Stimulation

[Diana Robinson]

How often should a 2 week old kitten be stimulated for bowel movements? Mom rejected and I am trying to do what is right for him.

 

[Kieka]

At every feeding you should be stimulating him. Kitten Lady has a lot of helpful articles and videos on neonatal kitten care, Stimulating Kittens — Kitten Lady

 

[Sarthur2]

Just to add, Kitten Lady recommends an ointment for a chapped bottom, but if you don’t have any on hand you can use coconut oil or even a dab of petroleum jelly.

 

[Diana Robinson]

Had him at ER. No poop for 3 days. Had enema, small buyer, then chalky stool, dehydration. Giving mineral oil and probiotics. Rectum sore. Using Vaseline. Some loose stool this morning but nothing more. Should I be concerned?

 

[Diana Robinson]

Had him at ER. No poop for 3 days. Had enema, small buyer, then chalky stool, dehydration. Giving mineral oil and probiotics. Rectum sore. Using Vaseline. Some loose stool this morning but nothing more. Should I be concerned? Sorry, small nugget caused blockage then chalky stool.

 

[catsknowme]

Are you using 50/50 good water/unflavored pedialyte? Also, ask the vet about using Benebac plus or Fortiflora to rebuild good gut bacteria after the enema. Formula should be heated to 100°; too hot & kitten can get scorched mouth, too cold can cause digestive difficulty. You might find Chapter 2 of this guide useful:
Guide to Raising Underage Kittens - University of Wisconsin Madison Shelter Medicine Program

 

[Sarthur2]

I can better respond if you answer a few questions for background.

What brand formula are you feeding? Powdered or pre-mixed?

How much does the kitten weigh?

How much and how often are you feeding?

D Diana Robinson

 

[Diana Robinson]

2 tsp powdered milk replacement every 4-6 hours. With bowls not moving, afraid to feed more often. I do not know the weight.

 

[Diana Robinson]

2 tsp powdered milk replacement every 4-6 hours. With bowls not moving, afraid to feed more often. I do not know the weight. I have changed to pre-mixed milk.

 

[catsknowme]

It might be best to stay with powdered formula and add 2 drops olive oil per bottle. Neonates need lots of nourishment in tiny but frequent doses that allow their new digestive systems to digest well.

 

[Diana Robinson]

Extra virgin olive oil be ok?

 

[Diana Robinson]

Do I still use the mineral oil also? I think it would be too much.

 

[Sarthur2]

I fear he is dehydrated and not getting nearly enough food for a 2-week-old kitten - in fact, nearly starving. No wonder his bowels don’t move. Withholding food only makes it worse.

How much does he weigh? At 2 weeks he needs to weigh 8 ounces to be healthy. He would need at least a minimum of 64mLs of formula each 24 hours, fed at 3 hour intervals, meaning he would get at least 8mLs per feeding, more if he wants it. What you are feeding is not enough.

Get to a vet for a free weigh-in or buy a scale that weighs in grams. This is the only way to know for sure if he is getting enough milk and growing. Kittens need to gain 10 grams or more per day.

Kitten’s weight, brand of food, and amount of food all matter.

Yes, 2-3 drops of olive oil (any kind) will help soften stool and move bowels, but if your kitten is not getting enough food to stay hydrated, much less to grow on, they will not poop regularly.

We need a weight on your kitten and you need to up your feedings in amount and frequency. In fact, by 3 weeks your kitten should weigh 12 ounces.

D Diana Robinson

 

[Sarthur2]

How is the kitten doing today? Is he eating more? Has he pooped?

D Diana Robinson

 

[Diana Robinson]

The kitten is doing great now. Poops regularly, and healthy appetite. Very active. He is on a Probiotic for his digestive system.
He is drinking his milk and starting to eat canned kitten food as well as dry kitten food.,

 

[Diana Robinson]

The kitten is doing great now. Poops regularly, and healthy appetite. Very active. He is on a Probiotic for his digestive system.
He is drinking his milk and starting to eat canned kitten food as well as dry kitten food. Poor baby had a blockage and had to get things moving after blockage was removed.

 

[catsknowme]

Wonderful news!!!! How was the blockage finally removed? Other kitten guardians might benefit from knowing about your experience.
I am so proud of the good job you have done in saving a tiny & very fragile life . And thank you for the updates