Foster Kittens

It's really nice when someone takes in a kitten or litter of kittens  to foster until they are old enough to be adopted out.


Those that do, need to remember that this is not a problem or loss free scenario.  


Today we saw a sweet young lady who had taken in a kitten from a litter of 4. Three of these had ultimately died. The kitten she brought us was already in a weakened state. We call this "failure to thrive." 


Unfortunately, despite all efforts, it can happen.There can be issues with temperature and diet, potential infectious agents AND genetic/congenital issues.


So this dehydrated kitten was given subcutaneous fluids and antibiotics. The owner was shown how to do this at home as well. Sadly, this kitten did NOT make it.  


There was obviously more going on than we were aware of at the time. Sometimes DESPITE all that is done for them, they do NOT make it. It IS important to keep the environmental temperature up with these little guys and to feed frequent meals (every 3-4 hours) of kitten replacement formula. Once they are close to 5-6 weeks we can introduce softened kitten food to them. Still, it is always a gamble with these little ones..but you never know who will make it!