Definitely have a problem with one kitten. Not latching very well, noticably thinner than the other two. I am getting a scale from Harry. I started supplementing with formula, mama cat seems content to clean her baby after I'm done. She's not rejecting the kitten. The problem is the kitten can't seem to get a good latch, even with the bottle. Any suggestions? I've only done this twice before and those two were easy.
I suggest using my goat's milk formula - WAY better for them, and WAY more calories. Supplement during the day, let yourself sleep at night since she's not rejecting the kitten. This is pretty much what I did with Ziggy last year when he wasn't getting enough from mama. It's GREAT to have a mama who will do the dirty work! :)
If you have an oral syringe, use that. I find they have an easier time latching onto the plastic sometimes, instead of the rubber nipple. Also, you'll have a better idea of how much is getting into him, and be able to lend a bit of back pressure. Don't flood him, but keep a flow going as long as he's drinking. You probably know this, but make sure he's belly down, like a kitten should be, not belly up, like a human baby :)
Formula can be found on my website: http://kimberlyskittens.com You'll get him up to snuff, I'm sure of it :)
This is so helpful. I already bought KMR but I'll go with the goat milk formula. Our supermarket sells goat milk and I actually gave that to Bree in the very beginning because I wasn't allowed to breastfeed her initially.
I don't have an oral syringe but I do have the bottle. I do remember belly down but this one's a squirmer so it's been a challenge.
I'm going to be constantly consulting your website. Thank you so much!
Decided I'm going to get up at least once during the night because the kitten is having a hard time even latching to mama. Thanks for the formula recipe. The baby seems to like it better, though I'm still not getting much into it. There was a bit of aspiration a couple of times, which really worries me, but I'm like you so I have no problem sucking it gently out.
I did finally get it to latch for a few moments tonight and Howard went out to look for an oral syringe so hopefully that will do the trick.
That's great you're getting the oral syringe! That'll help, and also help you know how much is going in him. There's a reasonable chance that you'll get him through this hump, and he'll figure it out with mama! Best of luck - caring for a tiny newborn ain't for sissies, but then, you're no sissy! :)
If you want to ping me on Yahoo or AIM I'm Hobbinator on both, and as long as I'm at my computer, I'm definitely happy to talk kittens (or whatever!)
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If you have an oral syringe, use that. I find they have an easier time latching onto the plastic sometimes, instead of the rubber nipple. Also, you'll have a better idea of how much is getting into him, and be able to lend a bit of back pressure. Don't flood him, but keep a flow going as long as he's drinking. You probably know this, but make sure he's belly down, like a kitten should be, not belly up, like a human baby :)
Formula can be found on my website: http://kimberlyskittens.com You'll get him up to snuff, I'm sure of it :)
Reply
I don't have an oral syringe but I do have the bottle. I do remember belly down but this one's a squirmer so it's been a challenge.
I'm going to be constantly consulting your website. Thank you so much!
Reply
I did finally get it to latch for a few moments tonight and Howard went out to look for an oral syringe so hopefully that will do the trick.
Thanks for all your help. :)
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If you want to ping me on Yahoo or AIM I'm Hobbinator on both, and as long as I'm at my computer, I'm definitely happy to talk kittens (or whatever!)
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