I found a kitten. (eating, food, dogs, hair) - Cats - - City-Data Forum

Miami Vice · 09-27-2008, 02:35 PM

A couple of days ago, I was in my backyard looking for something in the shed. I thought that heard a kitten crying underneath the shed. I just ignored it, thinking that the mother had given birth down there.

The next day (yesterday), I was back in the shed and heard it again. This time, I tried to find the kitten. When doing so, I realized that there were some flies around and a faint smell of a decomposing animal. I tried to find the kitten by looking under the 10" clearance with a flashlight. I couldn't see the kitten, but I could hear where it was. My only options were to cut out the wood floor of the shed, or remove some pavers from the front and try to dig my way to the kitten. I opted with option 2 and was able to retrieve the kitten.

It's a Calico kitten. It was lying on top of a dead kitten. There weren't any others. I believe that it's less than 5 days old, because it's eyes are closed and it still has the umbilcal cord attached. It was pretty dirty and smelled horrible. I was able to wipe it down with warm wipes. I have it in a large box with a heating pad underneath some towels.

I went to a pet shop, and bought some kitten formula. My wife took her to the vet and they gave it some dewormer. (Just in case) I've never really been a cat person, and I'm sometimes overwhelmed by our 4 birds, 2 fish, and a dog. I learned that after feeding it every 2-3 hours, we have to wipe it's genitals to stimulate it to urinate. What a pain in the butt. Any advice wil be appreciated.

b75 · 09-27-2008, 02:46 PM

Go to petfinder.com and post in their community. They know everything about animals and often foster special cases, so they might be able to answer any questions you have with some hard to find info.

And if the kitten lives - you will probably have a lifelong special relationship with it, regardless of your standard animal preferences.

Good Luck.

Miami Vice · 09-27-2008, 02:56 PM

Thanks. Rep points sent your way.

STT Resident · 09-27-2008, 04:24 PM

I agree with b75 wholeheartedly. Please do keep this special kitten as this very special bonding will result in a lifelong commitment in both directions, the likes of which you could never imagine - really. Cheers from someone who's been there and done that several times!

Miami Vice · 09-27-2008, 04:29 PM

Thanks for the advice. Rep points also going your way. My wife and kids already named her, and can't seem to put her down.

SXMGirl · 09-27-2008, 06:39 PM

Thanks for planning to keep the kitten. Your children will learn valuable lessons and they seem to have terrific parents.

luvmycat · 09-27-2008, 06:57 PM

Thank God you got her outta there! Cats are amazing...you may become a cat person once you've co-habitated longer, (I was a diehard dog person until my parents got us a cat when I was 16, and now I could never be without them!!! My little dogs feel the same...!) Good luck, and thanks for being a great animal friend, there should be more like you!

Miami Vice · 09-27-2008, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SXMGirl

Thanks for planning to keep the kitten. Your children will learn valuable lessons and they seem to have terrific parents.

Thanks for your kind words. It's been interesting so far. Rep points away!

Miami Vice · 09-27-2008, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvmycat

Thank God you got her outta there! Cats are amazing...you may become a cat person once you've co-habitated longer, (I was a diehard dog person until my parents got us a cat when I was 16, and now I could never be without them!!! My little dogs feel the same...!) Good luck, and thanks for being a great animal friend, there should be more like you!

I think that she would have died if I had waited one more day. She loves the heating pad. Sometimes it's hard to feed her. It almost seems that I'm forcing her to drink. I get a couple of drops in and wait a few minutes. I feel the myself losing more hair over this.

Thanks for your comments. Here's 3 points for you.

ljd1010 · 09-27-2008, 07:25 PM

This little calico baby is totally dependent on you for life. It takes someone special to take on the responsibility of nuturing a totally helpless newborn - and you seem to have accepted this difficult task. Your new kitten will now come to know you as "mom". I truly hope things go well for you and the little one. You will delight in each new development - opening it's eyes, eating solid food for the first time, walking on wobbly legs. Not unilke a having a newborn child!