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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.

Original poster

Kitten advice please

157 replies

Cocopogo · 21/08/2023 21:08

I asked a few weeks ago whether I should get one or two kittens, as the single kitten I was to get from rescue had been bonded with another kitten.
Now I have two kittens and they are completely different and def not bonded. One is a typical boisterous kitten and the other barely moves. He sleeps all day and struggles to clean himself.
Both don’t seem to be eating much. How much should a kitten eat?
They are having 1/4 to 1/2 a pouch each, each day.

OP posts:
GardeningIdiot · 23/08/2023 08:23

birdglasspen · 23/08/2023 08:21

If it is only their first day or so then they probably won’t eat much. They will be scared and adjusting to their new home. I wouldn’t worry about too I take in first few days. I would always have new kittens checked over by vet though. I think they sound young for dry food I’d stick with wet and kitten milk for a little while yet. As long as you are providing a warm safe space for them to find their feet you may just be seeing their different characters, we had two kittens last year and one was very fearful the other lovely and cuddly immediately. Exactly same upbringing, brothers totally different cats. Good luck you’re in for some fun!

You got them at 8+ weeks though? Are you really confident giving advice on care of a five-week-old kitten?

MoonlightMuse · 23/08/2023 08:26

Which Applaws will you be feeding them? I think most of them aren’t ‘complete’ foods so should only be given with something that is

CurlewKate · 23/08/2023 09:38

@Cocopogo "@CurlewKate did you mean to be so rude?"

Yep.

cinnamonfrenchtoast · 23/08/2023 09:41

birdglasspen · 23/08/2023 08:21

If it is only their first day or so then they probably won’t eat much. They will be scared and adjusting to their new home. I wouldn’t worry about too I take in first few days. I would always have new kittens checked over by vet though. I think they sound young for dry food I’d stick with wet and kitten milk for a little while yet. As long as you are providing a warm safe space for them to find their feet you may just be seeing their different characters, we had two kittens last year and one was very fearful the other lovely and cuddly immediately. Exactly same upbringing, brothers totally different cats. Good luck you’re in for some fun!

These aren't normal kittens though - they're only 5 weeks old (if the rescue is telling the truth) and shouldn't be drinking kitten milk or eating commercial wet food. They're too young.

They should be on specialist prescription food for orphaned kittens and being cared for by an experienced foster.

GardeningIdiot · 23/08/2023 10:19

GardeningIdiot · 23/08/2023 08:21

The rescue think you're doing everything right but didn't even send you off with kitten food concentrate? Have they asked you to weigh regularly and daily if there are any concerns? Talked you through any problems with urinating/pooing and the need to stimulate?

I was certain they would be orphans. So they need an experienced fosterer.

They simply can't be a decent rescue - must be someone out of their depth with no clue.

Typo. I meant kitten milk concentrate. A kitten of five weeks failing to eat should be given this, along with a vet visit.

www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/royal-canin-baby-cat-milk-300g-%28online-only%29

Cowlover89 · 23/08/2023 10:19

cinnamonfrenchtoast · 23/08/2023 09:41

These aren't normal kittens though - they're only 5 weeks old (if the rescue is telling the truth) and shouldn't be drinking kitten milk or eating commercial wet food. They're too young.

They should be on specialist prescription food for orphaned kittens and being cared for by an experienced foster.

Show quote history

My kitten at 5 weeks was on commercial wet food. She weaned off her mam.

cinnamonfrenchtoast · 23/08/2023 12:29

My kitten at 5 weeks was on commercial wet food. She weaned off her mam.

That's great, but OP's kitten was lethargic and not eating. At five weeks old it needs professional care, not an inexperienced owner just muddling along.

Original poster
Cocopogo · 23/08/2023 12:34

@GardeningIdiot you’ll see earlier in the thread that that’s the formula they are having.

@CurlewKate aren’t you lovely.

Thank you for all the advice and concern.
They have been to the vet today and she was happy with them. She too thinks quieter kitten is a week younger and still settling in.
Although quiet kitten is coming out of his shell more now so I’m not as concerned as I was two days ago and it’s reassuring that the vet is happy. She’s going to see them again in one week unless I have any further concerns.

I understand your concerns regarding adopting so young but I’ve worked with the rescue for many years now (albeit with older cats) but they clearly had confidence in me even if I didn’t and had panicked new mum syndrome!
I’m sure there will be many more moments where I wonder if I’m doing right thing or what more I can do.

OP posts:
GardeningIdiot · 23/08/2023 12:46

I understand your concerns regarding adopting so young but I’ve worked with the rescue for many years now (albeit with older cats) but they clearly had confidence in me even if I didn’t and had panicked new mum syndrome!

That's quite the drip feed.

A half-way decent rescue would not leave you asking really basic questions on Mumsnet. They wouldn't leave you "wondering about getting some kitten milk tomorrow" once you already have the kittens.

No one with any experience would have confidence in the rescue.

cinnamonfrenchtoast · 23/08/2023 12:58

I understand your concerns regarding adopting so young but I’ve worked with the rescue for many years now (albeit with older cats) but they clearly had confidence in me even if I didn’t and had panicked new mum syndrome!

But why did you agree to take home two 5 week old kittens when you clearly don't have the experience to care of them properly?

You had a lethargic kitten who (if I'm reading it correctly) is potentially only four weeks old, and didn't think to take it to the vets? You didn't have the right food or drink available for them and don't seem to know much at all about caring for severely underage animals.

Do you know how to socialise them? How to spot the signs of serious illness? Are you confident with helping to litter train them and to make sure they eliminate properly? Are you happy stimulating them to pee/poo if they struggle to do it alone?

TenPenceMix · 23/08/2023 15:51

How are you getting on with the royal canin milk?
They also do a gastro mousse that's easily digestible for small kittens. What are their weights?

Original poster
Cocopogo · 23/08/2023 22:22

Back to the vet this afternoon as kittens are riddled with worms. Quiet one has had antibiotics and going back again tomorrow. I’ve spend nearly £200 on vet fees and had them a couple of days. It seems you are right about the rescue, I think maybe since covid they have been overwhelmed. Either way I now have one poorly kitten.

OP posts:
Original poster
Cocopogo · 23/08/2023 22:23

@TenPenceMix the small one doesn’t seem interested in the milk much so it’s a battle.

OP posts:
TenPenceMix · 23/08/2023 22:58

Aw bless, try and jeep him hydrated by using a syringe of water slowly between the gum and cheek, just slowly but 5ml every hour should help. If you pinch the skin on his back and it stays and doesn't ping back it's a sign of dehydration. Good luck

GardeningIdiot · 23/08/2023 23:09

Well if you're ready to listen, I learnt a lot from Kitten Lady when I first started fostering a four-week-old:

www.kittenlady.org/webinar

urbanbuddha · 23/08/2023 23:25

Well done for getting vet treatment, OP. I hope everything works out well.

cinnamonfrenchtoast · 23/08/2023 23:27

This is really concerning - that poor kitten should be having round the clock care from a professional.

I think the rescue have used you OP. I don't mean that as a dig - those kittens need experienced foster care, not to be sent home a volunteer who is in way over their head.

GardeningIdiot · 23/08/2023 23:50

cinnamonfrenchtoast · 23/08/2023 23:27

This is really concerning - that poor kitten should be having round the clock care from a professional.

I think the rescue have used you OP. I don't mean that as a dig - those kittens need experienced foster care, not to be sent home a volunteer who is in way over their head.

The vast majority of foster carers are volunteers. But they aren't left with a five-week-old kitten without any training, information or essential resources.

Summerbubbles · 24/08/2023 00:09

Goodness me, no reputable rescue would ever foster out two such young kittens of different ages, at the same time, to someone with no experience.
They must not have been wormed or it wouldn't be riddled with worms and they haven't been vaccinated or insured. I've never known a breeder or rescue not provide 4-5 weeks free pet insurance.
The younger one definitely needs syringe feeding milk until their appetite picks up, including through the night.
They might also have behaviour issues without the socialisation that an adult cat teaches them.

I would be in contact with other rescues to get as much advice as possible asap.

Potentialmadcatlady · 24/08/2023 06:08

This was my worry… I Hope you got them through the night ok..

cinnamonfrenchtoast · 24/08/2023 09:07

The vast majority of foster carers are volunteers. But they aren't left with a five-week-old kitten without any training, information or essential resources

Yes I know - my post was badly worded, sorry!

By professionals, I meant people who know what they're doing and who have had training in caring for newborn animals - not just well-meaning people who happen to have space for some kittens.

fetchacloth · 24/08/2023 13:31

I'm so glad and relieved you're taking the kittens to the vet OP 😌.
Not your fault, but as I mentioned further up thread, the rescue have got a lot to answer for here and have done neither yourself nor those kittens any favours.
Good luck with it all 💐

GardeningIdiot · 24/08/2023 13:59

No worries, @cinnamonfrenchtoast 👍

Willowcat77 · 24/08/2023 14:24

How are the kittens today @Cocopogo?

CurlewKate · 24/08/2023 14:31

Is there another rescue anywhere near that can help you?