Mama cat has 4 kittens and only one functioning nipple...can we do something to help her?

Question

Our mama kitty had kits a week ago and at first we thought they were all eating well since they all were huddled in that area. After a day or so we noticed that one kitten is growing like crazy and the others are smaller...two of the kittens are weaker and one poor little thing might not make it. We bought some KMR and have been dropper-feeding every couple of hours since the second day but the very small one is lethargic and won't take much when we do feed her. She cries a lot and it is breaking my heart...can we do something else or is this something we need to call a vet for? Money is very tight and we just can't afford a vet bill now, but I wonder if the littlest kitten can hold out with just bottle feeding. The others really push and shove for the one nipple and we take the 2 largest ones out occasionally so the littler ones can get a chance. The smallest doesn't seem to have the energy to latch on to mama at all. I know that sometimes nature takes its' own course but I don't want to give up yet...help? Bless you!!!

Answer 1

Well you can ask your local vet for one of those little animal bottles that's what i did

i saved a week old kitten whose mama abandoned it so i  ask the vet for some of the pet formula and one of those bottles and you have to squeeze some out and put it on its mouth before it will take to the bottle

Answer 2

I would use the substitute bottle feeding.  Make sure the nipples are open on the bottles.  You sometimes have to use a hot needle to open the nipple opening.  Remember you need to burp the baby after feeding by rubbing the back and use a soft, moist rag to wipe their bottom to make them go bathroom.

Answer 3

lET THE RUNT feed first... and then take turns feeding each kitten

THEN ONE BY ONE put them on the nipple. (alone w/ no others)  each kitten will get fed because mom will make enough milk.

Hopefully the mom will clean them and make them go poo.

You are going to have to suplement the kittens but it is better than feeding ALL of them by yourself.

You are going to have to help her throughout the night too.

bottle feeding and then put each on the teat.

Give the runt a bit of surgar water in a dropper... (not a lot just enough to help with the energy level.  Like I said allow him to nurse first.

get the LONG THIN nipple not the ones shaped like a U

it is easier for them to suck on it.

good luck

Answer 4

Call a vet and ask your question and they might answer you or maybe they will have a payment plan if they want to see the mama cat & kittens. My vet yelled at me for not calling sooner about something as I had no money. Good luck.  

Answer 5

I think that what your doing with separating them is good. Just keep doing what your doing and give your vet a call.  I am sure they can give you some good advice.  Unfortunately, they could just have been born with problems and there may not be much you or your vet can do.  If you can you really should take them to the vet.  Many vets are very kind and will allow you to make payments.  I wish you the best.

Answer 6

Well, if you go to petsmart or petco, they sell little bottles ( like baby bottles ) you should get that, and im not sure if they sell cat milk, or something like that too there. you can bottle feed them instead. that's what we did with my kitten. hope this helps =] also, if they dont, just put normal milk in the bottle and heat it up a bit, like 10 seconds in a microwave.

Answer 7

Continue to bottle feed and make sure they are getting enough at each feeding.  If she is crying she is hungry.  Continue with the KMR, with a lot of patience and lack of sleep she just might make it.  One of your biggest risks right now is her becoming dehydrated and kittens can and will die from it (not to be dramatic but it is very serious ).  Keep getting the KMR down her.  If she is weak she won't have the energy to nurse from mom.