Newborn kitten making clicking noise

Juliannaf24

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I rescued a stray not too long ago, we didn’t get around to getting her fixed because of corona and then we couldn’t find a vet with availability until April. She had kittens 6 days ago, 2 stillborn and 3 boys. On day 3 she had suffocated one and then on day 4 she would only go in her nest with them for brief moments every 2 or so hours. Then she ran in 3 times growling and sat on them limp, so we called the vet and a cat specialist and then both recommended on us separating and bottle feeding the kittens.
Im new at this and don’t want to leave out information that can be helpful.
The past two days they have been latching to the bottle, peeing with every feeding and pooped twice each today. But one of them have only latched once today, and barely ate. He has also been making a clicking sound which is what I’m concerned about. I’m afraid he might have pneumonia. He isn’t lethargic, still gets hungry (but doesn’t eat well) and only makes the noise every now and then, with the occasional sneeze .
He is the big one of the 2 and is 212 grams at 6 days old, the other one is 198g. So they are pretty big for their age, they have been gaining about 15g a day. the other one also opened one eye at 4 days old which is also early from what I’ve read.
Today I switched to KMR from a Walmart kitten replacer that we used yesterday because I’ve read more about KMR, so maybe they just aren’t used to the new formula.
Tomorrow syringes and miracle nipples come in the mail, so I’m hoping that maybe they just don’t like their bottles they have now.
I’ve been watching many of Kittenladys videos and doing hours of research so I’m pretty sure they are in the right position while feeding. Which I’ve been doing every 2 hours along with stimulating and cleaning.
Should I bring them to the ER tomorrow? Or should I wait to see if they latch to the miracle nipples? If anyone has any advise or tips please let me know!
 

Sarthur2

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Which brand KMR are you feeding? Is it the powdered or pre-mixed liquid?

Are both eating poorly now or just the one with the clicking noises?

The kitten who is clicking definitely needs to be started on an antibiotic immediately, and may need a steroid to help clear its lungs. The clicking is definitely pneumonia and it does not clear on its own. Get this kitten seen ASAP.

J Juliannaf24
 
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Juliannaf24

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I’m using a powdered KMR that I got at the pet store, it has a white kitten on it. Neither of them are feeding that good but the smaller kitten has ate a lot more then the other and is latching more often. Thank you I read something earlier about how the clicking noise could be just dry mouth, and I couldn’t get a hold of the vet today, so I wanted to ask another opinion before spending a couple hundred at the vet.
 
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Juliannaf24

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I rescued a stray not too long ago, we didn’t get around to getting her fixed because of corona and then we couldn’t find a vet with availability until April. She had kittens 6 days ago, 2 stillborn and 3 boys. On day 3 she had suffocated one and then on day 4 she would only go in her nest with them for brief moments every 2 or so hours. Then she ran in 3 times growling and sat on them limp, so we called the vet and a cat specialist and then both recommended on us separating and bottle feeding the kittens.
Im new at this and don’t want to leave out information that can be helpful.
The past two days they have been latching to the bottle, peeing with every feeding and pooped twice each today. But one of them have only latched once today, and barely ate. He has also been making a clicking sound which is what I’m concerned about. I’m afraid he might have pneumonia. He isn’t lethargic, still gets hungry (but doesn’t eat well) and only makes the noise every now and then, with the occasional sneeze .
He is the big one of the 2 and is 212 grams at 6 days old, the other one is 198g. So they are pretty big for their age, they have been gaining about 15g a day. the other one also opened one eye at 4 days old which is also early from what I’ve read.
Today I switched to KMR from a Walmart kitten replacer that we used yesterday because I’ve read more about KMR, so maybe they just aren’t used to the new formula.
Tomorrow syringes and miracle nipples come in the mail, so I’m hoping that maybe they just don’t like their bottles they have now.
I’ve been watching many of Kittenladys videos and doing hours of research so I’m pretty sure they are in the right position while feeding. Which I’ve been doing every 2 hours along with stimulating and cleaning.
Should I bring them to the ER tomorrow? Or should I wait to see if they latch to the miracle nipples? If anyone has any advise or tips please let me know!
Update: I tried a different nipple that came with the bottle and warmed the formula a little more then I usually do and they both latched right away, and ate their full serving no problems. I’m still going to call the vet and bring them in tomorrow because of the clicking and sneezing.
 

StefanZ

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I’m using a powdered KMR that I got at the pet store, it has a white kitten on it. Neither of them are feeding that good but the smaller kitten has ate a lot more then the other and is latching more often. Thank you I read something earlier about how the clicking noise could be just dry mouth, and I couldn’t get a hold of the vet today, so I wanted to ask another opinion before spending a couple hundred at the vet.
The clicking we always see as potentially alarming sign, but I agree with you; occasionally its nothing dangerous. If the kitten in question is otherwise fine (your next post hints he is OK) - we can hope it was this non dangerous case.
Still, if you do have access to a vet, consult this vet. Better safe than sorry.
 

catsknowme

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Do you have a candy thermometer? Formula should be served at 100°F. I applaud you for your efforts! Maddie's Fund has an assortment of training videos & articles that are in depth for veterinary professionals (valid continuing education credits) but designed to be useful for lay people (for those of us who rescue with the most basic of resources such as rice-or-cornmeal socks & covered boxes instead of incubators; steamed bathrooms instead of nebulizers, etc) . Here are a couple of links. And please keep us updated & don't hesitate to reach out either here or via Private Message!
Orphaned Kitten Care How to

Critical Care of the Sick Neonatal Kitten
 
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