Learn about bottle feeding a kitten, choosing the right kitten formula and milkreplacer, kitten care and kitten health, litter box training and kitten behavior, kitten health care and kitten diseases with all the symptoms and treatments, along with many kitten photos and pictures.
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LOOKING FOR A SWEET EASTER TREAT? THE BEST BUNNIES ARE CHOCOLATE ONES!
It's that time of year again, and real live bunnies will be on their way into many homes in America this April 16—courtesy of well-meaning parents who think they're buying a low-maintenance starter pet for the kids. Unfortunately, young children and bunnies aren't at all a good match—and when the novelty wears off, many of these Easter rabbits will wind up at shelters. Unlucky ones may be dumped outside where they must face predators, cars, illness and injury. Still others are destined to lives of neglect and boredom in cramped cages.
If your family's set on getting a rabbit, give a chocolate bunny or a stuffed toy for Easter and, if your young children are really serious, a book on rabbit care. If they're still begging you for a bun after the holiday has passed, go to your local shelter or rescue group and find out how to adopt the rabbit (or even better, a bonded pair) of your dreams. For info on bunny care and rescue groups, head to the House Rabbit Society online.
You can also help spread the word that rabbits are not disposable pets by getting involved in the "Make Mine Chocolate!" campaign. Started in 2002 by the Columbus House Rabbit Society, the Make Mine Chocolate! campaign aims to educate the public about the challenges of properly caring for rabbits and encourages parents to give chocolate or toy bunnies as Easter gifts instead of live rabbits. Check out the group's website, MakeMineChocolate.org, where you can visit the interactive learning center, buy a Make Mine Chocolate! tee or pin, and test your knowledge of bunny nutrition with the "What Will You Feed Your Rabbit?" game.I am happy to announce that the Wildlife and Pet Forum on the Rainbow Wildlife Rescue site is
finally launched!
3 days ago I was called by a lady who was given my number from the local animal shelter. She said her cat was attacked by a dog and she had 2 kittens that just opened their eyes, but weren't doing so good. She had tried to feed them with an eyedropper with what I assume was cow's milk.
Of course I accepted the 2 kittens, a male and a female. The male fell into a coma the next day, but came around again. He had pneumonia from the cow's milk ending up in his respitory system. He had terrible diarrhea and no control about his bodily functions.
After he screamed in pain for a while, I decided it's best to relief him of his suffering.
On the way to the vet, he fell into a coma again and never woke up.
His sister Sally is doing great though! With the Lab Butters to help a bit:
My Lab Butters and Husky Nicholai are helping to make the kitten feel safer each day:
This longhaired kitten was not only abused, but starved and neglected. Her eyes are infected and are treated with Penicillin. Her appetite is great and bowel movement appears healthy as well. Since she is scared of humans, we slowly get her used to the hand, and even got a soft purring out of her. There is hope :).
We named her Velvet:
| Is the Kitty Dehydrated? |  | |
Hydration is basically how much water we have in our system. Since water drives all of our metabolic functions, you can see why adequate hydration is essential.
The longer it takes the skin to return to its place, the more fluids your kitten needs. In severely dehydrated kittens, the shelter manager may decide to inject water or electrolyte solution under the kitten's skin, for faster absorption.
 Smart Cat Products Treatment: A kitten that is noticeably dehydrated should receive prompt veterinary attention. Treatment is directed at replacing fluids and preventing further losses. In mild cases without vomiting, fluids can be given by mouth. If the kitten won't drink, give an electrolyte solution by bottle or syringe into the cheek pouch. Balanced electrolyte solutions for treating dehydration in children are available at drugstores. Ringer's lactate with 5 percent Dextrose in water and a solution called Pedialyte are suitable for kittens. They are given at the rate of two to four milliliters per pound body weight per hour, depending on the severity of the dehydration (or as directed by your veterinarian). Feed the solution every 2 hours until the skin snaps back accordingly. Then start with a thin milk replacer mixed with the electrolyte solution. | ||
| Weaning your Kitten | | |
The weaning process starts when the kitten is 4 weeks of age. Start by feeding it formula in a bowl. Do not leave the kittens unattended with the bowl at first! The kittens will run through the bowl and the dried milk on the fur and skin can cause ringworms and other skin and fur problems.
Then gradually introduce solid food. Moisten dry kitten food with formula or water. Read the labels! The dried Kitten food should contain at least 30% of Crude Protein. Much of what is sold in supermarkets is pure junk food and may not help your kitten thrive. Most canned cat foods will cause diarrhea and foul smelling stool. Don't expect the kitten to be weaned overnight. As it eats more often from the bowl, reduce the bottle feedings. Changes in diet or certain foods can cause diarrhea, so keep an eye on stools. Diarrhea can be life-threatening to a young kitten.
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