- Joined
- Sep 6, 2017
- Messages
- 16
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Hi everyone - I came home from work yesterday to find 2 newborns. I thought all was well but I have yet to see one of them suckle. I have placed the kitten to the nipple, squeezed out a little milk to inspire but she just won't latch. She cries, I assume out of hunger but once she's tucked in with the 2nd kitten near mom she stops crying while the other kitten continuously nurses. They are in a small room with a space heater for continuous warmth.
I know typical advice would be to get supplies and bottle feed. I hesitate because I work 8-10 hours a day and could never provide the kind of feedings I know are necessary to support a young life. I have checked the kitten for cleft palate and see no signs of such.
It may be an unnecessary side note but both kittens are colorpoint and likely inbred (mom a stray from a colony I know contains a lot of the same genes). The kitten nursing well is solid white as I know he should be, and the non-suckling baby is far more cream/peach colored when compared to her sibling.
I should already be heading to work but if there is anything I can do to help this kit understand how to suckle it could save her life today. Thank you for any help or advice. P.S. You think putting a little sugar water on mom's nipples would help?
I know typical advice would be to get supplies and bottle feed. I hesitate because I work 8-10 hours a day and could never provide the kind of feedings I know are necessary to support a young life. I have checked the kitten for cleft palate and see no signs of such.
It may be an unnecessary side note but both kittens are colorpoint and likely inbred (mom a stray from a colony I know contains a lot of the same genes). The kitten nursing well is solid white as I know he should be, and the non-suckling baby is far more cream/peach colored when compared to her sibling.
I should already be heading to work but if there is anything I can do to help this kit understand how to suckle it could save her life today. Thank you for any help or advice. P.S. You think putting a little sugar water on mom's nipples would help?