this post was submitted on 21 Aug 2023
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IllegallySmolCats

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I rescued this guy from the roadside yesterday. Can you guys help me determine it's age? I'm at a very remote location with no easy access to a vet unfortunately...

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[–] [email protected] 7 points 2 years ago

Yeah that's not a weaned cat. That kitten needs 24 hour care to survive. And even then, it's iffy.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Way too young for you to wing it. Take it to a vet ASAP for evaluation and care instructions.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I was suspecting this. Will take him to the city to see a vet tomorrow...

[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Good on you for taking the baby in and even more for your willingness to get help. We had a crash course in neonatal kitten care ourselves. It’s scary how fast they can crash and you have no idea how long this one’s been without proper milk already.

BTW, definitely don’t give cow’s milk. It’s not only not helpful, it’s actually harmful. Kitten milk replacer is the only thing you can do right now. And these babies have to eat many times a day.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 years ago (1 children)

To be clear, definitely feed the kitten if you can’t get help until tomorrow or you will almost certainly lose it. The kitten lady advice is sound. You can get KMR powder and nipples/feeders at big-box pet stores. If none are around, you’re going to have to go to a 24/7 emergency vet. I can’t stress enough, you will probably lose the kitten otherwise.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I've been syringe- feeding him a mixture of lactose free, dehydrated milk, egg yolk and a little corn syrup for the meantime. I'm in a developing country and there isn't really any infrastructure around pet care, unless in the capital city... I truly hope they have the KMR powder... I'll embark on the journey with him tomorrow, but by the way he's been drinking the mixture I'm more than confident he'll make it trough the night.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 years ago (1 children)

That’s a great substitute. Very best of luck to you both!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago

Thank you too for your help, it means a lot :)

[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Check out the kitten lady's website, she has a wealth of tips for taking care of orphaned kittens. She has a page specifically in determining age:

http://www.kittenlady.org/age

She also has an active youtube channel with lots of tips. I really can't recommend her channel enough to people taking care if very young kittens with no mom.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Thanks! This is exactly what I needed

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Awesome, glad I could be of help. Please keep us posted!

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 years ago

I just posted an update.. He's doing very well :)