It's pretty common for foundlings to get a bacterial infection that causes diarrhea. It sounds like you're doing all that you can to get fluids into her until you get home. If she starts not taking her formula again, you might try the tuna water from canned tuna.
If you have a kitchen scale, it would be a good idea to weigh her daily. That's the best way to know if she's losing weight because of dehydration or the diarrhea. Weight loss would be a sign that a vet really shouldn't wait.
You mentioned that she seems a little fat? That could be concerning. If she starts crying a lot and her stomach seems bloated and stiff, you have a real problem. Obviously, I hope that doesn't happen/isn't happening, but if it does/is, she should see the vet and you might want to be prepared for the worst. There are a few illnesses that kittens this age are susceptible to that can cause that and they're very serious.
Her stomach is very squishy and she doesn't meow unless she wants something, at least so far. She looks fat after she eats, but then seems to go back to normal. I will continue to keep watch!
Gizmo tried to refuse the bottle and go to wet food when she was about 4.5 weeks, and it gave her terrible diarrhea. So I left some formula in a bowl for her while I was at work, and I'd come home at lunch and try to give her the bottle, then come straight in to give her a bottle when I got home that night. I hate to say it, but it was like dealing with a stubborn child - when she got hungry enough, she ate what I was giving her. I also kept her isolated in the bathroom until she was fully weaned, so she didn't have a chance to get into Casey's food. It was a rough couple of weeks for all of us!
Keep trying with the water, too. They can get dehydrated so quickly, and it can be fatal. When I finally got Gizmo used to the bottle for formula, I sometimes switched it to water and fed her water that way to keep her taking it in.
Just keep paying close attention and asking questions and using common sense - it sounds like you're doing a great job. :)
being a stray there might be a possibility of worms. the change in diet & having worms could cause the poopy issue. they vet would be able to determine for sure. i know when i got my kitty Salem (17 yrs ago) she cam from a family own cat, but she had worms & fleas.
I'm guessing change of diet. My most recent kitten had diarrhea when I first got her, but after staying on the same food for a few weeks she was pooping normal. I luckily didn't have to worry about dehydration cuz she followed all the older cats into the bathtub for fresh water and drank a lot. I'd check carefully for worms, kittens seem to get them easily.
I love those fat little full bellies after they eat!
i think you are doing a great job. the wet food will also help he get hydrated and as someone else previously commented many kittens will have bacterial infections that and the change in food could be the cause of the stool issues. i do think she needs a trip tot he vet when you get home as any new pet would :)
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If you have a kitchen scale, it would be a good idea to weigh her daily. That's the best way to know if she's losing weight because of dehydration or the diarrhea. Weight loss would be a sign that a vet really shouldn't wait.
You mentioned that she seems a little fat? That could be concerning. If she starts crying a lot and her stomach seems bloated and stiff, you have a real problem. Obviously, I hope that doesn't happen/isn't happening, but if it does/is, she should see the vet and you might want to be prepared for the worst. There are a few illnesses that kittens this age are susceptible to that can cause that and they're very serious.
Fingers crossed!
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Keep trying with the water, too. They can get dehydrated so quickly, and it can be fatal. When I finally got Gizmo used to the bottle for formula, I sometimes switched it to water and fed her water that way to keep her taking it in.
Just keep paying close attention and asking questions and using common sense - it sounds like you're doing a great job. :)
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I love those fat little full bellies after they eat!
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