My first foster kitten

• 06-27-2009 5:13 PM

  willowchow Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 8,722 Points 500

  My first foster kitten Reply Contact DH and I are both really excited but also neither of us are too familiar with cats.  We've got all the basics food, water, place to sleep, litter.  Now, she will need to see a vet and what should I expect as far as shots?  I didn't even have Willow as a puppy so I'm not sure about the schedule of how they go.  I also bought Fresh Step litter and I want to make sure that is OK.  She's probably about 2 1/2-3 months.  Her eyes are no longer blue.  But, she keeps stepping in her water then the litter and I'm constantly trying to wipe her paws.  Please, I welcome any and all suggestions for her.  Also, she poops really often. . .is that the normal for a kitten this age.  It's not diarrhea but it's on the soft side.  THANKS!!!!

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• 06-27-2009 6:35 PM

  In reply to willowchow

  rwbeagles Joined on 09-10-2007 DFW, TX Posts 18,884 Points 2,200

  Re: My first foster kitten Reply Contact what are you feeding? new to her or same as she's been on? My recent group of 4 all went about 2-3 times a day...is she doing more than that? They were on Natural Balance kibble. It's harder when there's only one, try to keep her entertained lol. Gina H. aka "Tellingmewhattodoperson" Happy St. Paddy's Day, all! Cleo's Blog: lionessrampantblog.blogspot.com/ My blog: ryngwrayth.blogspot.com/

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• 06-28-2009 12:48 AM

  In reply to rwbeagles

  willowchow Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 8,722 Points 500

  Re: My first foster kitten Reply Contact She was born outside so she didn't really have a specific brand of food.  And, I just started with Kitten Chow because I figured it was something that would be OK and also that whoever takes her could continue with until they put her on whatever they decide.  And, I'm giving her one tablespoon of canned food, just grocery brand but our grocery brand is pretty decent, mid grade level.  She's getting that 2-3 times per day and the dry is has all the time.  She's definately going more than 3 times per day.  Today it seems more formed than yesterday but it still seems like she's going a lot.  I put her in her box as soon as she's done eating and she usually goes.  Then she goes at other times too.  She hasn't been to the vet yet.  She isn't vomiting or anything so I'm not sure if it's a parasite issue or this is normal??  THANKS!!

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• 06-28-2009 4:16 PM

  In reply to willowchow

  erica1989 Joined on 02-21-2007 Clearwater, Florida Posts 4,727 Points 505

  Re: My first foster kitten Reply Contact coccidia is VERY common in baby kittens - so I normally start a treatment for that as soon as we get the kittens in, even if they test neg. Kittens are pretty easy at that age - just need lots of toys to play with! All my kittens are on kitten chow (what our shelter feeds) and do fine. it is very easy to get, and cheap. I start my kitten shots at 8 weeks, and continue at 3 mths, and 4 mths. When they hit 4 mths - they are old enough for a rabies - per fl state law. deowrming is critical every two weeks. I deworm every two weeks until they are adopted - normally just a pyrantal worming, sometimes I'll do panacur too if we're having some diarrhea issues that the albon didn't clear up. I use fresh step for my kitties -as well as the fosters. All do fine with it. If she's having a hard time getting into the box - you can use the top of a shoe box or paint tray instead of a litter box.

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• 06-28-2009 5:23 PM

  In reply to erica1989

  rwbeagles Joined on 09-10-2007 DFW, TX Posts 18,884 Points 2,200

  Re: My first foster kitten Reply Contact ditto the worming. Mine turned a major corner once wormed body condition and attitude wise. Their poops were always nicely formed even when on primarily wet...but again they were on a higher level food...Blue Buffalo/Natural Balance wet, with some Nutro Max when I needed something a bit cheaper. Then I brought in kibble and mixed then switched to JUST kibble....free fed. I bought a 8 (I think..maybe 5lb) bag of Natural Balance kibble at Petco for $12 and that spread between 4 kittens over 3 weeks...very cost effective. Feeding just one, I'd bet you could get 2 mos out of one bag. I'd probably go with something better food wise...the proof will be in the box. Gina H. aka "Tellingmewhattodoperson" Happy St. Paddy's Day, all! Cleo's Blog: lionessrampantblog.blogspot.com/ My blog: ryngwrayth.blogspot.com/

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• 06-28-2009 7:57 PM

  In reply to rwbeagles

  erica1989 Joined on 02-21-2007 Clearwater, Florida Posts 4,727 Points 505

  Re: My first foster kitten Reply Contact rwbeagles: ...the proof will be in the box. haha. this is SO true. I noticed a HUGE change when I switched my guys to Blue Buffalo. I would stick with something easy to obtain - if you wanted to do higher quality I'd do BB - since you can get it at petsmart. Many people will not slowly transition off of a food - even with the risk of diarrhea, they just don't understand.

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• 06-28-2009 8:26 PM

  In reply to rwbeagles

  willowchow Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 8,722 Points 500

  Re: My first foster kitten Reply Contact Thank you guys!! One of the guys from the rescue came by this morning with a syringe of dewormer for her.  So, she's had that and tomorrow I'm going to call for an appointment for her so I can get more and instructions on how to dose.  She's doing really well with her box, I'm really impressed!!  I bought her some Iams kitten canned food today, chicken.  And, she really likes it.  But, we will see.  I'm not opposed to a new food.   Once she gets situated with the worming and everything I'll see what she likes.  I just needed something to get her started and I know Kitten Chow has been around for years.  She is jumping at my fingers as I type this!  Very playful, I bought lots of toys and she really likes them all.  Nothing like Willow who never plays with anything!

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• 06-30-2009 1:53 PM

  In reply to willowchow

  PurplePets22 Joined on 04-01-2006 cold and snowy Posts 446 Points 0

  Re: My first foster kitten Reply Contact Very pretty !  I miss how playful kittens are !  Maybe I just missed this but what's her name ? I've learned a lot about cat nutrition over the past couple years.  Cats are obligate carnivores.  As such they have no need for carbs or grains in their food.  Feed something that is as much meat as possible.  Being desert animals they have a very low thirst drive.  Physilogically they get their moisture from the food they eat.  Feeding canned food goes along way in keeping them hydrated and is better for their digestive system.  We have lost 2 cats in the past 2 years to cancers in the digestive system.  There really is no way to prove this...but we can't help but make a connection between that and feeding grain heavy kibble for years to both cats.  We switched totally to canned food about 2.5 years ago and then switched again to a comercially prepared ground meat/organ/bone mixture about 1 year ago.  Both cats are doing well and love their food.  When we add a new kitty...raw from the start.  That really is the best.   Animals, it is their world too!

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• 06-30-2009 9:56 PM

  In reply to PurplePets22

  willowchow Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 8,722 Points 500

  Re: My first foster kitten Reply Contact Thank you!  The kitten, who is still unnamed, is doing pretty well.  She's very playful, she's using her box really well.  She's a little upset when we leave her but she's going to have to get used to that I guess.  She's eating her Kitten Chow and canned Iams for kittens (chicken) for the moment.  And, after her vet visit on Thursday we will know her general health.  The pooping is still frequent but not diarrhea.  The rescue said kittens do go pretty often.  I'm thinking she's going too much, but I'll find out Thursday.  Willow doesn't know what to make of her.  This is not the reaction I was expecting at all.  Willow almost acts like she's afraid of her! Thank you for all the suggestions.

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• 06-30-2009 10:57 PM

  In reply to willowchow

  erica1989 Joined on 02-21-2007 Clearwater, Florida Posts 4,727 Points 505	Re: My first foster kitten Reply Contact kittens do go more often than adult cats - but I would not describe it as 'frequent'... they are smaller, and really (seem to) eat more than your adult cats - so what goes in... must come out!
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• 07-01-2009 7:25 AM

  In reply to erica1989

  willowchow Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 8,722 Points 500	Re: My first foster kitten Reply Contact That could be it too.  I could be overfeeding her a bit.  I'm used to looking at portions for a 50 lb dog, LOL.  I have another question. . .I've got a carrier for her for going to the vet tomorrow.  But, do they normally wear a collar too?  And, leash for when they take them out?  I want to be prepared so I'm not stressed.  Thanks!
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• 07-01-2009 9:56 AM

  In reply to willowchow

  kle1986 Joined on 10-22-2007 KY Posts 3,600 Points 380	Re: My first foster kitten Reply Contact  The carrier will be fine. I never collar or leash my kittens. They'll just sit them on the table, do what needs to be done, and that'll be it. Kimberly
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• 07-01-2009 1:01 PM

  In reply to kle1986

  willowchow Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 8,722 Points 500	Re: My first foster kitten Reply Contact Thank you Kim!!
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• 07-01-2009 9:49 PM

  In reply to willowchow

  erica1989 Joined on 02-21-2007 Clearwater, Florida Posts 4,727 Points 505

  Re: My first foster kitten Reply Contact That's totally up to you. My cats go in their carriers (with collars on, they normally always have their tags on). The carrier is never opened until we are in the exam room - but none of my cats are runners. If you have a runner, or a cat that is easier spooked - leashing is not a bad idea. Not really something you have to worry about with the tiny ones though =]

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• 07-01-2009 11:52 PM

  In reply to erica1989

  willowchow Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 8,722 Points 500	Re: My first foster kitten Reply Contact Well, unless we stop in the morning she's going to be naked this time.  The little harness I bought doesn't fit, she's so tiny.  THANKS!
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