Just found some kittens. If the Mom abandons them, what should I do?

[catwoman707]

No, they're probably a couple weeks old, judging only by size (can we get a cat age expert in here?).

And a few hours.

Will they leave their young if human scent is there? We touched the blanket, and moved the cat on it.

That helps, but until they are 3 weeks old are they able to stay warm on their own.

I could tell you within a couple/few days their age if I knew more details.

No, moms don't leave them because of human scent. 

 

[dagger311]

What details?

 

[tjcarst]

Did you put warm water bottle with baby? If not I fear he will not make it. He needs warmth from another source. Mom, litter mates are gone.

 

[dagger311]

I have none small enough to fit in the box. I wrapped the blanket around him as best I could. It's thick, hopefully it'll work. I don't think she's coming back. What if a wild animal comes by? It could eat him! What if we turn him over to a shelter, only to have her come back

 

[catwoman707]

What details?

Not so much how they look but more their motor skills, if they walk, if they walk with their back legs straight (doubt this one yet) how they act, are their eyes wide open, how long ago did they open, are their ears up yet, things like this, but hard to know in a tool box.

I went grocery shopping, I sure hope by now she came to get the last one...

 

[dagger311]

Eyes aren't open, and they tumble more than walk. She's not back yet. He feels warm, but is like, opening and closing his mouth on the blanket. Like he's trying to eat it.

 

[catwoman707]

Eyes aren't open, and they tumble more than walk. She's not back yet. He feels warm, but is like, opening and closing his mouth on the blanket. Like he's trying to eat it.

Hun I think he might be dying. Eyes are not open?? The first week of their life. He is not going to survive. It's not possible.

What you are describing is the end stage of life, looks like mouth opens and closes, like a small gasp.

Too young to make it long without warmth, no more than 10 minutes alone like that, and the body temp goes down fast, no milk for hours like that, dehydration begins as soon as milk in tummy digest, as they are unable to store and reserve.

 

[dagger311]

Why would she leave him? I have nothing to help him. No baby bottles for milk or anything. There's nothing I can do then.

 

[catpack]

I believe it has been 4+ hrs since anyone last saw the mom?
I highly suggest taking baby inside. If eyes are not open, this baby is less than 10 days old. I agree with Catwoman707, that this baby is going to need to be hand raised if it is to survive.

 

[catwoman707]

The mouth thing you described is a kitten in it's dying stage.

I mean unless it's moving it's head around in search of mom and a nipple, then it's an entirely different story!

If kitten is laying, likely on it's side, not moving, and is opening and closing it's mouth to breath, in slower, steady gasps, it is dying.

 

[catwoman707]

Why would she leave him? I have nothing to help him. No baby bottles for milk or anything. There's nothing I can do then.

I was explaining earlier, it happens very often, especially when moving them outdoors to another location, it's very hard for mom to do this, and they will forget to take the last one.

 

[Norachan]

Mother cats can't count. She might have moved the kittens and forgotten to come back for the last one.

The only thing you can do is try to keep him warm. Pick him up and put him inside your shirt for warmth. He won't be able to digest milk if he is cold but you could try a little honey or glucose syrup on his lips.

Warmth is the best option now, if he is a fighter Catwoman can give you some good advice on how to feed him.

Thanks for trying to help.

 

[catpack]

You can keep the baby warm and give it any kind of milk for the night. You can use a medicine dropper, syringe or dab small amounts off your finger. Make sure to put milk in the baby's cheek, not down the throat. You can also use plain yogurt.

Can also use Kayro Syrup (white) to keep blood sugar up.

 

[dagger311]

Mom took him. We're doing everything we can for now. He's breathing normal again, but slowly. We're giving him food now.

I don't care if she comes back or not. Any parent who leaves their baby alone without food or warmth for almost a whole day, doesn't deserve the baby.

We think he's sick.

 

[dagger311]

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• dagger311
• May 2, 2014

 

[catwoman707]

Mom took him. We're doing everything we can for now. He's breathing normal again, but slowly. We're giving him food now.

I don't care if she comes back or not. Any parent who leaves their baby alone without food or warmth for almost a whole day, doesn't deserve the baby.

We think he's sick.

PLEASE WAIT!!!!

You can't feed a baby that cold! Not cold to you but the body temp MUST be at the very least 96 degrees!

Please warm first, holding baby right on skin is best, don't try to rush this, babys organs are dormant now, and feeding him will literally kill him

 

[catwoman707]

Crap! I'm panicked.

He can't be warm enough, he's been out there without mom all day long.

He MUST be warmed on a heating pad on low for a while.

 

[dagger311]

He's warmed and fed. Mom worked at a shelter for a while, and anything is better than nothing. He's under a lightbulb and was fed warm milk.

 

[catwoman707]

Whew!!  I have to tell you I was stressing out.

I can't imagine what made him warmed that fast, but okay, if you say so.

I hope he makes it through, but at least you are trying.

 

[dagger311]

He's wrapped up in a pot holder (of all things). To be honest, I don't think he's gonna make it. He's very weak. All he's doing is laying there. I think man may have lost this one.

IMG_20140502_235818.jpg

• dagger311
• May 2, 2014