rescued kitten - help!

1513 Views 12 Replies 6 Participants Last post by kitkat, Dec 3, 2003

Valdyr

Discussion Starter · Nov 21, 2003

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

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shlanon

· #2 · Nov 21, 2003

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.

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shlanon

· #12 · Nov 25, 2003

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

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