Hi,
This was posted in r/askvet, hence the format, but anyhow, I just need some advice for tonight, before I can call a few places tomorrow morning. The kittens have been meowing all last night, and this morning. Vet advised that their chance of survival is greater if I take them in. I took them in 5 hrs ago. They're latching onto the formula now. I'm wondering about the temperature that I should keep them in.
Should I keep the ambient temperature high? I'm already at 80F.
Should I wake them up to feed them? They keep going to sleep during feeding. I'll keep waking them up to eat in the meantime.
Do they have solid poops? They both peed for me, no nuggets yet.
Species: Felis Catus
Age: A week? Eyes haven't opened yet
Sex/neuter: 1 boy and 1 girl, not neutered
Breed: American Shorthair
Body Weight: Male - 135g Female - 140g
History: Found at friend's home while working on his house, heard meowing for hours, called local vet, who told me that they have a better chance living if I take them in, I went to get formula and a tiny feeding bottle, they're sleeping, and they fall asleep while feeding. Currently, they're in a large container with a towel and a 48 oz bottle with warm water for heat.
Clinical Signs: They look healthy and can crawl around
Duration: I've had them for 3 hours so far, eating, but falling asleep during the feeding lol
General Location: NJ, urban city
Links: None yet, but I will have them tested for felv and whatever else the vet would suggest, I will also pay to get them spayed/neutered
I have several questions about the general care. I've only had an older cat, and had planned to only take older cats, however, these kittens chose me. Since I believe they're only a week old, since their eyes are still closed, should I do something to regulate their temperature? I can set up my sous vide (temperature regulated water bath) next to the container that they're in to provide constant warmth. I can also set up my bedroom with a space heater, and sacrifice my bedroom for a month or so. The temperature in my place is a steady 76F/24.44C. I'm going to keep it at 80F and bear the heat. This is no longer about me.
When they are fed, they fall asleep. Should I wake them up and feed them, or wait until the mini meows (crying) start. I'm trying to go by the PetAg Petlac (the formula I was able to get the quickest, is this a good brand?) directions. I'm also warming up the formula so it's warm.
Edit: they're latching on well and have eaten. I'll have an alarm go off every 2-3 hours to keep feeding them.
Regarding felv transmission, are kittens susceptible to this if the mother had it? These 2 look healthy, from what I can tell, gum color, response, good coat for 1 week I suppose. Either way, I'm washing my hands often.
They haven't pooped or peed yet. I'm massaging them.
Edit: The boy peed.
I still have mixed feelings about taking them in. This is why I called the vet, and this is why they're with me now. Thank you all for reading, and thank you for all of the advice!
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from Pets https://www.reddit.com/r/Pets/comments/ieas9q/neonatal_kitten_advice_needed_tia/
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