I'm not a vet but can almost guarantee that your little ones have Coccidia. Very common in hand raised kittens. Most cats carry this parasite but it can be quite deadly in young kittens. They will need Baycox or similiar or they all could die. Some immune systems might be better but ..
I'm sorry to hear about the two that have passed. I did read you cannot afford a vet but perhaps a local shelter or rescue might help out?
Here's some info I got from a very good site.
Sick kittens can go downhill very quickly. If you see any of the following symptoms, call a CC4C member or your vet IMMEDIATELY:
Never hesitate to call a CC4C member if you have any concerns about the kittens in your care. No question is too stupid or inconsequential. Please ask for help!
When a kitten dies: Sadly, however hard we all try, some kittens inevitably die, or become so ill the veterinarian will recommend euthanasia. Sometimes no specific reason can be known – what is called “fading kitten syndrome.” (NOTE: One experienced cat breeder has had success in overcoming this syndrome. When a kitten stops eating and shows no upper respiratory symptoms, give an antibiotic such as amoxicillin. It’s worth a try.) Whatever the reason, it is extremely difficult emotionally to lose a kitten you have nursed with loving care. We understand this and sympathize with you.
I'm sorry to hear about the two that have passed. I did read you cannot afford a vet but perhaps a local shelter or rescue might help out?
Here's some info I got from a very good site.
Sick kittens can go downhill very quickly. If you see any of the following symptoms, call a CC4C member or your vet IMMEDIATELY:
- Diarrhea (very dangerous in tiny kittens)
- Constipation (no stool for 2 or 3 days)
- Breathing difficulty
- Refusal to eat; missed more than one feeding
- Eye discharge or runny nose
- Lethargic
- Take both a stool sample and each kitten in the litter to the vet for a medication called Albon (dosage by weight, once a day for 7-10 days).
- It is imperative during this time to keep the kittens extremely clean, because the diarrhea can cause their rear ends to become sore and raw.
- You will probably need to bathe them at each feeding. Then treat their rears with Bag Balm or Desitin (for diaper rash).
- Helping them to urinate and defecate under running water using a mild soap will alleviate the pain for them.
- KEEP THEM CLEAN DURING THIS TIME.
Never hesitate to call a CC4C member if you have any concerns about the kittens in your care. No question is too stupid or inconsequential. Please ask for help!
When a kitten dies: Sadly, however hard we all try, some kittens inevitably die, or become so ill the veterinarian will recommend euthanasia. Sometimes no specific reason can be known – what is called “fading kitten syndrome.” (NOTE: One experienced cat breeder has had success in overcoming this syndrome. When a kitten stops eating and shows no upper respiratory symptoms, give an antibiotic such as amoxicillin. It’s worth a try.) Whatever the reason, it is extremely difficult emotionally to lose a kitten you have nursed with loving care. We understand this and sympathize with you.