[Valdyr]

Hi!

Me and my roommate live in a college apartment complex where there are loads of wild cats in the surrounding area. Recently, at least two of the cats have had kittens, and we and others have been trying to make sure they get fed and all that.

Today my roommate was attempting to befriend one kitten in particular when it bit her. She was still able to grab the cat and keep it, which is good, because according to animal control we have to keep it for 10 days to be sure it doesn't have rabies (there's been an outbreak apparently in another part of town.).

We had been hoping to keep a kitten in any case, so it's not a big deal, but now that we have it we think it might be really sick. It was lively enough this afternoon, but this evening we gave it a bath, and ever since then it's been very sedate and almost non-responsive. We did use some flea shampoo, but we were careful to follow the instructions. Afterwards we completely dried the cat and have kept it in a warm basket.

I've bought kitten food and given it plenty of water. It has eaten and passed waste since we've had it.

I'll be honest; neither one of us know much about cats...her family's always kept one, but I don't know anymore than what I could read in a book...but I'm getting worried about how lifeless the kitten is now. It's either completely unmoving, or sometimes shivering, even though to the touch it's warm.

We also suspect that the kitten is deaf...we've noticed in the past few weeks that we've been trying to befriend it that we've been able to sneak up on it when all of the other cats hear us and run off. Earlier this month, the kitten seemed to have some sort of eye infection, but it seems to have cleared up now.

I think that's all the information I can give you...as to approximate age, well, we've seen these kittens for about a month now, and at the first sighting they were walking around and eating the solid food that was out for the adult cats.

If anyone here could give us any suggestions we'd appreciate it. The animal control people are coming over tomorrow afternoon to inspect it. Also, it's an unfortunate reality that neither one of us has a lot of money at the moment; otherwise we would have taken it to the vet in the first place.

Thanks ahead of time,

Laura

 

[shlanon]

It would really help if you could take it to the vet...some of them offer payment plans, it can't hurt to ask. If not, I would at least call a vet and maybe they could give you some advice? Also see if there is a low cost clinic in your area, especially if you live in a larger city.
I'm not sure at what age you are supposed to be able to bathe cats, I know you shouldn't bathe very young kittens though. In your case, I have no idea since I don't know how old these kittens are, although from what you described I would guess a couple of months.
Is the kitten white? I ask because white cats have a higher incidence of being deaf as compared to other cats.
I'm not sure what to tell you to do other than try to keep the kitten warm, keep food and water out for him and try to get in touch with a vet.
Let us know how he does.

Edit: I just also wanted to warn you now, since you mentioned you don't know much about cats and may be looking for some flea treatment stuff...DO NOT use any over the counter spot on flea treatments such as Hartz! It has killed and injured many cats and should not even be on the market! There are some topics on this board about it which you can find it you look around.

 

[Aonir]

You didn't use Hartz did you??

 

[Valdyr]

Thanks for the help...the kitten is much better this morning. But yes, it was Hartz that my roommate got. We had no idea... (it's in the trash now.)

The guy from animal control came by this afternoon, but he doesn't seemed concerned. He did say that it would be unlikely any vet will see it while it's quarantined. So I guess we'll do our best until these 10 days are up?

If anyone has any advice, let me know, please. We want to give this kitten its best shot.

 

[Aonir]

Hartz is very deadly. Bathe your kitten as thoroughly as possible. Contact your vet and tell them your cat isnt acting well, its quarintined AND you put Hartz on it. See what your vet says!

 

[Lilly]

I have feral cats in my woods. Your cat probaby has alot of paresites inside along with fleas that are causing problems for him. It is important that you get him checked out.
If money is a problem there are organazations that can help you, especially with feral cats. Do a search on feral cats, I am going to check around and wright down some links for you. I will repost thease at a later time.
As for the hartz, you can call a vet and get frontline from them without a perscription. It does not cost very much more than hartz and is much more effective and safe. My cat slmost died from hartz flea medicine. Please click the link in my signature. Post your story there ans please tell everyone you know about hartz medicine and what it does!!!

 

[Lilly]

here are some links that will help you. Your cat is wild correct? That is called a feral cat. There are alot of people who will provide assistance to you and your kitten, also the kittens and cats in the area. Here are some links..
Alley cat Alleys
Feral cats online
Meowhoo.com Ferals care Links
Save Samoa
straypetadvocacy.org

Low Cost spay nueter surgery resorces
Low cost spay nueter links
Spay USA
Freinds of animals
Feline rescue resources
Love that Cat-Low cost or free resources

Please dont forget to click the link in my signature as well.

 

[Valdyr]

Oh, thanks for all the help guys, I really appreciate it.

We did our best to find a vet in the area, but it being the weekend and a holiday, lots of places weren't open, and the "24 emergie care" was only open to registered animals.

Cream Puff was doing much better, and then yesterday we had something wonderful happen. That afternoon, me and my roommate had noticed that, unfortunately, one of the other kittens had died. So we called Animal Control, and sat outside to wait. A few minutes later a couple arrive and head towards the cats, and we assume it's AC. But it wasn't. Turns out, this couple takes care of the feral cats in the area. Feeds them, takes them to the vet, etc. So we tell them our problem, and they tell us which vet they use and tell us to take it to them and that they'll cover the costs! They were so happy that we were willing to give it a home. So we made plans that first thing this morning we'd take kitten on over.

But, unfortunately, Cream Puff died this morning. The health department is on its way over to get the kitten so it can be tested. We're both very concerned now since both it and its brother died within a day of each other.

But, I just wanted to say thanks to you and to this couple who have been so kind as to help us all. It made us feel like there's some hope for humanity after all. We're both really upset that the cat didn't make it, but we hope that its last few days were comfortable.

Laura

 

[Lilly]

I am so sorry to hear about the kitten. It is so sad when something like that happens!
I also am upset that animal control will not do anything for the wild cats in your area. I had the same problem with getting help for my wild cats. I unfortunetly live in a very tiny town and dont have alot of other resources available to help me.
You said there is a couple that takes care of the cats? Do they try to get the cats spayed or nuetered? It is important with feral cats to try to get them fixed so they do not have more kittens. It is not a good life to be a wild cat, so it is very helpfull to not allow them to bring kittens into the world.
If you dont read any other links in my last post at least read this one, www.savesamoa.org there is alot of info in this website about feral cats. Also if the people who take care of the cats are not getting them fixed then maybe you could give them some of thease links for getting feral cats spayed or nuetered.
www.alleycat.org ,
www.feralcat.org
www.meowhoo.com
www.savesamoa.org
www.spayusa.org
www.lovethatcat.com/spaynueter.html
Also if you still want a kitten try www.petfinder.com also there is a place to look for a cat right here on the pet forum

 

[Valdyr]

Thanks.

Yes, this couple does get them fixed. There's about 20 or so cats in this colony, and at the moment, there's only a few that they haven't been able to take in yet. They're good people. Really sweet of them to do this...and I know this isn't the only colony they take care of.

Yeah, I was really disappointed on the seemingly lack of resources in the area. I would have though there would have been some organization that would take care of needy animals, but I haven't found one.

Thanks again; There's one last kitten from that litter still alive...I had emailed the couple this morning to let them know...hopefully, they'll come get that one today and take it to the vet in case it has whatever the other two died from.

*sigh* I think I might want a cat later, but right now I don't think I could deal with it. I really love cats, and waking up this morning to find Cream Puff had passed was pretty devestating. But maybe in time I can give another needy kitten a good home!

 

[Ioana]

I am so sorry about Cream Puff, Valdyr -
you have got the right attitude in the end of your post though - because there are always kitties around that need a loving home. We all find it hard after a loss to look forward - but it is all about saving animals' lives and giving them the love that they deserve
About the Animal Control - I don't really understand what their role is but I am afraid that if I call them they will take in the kitties I take care off and put them to sleep. So I try to stay away from them.

Catnip and Feral Cat Friends are the only two organizations that returned my calls (to help me keep my feral kitties situation under control). Second Chance called but I was out feeding them- I wasn't able to get in touch with them ever since but I know they came and helped in this area before. Most of these organizations are non-profit and it is hard for them to work under a fix schedule + they are all booked up. Our appointment will be up in about three months!

 

[shlanon]

I am sorry about Cream Puff. But rest assured that you did the right thing, you gave him a few days of love and care. I can understand why you may not want a kitten right away, but I hope you will consider getting one (or two) sometime in the future. There are so many out there who need the kind of loving home you would give them.
Here is a poem that makes me think of your kitten and another I know that passed on recently:

Lend Me A Kitten



I will lend to you for awhile a kitten, God said.
For you to love while he lives, and mourn when he's dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three.
But will you, 'till I call him back, take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you and, should his stay be brief
you'll always have his memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught below I want this kitten to learn.

I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true.
And from the folk that crowds life's land I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain?
Nor hate me when I come to take my kitten home again?

My heart replied, "My Lord, Thy Will Be Done"
For all the joys this kitten brings the risk of grief I'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may.
And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay.
But should you call him back much sooner than we planned.
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
If, by our love we've managed your wishes to achieve,
Then in memory of him who we loved, please help us while we grieve.
When our cherished kitten departs this world of strife,
Please send yet another needing soul for us to love all his life.

-Author Unknown

 

[kitkat]

Shlanon

That was a nice poem. Thank you for sharing.

I know I am posting late but I am sorry about your loss for the kitten but hopefully you will give it time and get one or two later on.