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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsHELP - There's A Newborn Abandoned Kitten In My Backyard
It's just behind the fence. It's mother, who hangs around my backyard, gave birth a day or two ago and had a nest of sorts under a bush just behind a fence on my property.
I noticed it today, and the mother has moved all the kittens (my wife says there looked to be three or four) except a small, grey one.
It still has its eyes closed. I put food out for the mother an hour ago, and I checked again just now and the food looks untouched and the kitten was still there.
Do I take it in? Do I leave it out?
It's getting dark soon and the temperature is dropping.
Advice, please!
darkangel218
(13,985 posts)Go to your local pet store or wallmart, they sell kitten formula and small nursing bottles!!! They're very cheap, but you'll have to feed the baby kitteh every 3/4 hours!! I can help you with advice, but please don't let the kitten outside!!!!
Ikonoklast
(23,973 posts)In order to eliminate waste, a mother cat will lick the kitten's genitals and anus in order to stimulate urination and defecation.
Use a moist, warm washcloth to stimulate the kitten after every feeding, or it will not survive.
Good info HERE: http://www.kittenrescue.org/pages.php?pageid=15
The two kitty siblings in my sigline were both abandoned at a week and bottle-fed by me.
darkangel218
(13,985 posts)It can be messy for a few.weeks but so well worth it!!! I kept my rescued kittehs in basket with paper towels on the bottom and covered with a light weight cloth I'm top. Once they start climbing though, there is no stopping them!!
Ikonoklast
(23,973 posts)We once had two feral litters at the same time, that was, uh, busy times to say the least.
But when they start wobbling their chubby little butts around, so much fun!
We make sure they all get forever homes.
nolabear
(41,986 posts)I'm glad the little fella has a kind soul who'll take responsibility. Mama probably got scared or overwhelmed.
LadyHawkAZ
(6,199 posts)and head for the store for a feeding bottle and some formula. If she's abandoned the baby it might not make it in spite of your care, but it never hurts to try.
Don't forget to wipe its butt with a warm washrag after you feed it.
alphafemale
(18,497 posts)But everything deserves a chance.
Glad you were this kitten's angel.
WooWooWoo
(454 posts)i'll try to get pics up....
dixiegrrrrl
(60,010 posts)and if you have a soft plush teddy bear or other toy, it will curl up to it.
Keep the whole thing..blanket, toy, kitten, in a smallish box with a towel over it,
preferably where you can check on it easily.
I raised an abandoned kitten 2 years ago, he did very well.
Tuesday Afternoon
(56,912 posts)gosh the cuteness. gotta see it
Ikonoklast
(23,973 posts)Bast smiles down on those that protect Her defenseless children.
nolabear
(41,986 posts)Bast or Bastet. I'm also assuming she's a she.
Ahpook
(2,750 posts)Thankfully an ex of mine has helped me out with people to contact that can take care of this kind of thing.
You really are an angel for helping
Hayabusa
(2,135 posts)Fuck nature. At least on this case. Take it in!
discntnt_irny_srcsm
(18,479 posts)You're its only hope at this point.
Kitten formula and staying warm are important.
http://www.cat-world.com.au/raising-orphaned-kittens
Let me know if you have problems or more questions. (here or by DUmail)
WooWooWoo
(454 posts)[img][/img]
This was the kitten in its original location.
[img][/img]
This is is in a food box.
[img][/img]
In my wife's hands.
LadyHawkAZ
(6,199 posts)darkangel218
(13,985 posts)Look how happy and content the lil baby is!! Fell right asleep!! May whatever force is out there bless you! Xxxxx
:') happy tears
nolabear
(41,986 posts)If you don't want to foster it you can find someone who can. Pet stores sell the right formula. Feed it and rub its tummy with a wet cloth every few hours (mom licks to stimulate their bowels) Keep it warm and let it rest.
Fostered kitties have lovely personalities.
warrior1
(12,325 posts)warrior1
(12,325 posts)nolabear
(41,986 posts):
Tuesday Afternoon
(56,912 posts)Did the sweet little creature make it through the night?
WooWooWoo
(454 posts)The kitten survived the night. We tried feeding it with a bottle, but it really didn't look that interested in feeding. It wanted to crawl around a lot.
We called the SPCA and then they put us in touch with some people from our Town, and they said to try putting it back where we got it.
We know the parents were still around, because we saw them earlier today. So I went to the back of the fence where I found the kitten, and it was crying, and I gently put it down on some leaves.
The mother (or dad, I couldn't tell) came by after I stepped back a few yards, and picked it up and carried it away.
So hopefully this is a happy ending to the story, though I would have preferred the kitten be given to a shelter, the guy from the Town said it would probably get euthanized if it was brought in.
hrmjustin
(71,265 posts)I got 5 cats so I love animals.
LisaL
(44,973 posts)Jeff R
(322 posts)You will always be mom from now on.
Good feeling saving a life.
Loryn
(944 posts)You did a good thing!
warrior1
(12,325 posts)Do you know if the mama is a stray?