My garage doors have been closed for at least 3 days. A while ago, I went out to put my car away, and as soon as I opened the door, I heard the cries of a kitten. First, I saw a dead solid black one near the door. Then, following the sounds, I discovered one that was very much alive, hiding in a corner, behind some wooden poles. It’s a dark tabby, about 6 inches long. It’s not a newborn; its eyes are open, and its meow is strong.
How was it able to survive all that time? There’s nothing edible in the garage, and no water. It must have been inside all that time, because there’s no other opening to get in. Of course the two of them may have been placed there as a Halloween prank, especially the dead black one. They were both near the door that opens manually.
So I brought it inside and fixed up a box with some torn newspapers. I opened a can of cat food and spooned some of the liquid into a small bowl. The kitten is too young to know how to eat, nor would it lick some on my finger. I’ll have to find a syringe.
I’ll take it to the vet tomorrow morning for a check up and something to feed it. Meanwhile, if I get some baby food, will the kitten eat it?
Meanwhile, my other two cats are showing intense interest; I’ll have to isolate it from them.
Give it broth or some other food that is nutritious and can be drunk. Perhaps you might liquefy butter and dilute it. The kitten needs energy now, having been exposed to cold and not eaten in 3 days.
It’s a formula just for newborns. If the kitten’s eyes are open, she’ll only need it for a few weeks but it will help her while she transitions to solid food. That’s the walmart link. Lots of places sell this stuff.
As far as baby food goes, it won’t hurt her overnight but it won’t have the right nutrients long term. She probably won’t eat it though since it’s unfamiliar.
While you’re at the store, think about getting this - it’s a probiotic supplement. Just one syringe worth is enough. It helps kittens develop healthy gut bacteria when they’ve had a rough start.
Gus is right about getting her to poop. Mama cats lick their kittens to stimulate their digestive systems. You’re the Mama Cat now! After she’s been to the vet, maybe your other cats might take over the role, if they’re appropriately interested.
Poor kittens I don’t have any advice that hasn’t already been posted. Except that if its possible to get the kitten to the vet today, please do so. And, its possible that you might be able to convince a soft-hearted vet tech to take it. That’s what I do when I have kittens that young.
Good on you for wanting to help the poor little thing. You can’t save the world, but you can be the world for one cat at a time.
Aw panache. You just got a ton of karma points, as well as appreciation from fellow animal folks like me. The very best of luck. I hope we hear a good update soon. I also hope the black one died of natural causes and not at the hands of some perverted human.
Bad news: Before I could get the little guy to the vet, he passed away. I couldn’t get him to eat at all, and his breathing had become very shallow. I had a double funeral for him and the little black one. RIP, Boo and Stiffy.
I don’t have any advice that hasn’t already been posted. Except that if its possible to get the kitten to the vet today, please do so. And, its possible that you might be able to convince a soft-hearted vet tech to take it. That’s what I do when I have kittens that young.