Preterm loss. Support and advise?

[heatherwillard0614]

Oh my gawd look at that little butterball getting big and healthy. That is awesome!!! Im so happy that Poppyand her baby are doing so well. I cant believe the kitten is only 8 days old lol little chunky monkey is absolutely adorable. Poppy is definitely doing a great job!

I gave her nose a little rub. It feels smooth. Possibly freckles or some more colour coming through? Poppy does have a black nose so could be that?
Baby does have some yellow residue around her mouth but again it’s not crusty just a little “stained” so I’m guessing milk? Poppy’s nipples look well and there’s no crusty business anywhere so I’m guessing it’s all normal

Yes, that is exactly why I asked how the kitty's nose felt. Since it is smooth and feels normal it is more than likely little freckles or some color coming in. Just a cute little nose on a cute little kitten.

I hope you and your family have been doing well. Thank you so very much for the update d

 

[Semicrazycatlady99]

Hi everyone!
Our two little kitties are doing really well. Poppy is thriving and is such a sweet loving Mama. Baby is growing so so fast! It’s going to be a big chonk. She’s going to be 2 weeks old tomorrow. She’s starting to waddle around and is putting her paws under her belly and getting around the box more and more each day. However, she still hasn’t opened her eyes. There’s absolutely no crust or dirt around the eyes, nose or ears. Poppy cleaned up the “dirt” I saw the other day. It seems like baby is “blinking” but with their eyes closed? There seems to be a movement on the lids like they’re tightening and loosening? It goes from sleeping eyelids (relaxed) to squeezing your eyelids shut like someone is holding a light to them. Is that a good sign? Is 13 days and eyes still closed a concern? I found contradicting info online :/ some places say 14 days max otherwise the baby should see a vet. Other places say 3-4 weeks is fine!

Pictures of our little darling and our gorgeous princess Poppy as payment for your kind advice and help xx

 

[heatherwillard0614]

I found contradicting info online :/ some places say 14 days max otherwise the baby should see a vet. Other places say 3-4 weeks is fine!

I also found the same thing but most of what I found was after 14 days you might want to consult a vet. With this being said 2 or 3 articles said it could be longer, that each kitten is different.

What kind of "dirt" did Poppy clean off of the kitten do you know? Do you notice any redness, swelling, discharge, etc like anything at all that might be signs of an infection? Maybe Poppy is cleaning the kittens eyes as soon as something is on them (if there is discharge, I'm not saying there is but could this be happening where she cleans it before you see the kitten) Is the kitten still thriving? Have you noticed if the kitten has showed any signs of distress, eating less, losing any weight, anything like this?
This kitten needs to stop playing and open its little eyes.. You, your family, and Poppy have been through enough lol We don't need a little scare from a kitten just developing a little slower.

Could you call the vet and see what they say? Explain how the eyes seem to squint and relax and see if they think something is possibly causing this? Or if they say just to give it a little more time?

I wish I had some actual helpful information to give... I'm sorry.

 

[Semicrazycatlady99]

I also found the same thing but most of what I found was after 14 days you might want to consult a vet. With this being said 2 or 3 articles said it could be longer, that each kitten is different.

What kind of "dirt" did Poppy clean off of the kitten do you know? Do you notice any redness, swelling, discharge, etc like anything at all that might be signs of an infection? Maybe Poppy is cleaning the kittens eyes as soon as something is on them (if there is discharge, I'm not saying there is but could this be happening where she cleans it before you see the kitten) Is the kitten still thriving? Have you noticed if the kitten has showed any signs of distress, eating less, losing any weight, anything like this?
This kitten needs to stop playing and open its little eyes.. You, your family, and Poppy have been through enough lol We don't need a little scare from a kitten just developing a little slower.

Could you call the vet and see what they say? Explain how the eyes seem to squint and relax and see if they think something is possibly causing this? Or if they say just to give it a little more time?

I wish I had some actual helpful information to give... I'm sorry.

Thank you!
By dirt I meant the stuff I mentioned around the nose. I think it was just some milk and it’s gone now and has been gone for a while. It has some colouring around its nose and mouth but it’s all smooth and clean. We check on them very often so I doubt she’d be that quick.
Yes baby is thriving. Gaining lots of weight. As of this morning 274g. Lovely and chunky. Feeding well. Strong. Loud. Alert. Responds to Poppy entering the box or when I weigh it. Poppy doesn’t seem to be cleaning one area more than others either. Just the general mama cat licks.
I’ll give it a couple more days. If we don’t see any eyeballs I’ll give the vet a call.
I did a lot of research and it seems that an infection would be making the area red and swollen which isn’t the case for us.
I’ll wait couple more days. I’m not too concerned just surprised. I’ll keep you updated xx

 

[Sarthur2]

Begin applying a warm wet cloth to the kitten’s eyes to loosen any “gunk” that may be stuck under the closed lids. Never force the eyes open, but it is definitely time for them to at least begin opening. I would call the vet if nothing is changed by tomorrow.

 

[heatherwillard0614]

Thank you!
By dirt I meant the stuff I mentioned around the nose. I think it was just some milk and it’s gone now and has been gone for a while. It has some colouring around its nose and mouth but it’s all smooth and clean. We check on them very often so I doubt she’d be that quick.
Yes baby is thriving. Gaining lots of weight. As of this morning 274g. Lovely and chunky. Feeding well. Strong. Loud. Alert. Responds to Poppy entering the box or when I weigh it. Poppy doesn’t seem to be cleaning one area more than others either. Just the general mama cat licks.
I’ll give it a couple more days. If we don’t see any eyeballs I’ll give the vet a call.
I did a lot of research and it seems that an infection would be making the area red and swollen which isn’t the case for us.
I’ll wait couple more days. I’m not too concerned just surprised. I’ll keep you updated xx

Yes I had read the same.. about redness swelling discharge. I figured you would see it because I knew you would be I think she is just trying to give us a scare lol little stinker haha... She is probably just going to take a little longer. I'm glad to hear she is growing so well and getting around. I'm also so happy Poppy is doing so well she is absolutely beautiful, and seems like very attentive momma. Doing a great job!

 

[heatherwillard0614]

S Semicrazycatlady99 hey just thought I'd check in with you.. I was wondering how Poppy and the kitten are doing. Has the kitten opened its eyes yet?

 

[Semicrazycatlady99]

S Semicrazycatlady99 hey just thought I'd check in with you.. I was wondering how Poppy and the kitten are doing. Has the kitten opened its eyes yet?

Hi!
Thank you for thinking of us
They’re doing great. Poppy is incredibly caring and attentive. We can’t get enough of all their cuddles.
Baby is growing so fast! I’m starting to think the dad is an actual lion!
Yes! The eyes are opening! Currently both open about half way. (I’ll try get a picture later) No discharge, redness or swelling.
The next morning after I posted about their eyes, they started slowly peeling open. I can see more and more each day. Baby is responding to light and sounds. The cheeky monster is also trying to climb out of the box!
Thank you for checking on us, thats

 

[heatherwillard0614]

Hi!
Thank you for thinking of us
They’re doing great. Poppy is incredibly caring and attentive. We can’t get enough of all their cuddles.
Baby is growing so fast! I’m starting to think the dad is an actual lion!
Yes! The eyes are opening! Currently both open about half way. (I’ll try get a picture later) No discharge, redness or swelling.
The next morning after I posted about their eyes, they started slowly peeling open. I can see more and more each day. Baby is responding to light and sounds. The cheeky monster is also trying to climb out of the box!
Thank you for checking on us, thats

Of course!!! I've been with you from the very beginning and think about you, your family, Poppy and baby often. I feel totally invested lol

I'm so glad to hear things are going smooth and like I said the little stinker was trying to give everyone a scare lol. Anyway all jokes aside I'm really glad to hear how things are going you are on my mind often and so is Poppy and her lil one.. they are both little troopers for sure. Poppy has been through so much and sounds like she is a great momma too. I honestly can't believe she is going to be 3 weeks tomorrow, time is flying.

Thank you so much for the update. Made my heart happy. Lol and you already know I'll take pictures whenever you are able to. Ok hun have a good morning (or whatever time of day) lol it's 4:50 am here

 

[Semicrazycatlady99]

Of course!!! I've been with you from the very beginning and think about you, your family, Poppy and baby often. I feel totally invested lol

I'm so glad to hear things are going smooth and like I said the little stinker was trying to give everyone a scare lol. Anyway all jokes aside I'm really glad to hear how things are going you are on my mind often and so is Poppy and her lil one.. they are both little troopers for sure. Poppy has been through so much and sounds like she is a great momma too. I honestly can't believe she is going to be 3 weeks tomorrow, time is flying.

Thank you so much for the update. Made my heart happy. Lol and you already know I'll take pictures whenever you are able to. Ok hun have a good morning (or whatever time of day) lol it's 4:50 am here

That’s so sweet and kind!
We’ve all been doing great and enjoying our little addition to the family
Now, I do have a question about the baby’s weight. I stopped weighing everyday about a week ago when I saw she’s been gaining really well and quickly. I weighed her on the 17/08 and it was 315g (+21g in 2 days). However I just weighed her and she’s now 315g (no change in 4 days). She is walking around the box a lot. Poppy is still feeding regularly. Could the weight be affected by her burning calories walking around or should I maybe supplement and offer 1-2 bottles a day? I’m surprised that the weight is the same after 4 days. Baby is growing bigger and developing beautifully. Super alert, like I said responding to sounds and lights, walking and trying to climb.

 

[Semicrazycatlady99]

Here’s some pics I just took. You can see how much of the eyes are open. Our four-legged alarm (any opportunity to alert mama and demand a nipple)

 

[cat_dad_dan]

However I just weighed her and she’s now 315g (no change in 4 days). She is walking around the box a lot.

Thanks for the update! She is around 3 weeks now, did you already start with the deworming?

 

[Semicrazycatlady99]

Thanks for the update! She is around 3 weeks now, did you already start with the deworming?

So shes 3 weeks tomorrow. I haven’t applied dewormer yet. Is any normal dewormer okay? I’ve never had to worm a small kitten like that. Are there special kitten dewormers?

 

[cat_dad_dan]

So shes 3 weeks tomorrow. I haven’t applied dewormer yet. Is any normal dewormer okay? I’ve never had to worm a small kitten like that. Are there special kitten dewormers?

Best to discuss this with your vet. I recently dewormed the kittens with an injector which the vet gave me. It is not very difficult but you have to know which dose to give.

 

[heatherwillard0614]

Here’s some pics I just took. You can see how much of the eyes are open. Our four-legged alarm (any opportunity to alert mama and demand a nipple)

Omgoodness her little peepers... absolutely adorable... BTW idk why I keep calling this kitten a her but until it is known for sure what the sex is she is a she in my eyes for now.. lol

Umm honestly I don't know about the weight question.. there are a few people on this thread that know a lot when it comes to kittens. Once they see it you should get some informative answers.

I can't believe how big she is getting. I just can't get over how Poppy has done. She is such a good attentive momma. You'll have to (if you would want to, you sont really "have" to lol) get some pics of them together

 

[Semicrazycatlady99]

Omgoodness her little peepers... absolutely adorable... BTW idk why I keep calling this kitten a her but until it is known for sure what the sex is she is a she in my eyes for now.. lol

Umm honestly I don't know about the weight question.. there are a few people on this thread that know a lot when it comes to kittens. Once they see it you should get some informative answers.

I can't believe how big she is getting. I just can't get over how Poppy has done. She is such a good attentive momma. You'll have to (if you would want to, you sont really "have" to lol) get some pics of them together

She/he adorable! We’re thinking it might actually be a boy but I’ll wait for the vet to tell me 100%.
I’ll go back to monitoring the weight every day. I’m not too concerned since Poppy is still regularly nursing and baby is growing and is very alert, appears healthy and well.
I’ve tried to catch a picture of them many times but as soon as I get my phone out Poppy jumps out asking for a head scratch. Only chance I get is on the camera when she’s nursing but then you can’t really see the baby very well Guess I have to wait til little one grows a bit more for a proper mama and baby photo shoot

 

[heatherwillard0614]

She/he adorable! We’re thinking it might actually be a boy but I’ll wait for the vet to tell me 100%.
I’ll go back to monitoring the weight every day. I’m not too concerned since Poppy is still regularly nursing and baby is growing and is very alert, appears healthy and well.
I’ve tried to catch a picture of them many times but as soon as I get my phone out Poppy jumps out asking for a head scratch. Only chance I get is on the camera when she’s nursing but then you can’t really see the baby very well Guess I have to wait til little one grows a bit more for a proper mama and baby photo shoot

Ok sounds good. If you are worried too you can call the vet and ask what they think about the weight. But honestly by how (s)he is acting (s)he seems to be nice and healthy.
I'll continue to wait "patiently" for more pics of them both lol.. no but seriously you are doing so good with them. I'm so glad how things have turned out. Poppy seems like such a special little lady and the kitten is a very special little thing.

 

[Sarthur2]

She weighs almost exactly what she should for nearly 3 weeks, which is close to 12 ounces. It sounds like she is growing and doing just fine! I see no need for supplementing as she has mom to herself. They grow, gain, plateau, and repeat —- just like human children. Also, no need for worming yet.

 

[Semicrazycatlady99]

Hi everyone! Concerning weight update. Since yesterday baby has lost about 18g. She’s now at 297g. Still very alert, loud, walking around, even managed to climb out of the box today. Poppy is very interested in her baby, attentively feeding, cleaning and sleeping with her darling. It’s like nothing has changed other than the sudden weight loss! I could even feel the change when I picked the little baby up! I could call the vet but I doubt they would know much about a kitten at this age. They’re just a standard “family vet” not one that specialises in tiny kittens. Should I offer a bottle in the morning? I wasn’t concerned yesterday but now I am!

 

[Semicrazycatlady99]

Could it be that Poppy isn’t producing any milk? Since she’s only got one baby her nipples are being stimulated less. I had a feel of her nipples, they all seem very flat and baby pink other than one. That’s the one nipple I see baby feeding on most. It’s brighter in colour and the area around it is raised. Definitely doesn’t look like mastitis though.
Baby is kneading during feeds. Could it be that she’s just not producing anything? I tried to have a feel of her nipples to see if any milk starts leaking but she wouldn’t let me do it for long enough. There is a white residue so I assume baby is getting something out of them!
The kitten seems to be very very agitated. I attempted a bottle feed but baby refused aggressively. I can try a syringe or a different nipple tomorrow morning.
Poppy is tending to her baby loads but at the same time she seems to walk off within minutes after laying down. The poor darling is then crying and crying until she returns for another 3-4 minutes before walking off again. Rinse and repeat. This has only really started today.
Kitten has now climbed out of the box 5 times in the last hour. Desperate for Poppy’s attention. She’ll lay down, give it a chance to nurse, then she walks off. Baby cries, she comes back for a few minutes, and walks off. It’s driving me nuts. I’ve tried putting them back in the box together but nothing. Poppy has food and water so it’s not like she’s searching for it. She’s been in her litter box. She’s purring and seems like her usual self other than the constant walking back and forth.
When I tried feeding baby she was incredibly concerned due to the crying and squealing. Believe me I watched so many videos by professionals and I was insanely gentle, this little one was having none of it.
They are currently on the floor, out of the box. This is the longest time Poppy has actually laid down with baby today.
I will also add, it’s obviously mid August here in the UK. It’s warm. There are no drafts. So temperature of the surroundings isn’t the issue. We’ve had the curtains shut for the past week so the room isn’t hot and stuffy either. It feels just right.
We’ve been through enough and I don’t want or need any more issues I don’t know if I’m just worrying too much but this isn’t how things looked 3 days ago.
Baby isn’t showing any signs of fading kitten syndrome other than the weight!
Should I leave them be? Try syringe or different teat tomorrow morning? Please I just need some advice or reassurance