfully long when you have a sick one on your hands.

In the interim, keep him real warm and close to you if possible. (eg sleeping on your chest/lap and covered up with a light fleece or throw.)

How is DS dealing with it?

Original poster

Camargue · 29/11/2013 21:24

I wish he would sleep on me. He won't now- but I will keep him warm. Ds says he wishes their mum could take care of them. So do I! Thank you so much.

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cozietoesie · 29/11/2013 21:27

Yes - keep him nice and toasty.

Poor DS. A baptism of fire for him.

cozietoesie · 30/11/2013 09:22

How are they doing this morning?

Original poster

Camargue · 30/11/2013 12:18

Rehydration and interferon from the fab shelter vet, so back for that for the next 3 days and fingers crossed. Both dopey now but one still herself, the weaker one much less so, but trust and hope! I really feel unprepared for this- it is taking over our lives. I certainly would not let a shelter persuade me into taking kittens this young and only half vaccinated again (we had been told 12 weeks) Though maybe that is no guarantee. And I know animals are unpredictable! Usually though you get longer with them before something like this happens.

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cozietoesie · 30/11/2013 13:02

My fingers are crossed for them. There will likely be people on the board all weekend on and off so come back if you need to let off steam at all.

Keep them nice and toasty of course and with luck, they should turn the corner by tomorrow evening, say.

sashh · 01/12/2013 08:14

Poor kitties, poor you poor DS.

hope all goes well.

I fostered a couple of kittens who had cat flu, they were older though but anyway wrapping them in a towel so they couldn't scratch was how I got meds into them. You are probably doing this anyway.

Original poster

Camargue · 01/12/2013 11:27

Ha yes, no way would I be doing it without a towel, they can't even retract claws yet. But actually the most resistant one does better if approached from the side in a swift cunning swoop. Have been feeding the really weak one with special diet in syringe for the last 36 hours but he has just eaten his first food himself for 2 days. Am so pleased! They are grooming each other and had a little playfight which is a great step. Fingers crossed it keeps on like this. Ds has been absolutely sweet to them - can't wait for him to see them in full spirits.

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cozietoesie · 01/12/2013 11:52

Oh that's good - sounds as if they (particularly he ) might be turning the corner, eh? You'll need to stay vigilant of course but - it's promising.

Original poster

Camargue · 03/12/2013 10:32

They're doing so well! Both back eating again and gaining weight, tearing around the house like mad things. Feeding them special convalescence food which they love. We will have to start the inoculation course all over again now and can't do it for a while yet, but vet says that's the thing to do. Anyway they shouldn't come into contact with anything til they meet other cats which won't be for ages.
thanks so much for cheerful support.

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cozietoesie · 03/12/2013 10:35

That's excellent news, Camargue. How is DS liking things?

Original poster

Camargue · 03/12/2013 12:41

A little disconcerted by their transformation into tearing lunatics from sickly waifs - but adores them. Hurrah! Hope your Seniorboy is perking up too. I have given ours a v old feather pillow to lie on - luxury.

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cozietoesie · 03/12/2013 13:08

Of course - they're his first kittens aren't they? Even for experienced cat owners, it can be a bit disconcerting to be re-faced with kitten antics when you've had grown cats for a bit.

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