[Yoda]

My cat, Marla, had five kittens two weeks ago. One died the first day and three within the first week. I have been force feeding the lone remaining kitten milk because Marla is not an attentive mother.

The kitten has been cold the past few days so I held him under my shirt against my chest and bought a hot water bottle for him to sleep with. Today when I fed him he didn't cough when I got too much milk in his throat. He is lethargic. I don't think there is anything more I can do for this kitten. I put hot water in the bottle again and placed him on it so he can be warm as he dies. So sad. He is only two weeks old.

[ariesmars]

that makes me so sad.

So sorry. I have lost many kittens in my life and it hurts so much.

That is sad Yoda.... I'm sorry. I watched this same thing happen when I was very young. The mother was very good, the kittens were well formed and looked healthy... but all 4 died over the course of a few weeks. It's hard. You did everything you could.

[lynn P.]

((Yoda)) - so sorry to hear the kittens died and remaining survivor isn't doing well. You're doing all you can and its hard for them to survive when they need their mothers milk. When I was a teenager we bred our beautiful Himalayan cat and all her kittens passed - they had trouble nursing and she wasn't cleaning them - apparently the mother cleaning their rear helps them pooh and without it they can't go until they're older. Sorry Yoda.

[kindachaotic]

Yoda, I am so sorry. Nobody could've done any better than you did.
Those of us who've lost our beloved pets really feel your pain.
Take it easy on yourself.

[MyFathersGirl]

I'm so sorry Yoda. It is bad enough losing one pet that has become part of a family but I can't even fathom losing that many in such a short time. I'm sure you already know about it but if not check out this link.

http://petloss.com/rainbowbridge.htm

Hi Yoda....sad news. Your post was only today and I'm wondering if you tried gently holding Momcat down and 'plugging' in the kitten. if you're not dead on accurate that's ok it should find the nipple on it's own in a short time. Just hold it there while you encourage the mother to stay on it's side. There's a chance that may work if you persist. Hopefully a bonding might occur if you get the kitten actually suckling. I had to do that with an indifferent mother cat once and it did work.

Is your cat a young cat? Is it her first litter as well? As far as milk goes an eyedropper is ideal. Easily had at a pharmacy/dollar store for a buck if you don't already have one. And water the milk down a bit...whole cows milk might be a little to tough for it to digest properly. The main thing would be to get it plugged in as I said. Mother puss will be confused but I don't think she'll fight you much if you persist.

I don't mean to overwhelm you with info here. The hot water bottle and a towel is fine as long as it isn't too warm of course. i hope you're having some luck with this. Let me know if you can? if you have any questions I can try to find answers for you. Good luck ok? If it's meant to be it will be if not well it's a sad thing but nature has it's reasons. Take care for now.

PS...just hold mom cat down gently and talk quietly to her. It may take several tries and some time but hopefully once the kitten actually latches on she'll warm to the idea. repeat this as necessary if you're around. Or get someone to regularly do it. Again good luck with it.

Goats milk costs a little more than cow but they recommend it for situations like this. Might be ok to try that or skim or watered down whole milk. while you're working on the mom acceptance thing. dilute the whole cows milk 50/50. If it's 2 percent milk just a little water perhaps...maybe 75milk/25water. Feel free to message me if you like.

[Yoda]

My kitten has died.

Initially I placed the kitten and his mother in the cat carrier to encourage her to nurse the baby and keep him warm. She crates well and that worked well for awhile but a few days ago when I did that she ignored the kitten and was scratching at crate door trying to get out so I bought the hot water bottle (have used heating pad in past with kittens before my electrical troubles)

I bought some powdered kitten formula at the vet and they gave me two different size syringes and a bottle. I have read that cow's milk is too low in protein and fat for kittens and the source suggested adding an egg yolk to eight oz cow's milk as a temporary measure. http://www.saveacat.org/tamingferals.html Not sure why you suggest watering down the cow's milk. Perhaps my source is outdated/wrong.

Yesterday evening the kitten walked off the hot water bottle into another area of the box to void and defecate. I thought that was a positive sign that he wanted to keep the area where he slept clean. But he was too fragile to make it. I know kittens often die young. I read that 30% die in the first four weeks and up to 75% die in the first year. I try not to get attached when they are so young but this little one liked to crawl up my chest and lie by my neck. I sorrow for what could have been.

[roads]

I just saw this thread and read it thru to this sorrowful ending. I am so sorry. ((((Yoda))))
Roadie

[lizardlady]

Yoda, I'm so sorry the kitten died. Would it help to focus on the love you gave the kitten while it was alive? It might have been a short life, but it was filled with love and caring from you.

[Fresia]

I am so sorry to hear about this loss. They are so blessed to have had your tender hearted care and attention.

Sorry to hear Yoda. It's ok....it was meant perhaps. You did the right things. I have had a few cats over the years and seen some litters not do well. As far as the cows milk it's just what i was told once and a quick internet search last night suggested pure cow wasn't the easiest to digest is all. You had a handle on it though. I'm sad for the little thing with you. Take care.

[seeker1950]

So sorry, Yoda. You tried your best, but maybe the mother sensed something we humans can't. It is sad for you. Sending loving thoughts your way.
Patty