SOS.. Just Helped A Feral Cat Deliver

di and bob

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I'm so sorry.......it could very well be that it was something that happened to mom before you found her, that harmed her baby, or even congenital. Definitely start weighing the one left, that way you will know that it is growing. I'll pray for the remaining one, RIP sweet baby......
 
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packofbiscuit

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The trick to know if they get enough from momma is to weight them every day. Every 12 hours in the beginning, if its critical.
A healthy kitten adds typically 10+ grammes a day (1/3+ ounce). If its lower than 6 grammes a day (1/5 ounce) sound the alarm bells.

An experienced rescuer notices often by the looks and weight in hand, but for all less experienced, is the daily weighting gold worth.


The little one could pass from almost anything. The most common for healthy born infants to die quickly is a pneumonia. If they for example, got fluids in lungs when birthing.
And such happens even to experienced breeders.---
RIP little one.
Ah right, the articles I read online also mentioned about weight monitoring. I think I'll try to monitor them by the weight as you've advised.

That's true. It's a shock really, the kitten was fine when I went to sleep (and I sleep pretty late normally). It's a shame that we can't anticipate or scope the event...

But thanks Stefan for walking me through this, for real!
 
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packofbiscuit

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I'm so sorry.......it could very well be that it was something that happened to mom before you found her, that harmed her baby, or even congenital. Definitely start weighing the one left, that way you will know that it is growing. I'll pray for the remaining one, RIP sweet baby......
Thank you for your kindness! Yes, I'll try to monitor him closer by the weight to ensure him growing up well and strong. And again, I really appreciate your words!
 
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packofbiscuit

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I am sorry to hear about the kitten. I hope momma and the remaining kitten will be ok. You are doing a great job so hang in there.
Hey! I appreciate your thoughts greatly... They seem to be doing well and adjusting better by the hours. Even managed to use the litter box after much effort. I was firm on adopting as I was going to bed last night. But then again, these things happens every now and then. Hopefully the mother and her kitten will grow well in years to come!

Cheers!
 

fionasmom

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I am sorry about the kitten. It is a shock but, as others have said, the causes are numerous and every single one of them was out of your hands. Members do continue to read and check threads here on TCS, so please post whenever you would like to give us an update.
 
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packofbiscuit

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I am sorry about the kitten. It is a shock but, as others have said, the causes are numerous and every single one of them was out of your hands. Members do continue to read and check threads here on TCS, so please post whenever you would like to give us an update.
Hi, thanks for the comfort! I've just burried the little one today after letting the mother realises the event. But so far, they seem happier now. The mother has a huge belly still, but no babies are inside after being checked with the vet. Hopefully, it'll subside soon...
 
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packofbiscuit

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How are the cats doing?
Hey! They're doing fine, just checked with the vet today and she no longer has any fever, but her belly are still huge. I might have to check with another vet sometime later.

The kitten is getting a lot bigger! I'm very happy for him... I've been trying to monitor him each day by the weight as advised above and he should be healthy. He gains 10+ grams a day, and 15 grams two days ago.

Also, the mother keeps meowing every morning until sunset (which is why I took her to the vet today)... I've tried to move her around the house and every suggestions on the internet but she would still meows. I'm not sure whether it's because the space that she has is too small (I kept her in my back veranda, but in a closed shelter from the elements.) or she's sick or mourning for one of the kitten. Can't really let her come inside unmonitored as my house is currently undergoing interior renovation and lots of dangerous debris are around, though I let her in every now and then to play.

Even if I let her come inside in the afternoon, she would still sit down and meows. I've tried opening the door to see if she'd like to go out, but she doesn't want to. Assuming that she's crying for affection, I'm trying my best to keep her occupied by playing/scratching whenever possible during the day since I work at home.

But the good progress is that the mother is now potty trained! This effort takes blood, sweat and tears but it's worth it. She's getting very friendly and likes to be petted everywhere.

Thank you!
 

fionasmom

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Thank you for the update! Is the mother eating and eliminating normally? Anything seem unusual like diarrhea, constipation, etc? What did the vet say about the enlarged belly even though the fever has gone down? You are making really good progress with her and it seems as if she is going to be a pet. The mom and baby are very lucky that they found you.
 
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packofbiscuit

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Thank you for the update! Is the mother eating and eliminating normally? Anything seem unusual like diarrhea, constipation, etc? What did the vet say about the enlarged belly even though the fever has gone down? You are making really good progress with her and it seems as if she is going to be a pet. The mom and baby are very lucky that they found you.
So far the eating and eliminating is going of well, its just the health and behavioral part that kind of worries me. In terms of diarrhea, I don't think she has any except the next day after giving birth.

The vet was also not sure of what's going on, but he mentioned that there are some fluids in her belly and her belly isn't supposed to be this large. He took some samples and informed later that she has low platelet count and advised us to include eggs in her meal. Also, he gave us some meds for her flu.

I'm not quite sure personally... I assumed that she should at least be X-Ray scanned, but this vet didn't suggest that (which I think its because they don't have the equipment as they referred me to another vet last time to get her ultrasound.) I'll try to take her to another vet which is more equipped, but maybe a bit later as I've taken her to vets twice in a week otherwise it will burn my wallet.

Behaviorally speaking, she's a bit better now but still meows every now and then. I got her a calming aromatherapy collar and it definitely helps. I think she needs company but it's hard to do so continuously.

But yeah, everything else is well! I'm 90% convinced to take her in after all this if she's down for it. I'll get her injected and cleaned after everything is better, and maybe move her inside my office during the day to give her company. They're a blessing with a slight tax on the side, but I mean I'm loving them so far.

Thank you for keeping them in check!
 

fionasmom

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You are making good progress. Don't get too emotionally involved with the fact that she wants continual company. Do as much as you can and keep focused on the fact that you saved her and her kitten which is a much bigger feat in the face of what could have happened to her. If the belly does not resolve itself, going to the new vet with the proper equipment is a good idea when you are able. The meowing is calming down because she is now more used to you and knows that she has a place to live and someone to care for her.
 
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packofbiscuit

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You are making good progress. Don't get too emotionally involved with the fact that she wants continual company. Do as much as you can and keep focused on the fact that you saved her and her kitten which is a much bigger feat in the face of what could have happened to her. If the belly does not resolve itself, going to the new vet with the proper equipment is a good idea when you are able. The meowing is calming down because she is now more used to you and knows that she has a place to live and someone to care for her.
Thank you. Yup, hopefully things can get better for her and there's another vet in the area that should be ready if her condition remains the same. Kind of glad too, that the kitten seems healthy and his eyes are slightly opening as of today.

Really appreciate your time and follow up. Cheers!
 
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packofbiscuit

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Any updates?
Hi there! Sorry I haven't written anything as the progress have been quite steady and general.

I ended up taking her to another vet to find closure as the previous vets didn't really do that for me. This time, I find the vet a lot more comforting. She got her eyes tested to make sure that her eye inflammation weren't caused by physical injury, and yes she's fine. The vet gave us eye drops instead of ointment and meds for her flu, she's recovering better from before. The swelling belly is nothing to worry about too, and I've been told to wait for another couple of weeks.

The previous vet gave us some pills for her flu, in which he later mentioned normally its not advised during post-natal period as it'll build resistance towards similar meds for the kitten as he feeds. I wonder why that vet still prescribed us the meds, but I'm glad for being skeptical and looked for another vet before feeding her. The new vet clarified the same thing and gave us a safer medicine.

The kitten is doing great too! He's becoming more active and he opened his eyes for the first time early this week. He's now starting to crawl out of his bed from time to time. Also, his size just doubled up, which I find quite fascinating.

I'll get her cleaned by a groomer today to make sure she's all cleaned up so I can get her in during the day. Also, looking forward to get her tested for any viruses to get her ready for vaccination after it's safe for her and the kitten.

But yeah, that's about it so far. They're getting more active these days.

Cheers!
 

fionasmom

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Thank you for posting! I am so glad to read that this is all working out and that you found a much better vet who understood mother and baby cats. Kittens grow very quickly....you will be surprised from one day to the other.
 
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packofbiscuit

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Thank you for posting! I am so glad to read that this is all working out and that you found a much better vet who understood mother and baby cats. Kittens grow very quickly....you will be surprised from one day to the other.
Of course! Exactly. At one point I was away for the weekend left the kitten at my roommate's care and I was stunned by the growth. I find it funny that he literally has the same proportion, as if his whole body had just gotten enlarged on Photoshop. 😂🤣
 

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I also lost two kittens from the colony cats I take care of outside my home yesterday. It does happen, suddenly, with no apparent warning even if you do everything.
You are doing an amazing job and these cats are so lucky to have found you!
I second the recommendation you got to check out kittenlady - her advice and videos on caring for momma and kittens has been solid gold for me.
Thank you for helping them and taking such good care of them! Not everyone is willing to take in a stray in labour and then take care of them and pay the expenses that come with veterinary care etc.
You are an awesome human being.
 
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packofbiscuit

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I also lost two kittens from the colony cats I take care of outside my home yesterday. It does happen, suddenly, with no apparent warning even if you do everything.
You are doing an amazing job and these cats are so lucky to have found you!
I second the recommendation you got to check out kittenlady - her advice and videos on caring for momma and kittens has been solid gold for me.
Thank you for helping them and taking such good care of them! Not everyone is willing to take in a stray in labour and then take care of them and pay the expenses that come with veterinary care etc.
You are an awesome human being.
Hey there!

Sorry for what happened, yeah I guess it's one of those uncontrollable things. Kudos to you too for taking care of the colony!
I gave kittenlady a read when I was totally clueless early on, they are sure helpful in catching me up.

Thanks for your kind words, I believe you are too :)
 
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