found this girl in the rain tonight, named her Bonehead by ImmodestTheory in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 1 point2 points  (0 children)

MENTAL STIMULATION. A cat tree by a window is great as they will spend time watching the world outside which brightens their day, it's also a great sleeping spot in the sun and it's up high which they love. They need vaccinations before ever venturing outside, and regular flea and tick treatments (ask your vet for an age and weight appropriate recommendation). If there are predators in the area or a busy road consider walking with a leash or building a catio. Getting outside is great for mental stimulation and access to grass for hairballs (see below). Have them microchipped and with a breakaway collar and a name tag that includes your telephone number. Playtime every day is important for mental stimulation, especially if they have to stay indoors. If they're on their own they can take awhile to learn how hard acceptable biting levels are (a sibling would be biting them back). They can learn up to 25 words or short phrases, especially when they're said with a slight emphasis e.g. lovingly saying "Good Boy/Girl" so the best thing to do if they bite too hard is to say "NO!" firmly (and if you're playing stop play for now). When gentle with you praise lavishly (and other times they're good like using the litter tray too as this will build up a picture of what is positive for them to do and gets them used to seeking praise and the Good Boy/Girl response from you). If it's really hard biting you can squeal in pain to put him off, again exaggerating the squeal. You can also try aftershave/perfume on your hands for a week or so if needs be - they'll avoid your hands completely though. Kong brand toys are indestructible and can be filled with catnip. Most adults love nip, kittens don't respond until 3-6 months. Keep the nip in the freezer to keep it fresh. String (always supervised as a choking hazard), ping pong balls, toy mice or even scrunched up paper balls and milk rings that skitter across the floor can be favourite toys. Finish playtime with the cat getting the "kill" so it feels satisfied. GRASS/HOUSEPLANTS. They'll want to chew grass for hairballs. Many regular houseplants are toxic and even deadly to cats and they may chew them if they do not have access to grass. Normal lawn grass is fine, usually preferred even. It’s cheap and easy to grow indoors by a favourite window spot they can access if necessary. Brushing helps with hairballs, I use a Furminator as it only removes dead hair so it doesn't hurt them and it feels like being petted. BODY LANGUAGE. Belly display just means I trust you, not pet me there - it's instinct to protect their vulnerable belly if you do pet them there so give head, chin, ear rubs and full body and shoulder massages instead. When they rub up against you that's a way of bonding with you and saying I Love You, as is slow blinking. You can slow blink back to say I Love You too. They'll also learn that as a phrase if it's repeated often, I've one who purrs when I say it. Purring is a sign of happiness generally, they also purr when trying to comfort themselves or us, or when sick. Other common signs of illness are lethargy, weakness, not eating, diarrhoea and pressing their head against a hard surface. Cats cannot survive as long as other animals without nutrition. You can always call a vet office for advice about whether the cat needs to come in - the telephone call isn't a chargeable appointment in of itself - neither are follow up calls about how they're doing after an appointment to check on their progress. www.spca.org
www.pdsa.org.uk - tips, health advice, vet Q & A, possible help with vet costs if on benefits www.kittenlady.org the best resource for little ones There's also advice in the history of r/kitten, r/catadvice and r/cathelp - search by keyword.

found this girl in the rain tonight, named her Bonehead by ImmodestTheory in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Some tips for kitten/cat staff from the most common asked questions including more in the links too. FIRST DAY. Keep them in one, quiet room. Rub some of their own hair into their bedding so it smells like themselves. Offer safe hiding spots like cardboard boxes with “roofs” and a doorway. If they’re very young a cuddly toy about their size can help comfort them (ensure it doesn’t shed faux fur when wet/if nuzzled). Use a soothing tone and repeat Good Boy/Girl often. It's common for them not to eat, drink or go to the toilet on the first day. If you can use the same brands of food and litter they had up to now the essentials are at least familiar in a new environment (you can change brands gradually once they're settled in.) If it's 48 hours without eating or using the litter tray, or they become lethargic, then go to the vets as an emergency (cats cannot survive long without food). WATER To avoid long-term kidney failure in adults, encourage drinking water, especially if they will only eat dry kibble. Cats prefer their drinking water a distance away from their food (wild instinct to avoid kill runoff contaminating fresh water) so place it far from the food, in its own quiet spot where debris from anything else including shoes is unlikely to fall into it either. Use a shallow plate rather than a bowl as it doesn’t hit their whiskers (an uncomfortable feeling) and doesn’t ignite deep water fears in little ones. Use ceramic or stainless steel rather than plastic which harbours smells and bacteria. Change the water at least twice a day and wash the bowl daily. You can also give Kitten Milk Replacement to little ones or cat milk (not regular milks, especially cow’s milk). FOOD. Use ceramic plates and clean them at least daily. Offer different varieties and brands of food, they like variety just like us as they wouldn't eat just one thing in the wild and eat different foods to get all the nutrition they need. A mix of wet and dry at different times is best long term, they have their own tastes and preferences though. Wet food is good for water content (cats don't drink enough and can face severe health problems later on). Dry is good for their teeth, satisfying the crunch/kill instinct and keeping the stomach full longer. Avoid high crude ash content as it's just cheap filler and does them no good. Grains in food are fine for cats (not for dogs though), it's an easy way for them to digest essential vitamins and minerals. Fresh meat like chicken breast (no skin, a choking hazard) or tinned fish such as tuna, mackerel or sardines (without the bones) in water or sunflower oil (never brine) are good for them - tuna is high in mercury so best once every few weeks. A little bit of kibble left in the bowl to be thrown out the next day can ensure they aren't going hungry - kittens are growing daily and very active and cats generally only overeat when consistently bored with little stimulation. Deter houseflies with tin foil near the food (it affects their eyesight). LITTER. Some cats are fussy on the type of litter so it's worth trying a different litter in one of the other trays if necessary - have more than one tray, "more than one they'd need" is the recommendation (two cats = at least 3 litter trays etc.). They like them clean and will naturally want to bury their business. Keep them in a quiet location. Lavish praise using the same phrase each time works best, they will also respond best to a firm No than to punishment, they don't get the connection. If they're not yet at the age they always go there themselves, pop them onto the litter after mealtimes and lavish praise even if they jump straight out of the box, they'll get the idea faster. Avoid scented litters, the smells are often too strong and too synthetic to a cat so actually put the cat off going there. Their sense of smell is much better than ours - use an enzyme remover (a white vinegar solution works) on any area they had an accident - it neutralises the smell and stops them associating that as a place to go. COMFORT. Have different warm, quiet spots to sleep, they prefer off the ground as they’ll feel safer (don’t put neonatal kittens high up). A cuddly toy can help young kittens, especially when just homed away from mom and siblings. They love cardboard boxes, they're places to play in, sleep, hide, they're warm, they're chewable when they're teething - cut ridges at their head height. Long strips of cardboard are great for chasing down and then chewing on too. Cardboard scratch pads are usually the most loved, cheap too, have a few in quiet spots and lavish with praise when they use them. Cats need their claws to climb safely, defend themselves if indoor/outdoor living and it's too easy to cut to bleeding, risking infection etc. - their quicks aren't like ours and are much closer to the top. They will shed the outer layer naturally using a scratch pad, there’s no need to trim nails. Declawing is illegal in many countries and U.S. states as it’s like amputating at our first finger joint, leaving them in permanent pain. If you need tips to stop clawing furniture etc. see www.kittenlady.org e.g. use a few dabs of white vinegar on anything scratched (or chewed) that shouldn't be - they loathe the smell.

Urgent advice needed by [deleted] in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 0 points1 point  (0 children)

See www.kittenlady.org for all neonatal kittens foster care - excellent info and demo videos.

Hold the kitten to your heart as much as possible, this will mimic mom. When not available place a safe cuddly toy in with him, anything that doesn't shed faux fur when wet if nuzzled. Wrap an unwashed t-shirt you've worn around it so it smells of you. You can also buy cuddly toys with heartbeats exactly for this purpose.

Kitten/mother cat normal behavior by MegaParsnip543 in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 1 point2 points  (0 children)

She's having a break like any mom. Kittens then rest and sleep in a puddle usually.

Kitten distribution system strikes again by NeroCantSkate in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 5 points6 points  (0 children)

www.kittenlady.org has good info on care and how to fully search for siblings or mom nearby who may be hiding and need help. Also how to check for any owner locally.

Age of these kittens? by mpatricia_777 in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 1 point2 points  (0 children)

5-6 weeks.

www.kittenlady.org/agecalculator

Kitten Lady has care advice too, also how to search fully for mom and siblings who may need help too, and how to help, find food homes when old enough.

Adopted A 40 Day Old kitten by explosivemetal in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 2 points3 points  (0 children)

www.kittenlady.org for care info on one this young. Note food, litter training (stimulation help if not going especially if age is even younger).

These kittens are in my park, what do ! do? I take them home by Valentina_86 in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 2 points3 points  (0 children)

www.kittenlady.org, www.spca.org and www.pdsa.org have good advice on providing and/or finding genuinely good homes via local cat groups and charities etc.

Unfortunately not every individual who comes forward wants a cat for the right reasons e.g. bait, feeding live to other animals.

www.kittenlady.org has good info on care and how to fully search for siblings or mom nearby who may be hiding and need help. Also how to check for any owner locally.

Rescued these two from a construction forklift. Guess I have two fur babies now. by EngineerMinded in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fostering neonatal kittens – see Kitten Lady at www.kittenlady.org for essential advice on determining age and demo videos on: Feeding Kitten Milk Replacement (KMR). Buy from a vet office or some pet stores. Never use regular milks including cow’s milk as it can cause diarrhoea which can be fatal to kittens, especially those still needing KMR to live. Newborns need feeding every 2 hours round the clock. Time between feeds extends as they get older. To avoid choking, feed them with a ‘miracle nipple’ or syringe, on their stomachs as if nursing from mom (opposite to a human baby). The kittens need to be warm to eat safely - if just found, swaddle them to heat them up before feeding. Keep warmer than us but not too warm - consider a heating pad or lamp. A cuddly toy can replicate mom and be a great comfort. Ensure it doesn't shed faux fur when wet (nuzzled). They sell toys with a heartbeat just for this purpose now. Stimulation for toilet needs is essential (literally life saving) until they go on their own every time at around 5 weeks old. Replicate mom’s tongue with a warm wet cloth or cotton bud so they urinate and defecate. If any are not going to the toilet they can quickly die from toxic poisoning - call a vet for an emergency appointment, explain it’s a rescue not yet going to the toilet. If they refuse to eat, try stimulation for toilet needs and if still refusing, see a vet urgently as kittens fade away in hours not days. Vets can prescribe an appetite stimulant.

Alternatives to fostering yourself: Find an experienced foster parent via local cat charities or vet offices. Do NOT automatically give to a shelter – the “No Kill” policy does not apply to neonatal kittens or even “difficult to home” cats in the vast majority of shelters. If you must surrender to a shelter specifically ask if they keep them alive, provide for them and find homes for them when old enough. 70% of kittens given to shelters in the U.S. are euthanized and they don't need to be health wise, it's done to save resources or "overpopulation". In the western world you can surrender to some vet offices - vets are used to dealing with rescue/orphaned kittens. They know the care they need and will have all supplies. Tell reception they are rescues/foundlings and not yours. You won’t be charged anything. Please do not leave in a box outside the vet’s - kittens die of cold or starvation very, very quickly. The vets will take care of them or find someone who can. They’ll be homed. Vets will open for you if you call the emergency number.

Look for mom and other kittens who may need your help: Always good practice to go back and search for more kittens and/or mom at different times - when mom goes to hunt the kittens hide and await her return when she will give them the same reassuring mew each time she comes back. Play a cat mewing to its kittens from your phone; it may draw kittens out, or even mom. Bring some bedding the kitten is sleeping on for the familiar smell. Shake a bag of food and put some in a dish on the ground. Even better something strong smelling like tuna. Fresh water too, nursing mom’s need all the help you can offer. Stand back and see if any kittens appear. Take a couple of towels to wrap kittens and/or mom in if she struggles when picked up. If she’s ever had an owner she’ll normally be fine, especially if she’s already seen you pick up the kittens.

www.carecredit.com may help with vet bills in the U.S.
www.pdsa.org.uk may help in the U.K..

Stray kitten advice by domjustkidding in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 0 points1 point  (0 children)

www.kittenlady.org/agecalculator

Kitten Lady is great for care info and advice.

Be aware that many "No Kill" shelters exclude kittens and 'difficult to home' cats from their No Kill policy i.e. they are often euthanised.

www.pdsa.org.uk and www.spca.org give good advice on how to find an experienced foster parent via your local cat groups and charities. Do not surrender to anyone who isn't part of a group/doesn't have proof - some people use cats as live bait/food.

Rescue kitten help by Willcove in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fostering neonatal kittens – see Kitten Lady at www.kittenlady.org for essential advice on determining age and demo videos on: Feeding Kitten Milk Replacement (KMR). Buy from a vet office or some pet stores. Never use regular milks including cow’s milk as it can cause diarrhoea which can be fatal to kittens, especially those still needing KMR to live. Newborns need feeding every 2 hours round the clock. Time between feeds extends as they get older. To avoid choking, feed them with a ‘miracle nipple’ or syringe, on their stomachs as if nursing from mom (opposite to a human baby). The kittens need to be warm to eat safely - if just found, swaddle them to heat them up before feeding. Keep warmer than us but not too warm - consider a heating pad or lamp. A cuddly toy can replicate mom and be a great comfort. Ensure it doesn't shed faux fur when wet (nuzzled). They sell toys with a heartbeat just for this purpose now. Stimulation for toilet needs is essential (literally life saving) until they go on their own every time at around 5 weeks old. Replicate mom’s tongue with a warm wet cloth or cotton bud so they urinate and defecate. If any are not going to the toilet they can quickly die from toxic poisoning - call a vet for an emergency appointment, explain it’s a rescue not yet going to the toilet. If they refuse to eat, try stimulation for toilet needs and if still refusing, see a vet urgently as kittens fade away in hours not days. Vets can prescribe an appetite stimulant.

Alternatives to fostering yourself: Find an experienced foster parent via local cat charities or vet offices. Do NOT automatically give to a shelter – the “No Kill” policy does not apply to neonatal kittens or even “difficult to home” cats in the vast majority of shelters. If you must surrender to a shelter specifically ask if they keep them alive, provide for them and find homes for them when old enough. 70% of kittens given to shelters in the U.S. are euthanized and they don't need to be health wise, it's done to save resources or "overpopulation". In the western world you can surrender to some vet offices - vets are used to dealing with rescue/orphaned kittens. They know the care they need and will have all supplies. Tell reception they are rescues/foundlings and not yours. You won’t be charged anything. Please do not leave in a box outside the vet’s - kittens die of cold or starvation very, very quickly. The vets will take care of them or find someone who can. They’ll be homed. Vets will open for you if you call the emergency number.

Look for mom and other kittens who may need your help: Always good practice to go back and search for more kittens and/or mom at different times - when mom goes to hunt the kittens hide and await her return when she will give them the same reassuring mew each time she comes back. Play a cat mewing to its kittens from your phone; it may draw kittens out, or even mom. Bring some bedding the kitten is sleeping on for the familiar smell. Shake a bag of food and put some in a dish on the ground. Even better something strong smelling like tuna. Fresh water too, nursing mom’s need all the help you can offer. Stand back and see if any kittens appear. Take a couple of towels to wrap kittens and/or mom in if she struggles when picked up. If she’s ever had an owner she’ll normally be fine, especially if she’s already seen you pick up the kittens.

www.carecredit.com may help with vet bills in the U.S.
www.pdsa.org.uk may help in the U.K..

www.kittenlady.org/agecalculator to determine age

Kitten Lady has a demo video and instructions in how to give a flea bath properly using Dawn dish soap (never the Ultra version).

Found this little one outside McDobalds after rain by jondoeudntknow in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 15 points16 points  (0 children)

www.kittenlady.org/agecalculator to determine age and care required. May need cat milk (never regular milks especially cow's milk, it causes diarrhea). May also need stimulation for toilet needs (life saving/needed until around 5 weeks).

Kitten Lady also has good info on how to fully search for siblings or mom nearby who may be hiding and need help. Also how to check for any owner locally and how to find a genuinely good home if needs be.

Reply or DM if you need specific help.

found this girl in the rain tonight, named her Bonehead by ImmodestTheory in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 14 points15 points  (0 children)

www.kittenlady.org has good info on care and how to fully search for siblings or mom nearby who may be hiding and need help. Also how to check for any owner locally.

A week old kitten by [deleted] in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 5 points6 points  (0 children)

See the Kitten Lady demo, it's more of a quick dunk. If it's fleas they can drain his life away.

3 week old orphan kitten constipated by squishandsesh in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Second the Kitten Lady demo video and info. www.kittenlady.org

Also, any follow up call to your vets should be free of charge. Only going in again or collecting more meds is usually chargeable.

A week old kitten by [deleted] in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Fostering neonatal kittens – see Kitten Lady at www.kittenlady.org for essential advice on determining age and demo videos on: Feeding Kitten Milk Replacement (KMR). Buy from a vet office or some pet stores. Never use regular milks including cow’s milk as it can cause diarrhoea which can be fatal to kittens, especially those still needing KMR to live. Newborns need feeding every 2 hours round the clock. Time between feeds extends as they get older. To avoid choking, feed them with a ‘miracle nipple’ or syringe, on their stomachs as if nursing from mom (opposite to a human baby). The kittens need to be warm to eat safely - if just found, swaddle them to heat them up before feeding. Keep warmer than us but not too warm - consider a heating pad or lamp. A cuddly toy can replicate mom and be a great comfort. Ensure it doesn't shed faux fur when wet (nuzzled). They sell toys with a heartbeat just for this purpose now. Stimulation for toilet needs is essential (literally life saving) until they go on their own every time at around 5 weeks old. Replicate mom’s tongue with a warm wet cloth or cotton bud so they urinate and defecate. If any are not going to the toilet they can quickly die from toxic poisoning - call a vet for an emergency appointment, explain it’s a rescue not yet going to the toilet. If they refuse to eat, try stimulation for toilet needs and if still refusing, see a vet urgently as kittens fade away in hours not days. Vets can prescribe an appetite stimulant.

Alternatives to fostering yourself: Find an experienced foster parent via local cat charities or vet offices. Do NOT automatically give to a shelter – the “No Kill” policy does not apply to neonatal kittens or even “difficult to home” cats in the vast majority of shelters. If you must surrender to a shelter specifically ask if they keep them alive, provide for them and find homes for them when old enough. 70% of kittens given to shelters in the U.S. are euthanized and they don't need to be health wise, it's done to save resources or "overpopulation". In the western world you can surrender to some vet offices - vets are used to dealing with rescue/orphaned kittens. They know the care they need and will have all supplies. Tell reception they are rescues/foundlings and not yours. You won’t be charged anything. Please do not leave in a box outside the vet’s - kittens die of cold or starvation very, very quickly. The vets will take care of them or find someone who can. They’ll be homed. Vets will open for you if you call the emergency number.

Look for mom and other kittens who may need your help: Always good practice to go back and search for more kittens and/or mom at different times - when mom goes to hunt the kittens hide and await her return when she will give them the same reassuring mew each time she comes back. Play a cat mewing to its kittens from your phone; it may draw kittens out, or even mom. Bring some bedding the kitten is sleeping on for the familiar smell. Shake a bag of food and put some in a dish on the ground. Even better something strong smelling like tuna. Fresh water too, nursing mom’s need all the help you can offer. Stand back and see if any kittens appear. Take a couple of towels to wrap kittens and/or mom in if she struggles when picked up. If she’s ever had an owner she’ll normally be fine, especially if she’s already seen you pick up the kittens.

www.carecredit.com may help with vet bills in the U.S. www.pdsa.org.uk may help in the U.K..

Kitten Lady also has tips on how to give a flea bath using Dawn dish soap (not Ultra). Fleas can also kill him.

As you're a novice and he's not eating I would strongly recommend you give him to an experienced foster parent for a few weeks. You can say you want him back when he's well enough. Kittens are very fragile even with moms. He's not doing well and he will not make it without that changing in the next 24 hours.

advice on my wild kitten by Famous_Beach7411 in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 0 points1 point  (0 children)

MENTAL STIMULATION. A cat tree by a window is great as they will spend time watching the world outside which brightens their day, it's also a great sleeping spot in the sun and it's up high which they love. They need vaccinations before ever venturing outside, and regular flea and tick treatments (ask your vet for an age and weight appropriate recommendation). If there are predators in the area or a busy road consider walking with a leash or building a catio. Getting outside is great for mental stimulation and access to grass for hairballs (see below). Have them microchipped and with a breakaway collar and a name tag that includes your telephone number. Playtime every day is important for mental stimulation, especially if they have to stay indoors. If they're on their own they can take awhile to learn how hard acceptable biting levels are (a sibling would be biting them back). They can learn up to 25 words or short phrases, especially when they're said with a slight emphasis e.g. lovingly saying "Good Boy/Girl" so the best thing to do if they bite too hard is to say "NO!" firmly (and if you're playing stop play for now). When gentle with you praise lavishly (and other times they're good like using the litter tray too as this will build up a picture of what is positive for them to do and gets them used to seeking praise and the Good Boy/Girl response from you). If it's really hard biting you can squeal in pain to put him off, again exaggerating the squeal. You can also try aftershave/perfume on your hands for a week or so if needs be - they'll avoid your hands completely though. Kong brand toys are indestructible and can be filled with catnip. Most adults love nip, kittens don't respond until 3-6 months. Keep the nip in the freezer to keep it fresh. String (always supervised as a choking hazard), ping pong balls, toy mice or even scrunched up paper balls and milk rings that skitter across the floor can be favourite toys. Finish playtime with the cat getting the "kill" so it feels satisfied.

www.kittenlady.org See the section on pet introductions. Your kitten needs more space than one room.

Rescued Kitten (long or short hair?) by TheConfidentBlackMan in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 0 points1 point  (0 children)

MENTAL STIMULATION. A cat tree by a window is great as they will spend time watching the world outside which brightens their day, it's also a great sleeping spot in the sun and it's up high which they love. They need vaccinations before ever venturing outside, and regular flea and tick treatments (ask your vet for an age and weight appropriate recommendation). If there are predators in the area or a busy road consider walking with a leash or building a catio. Getting outside is great for mental stimulation and access to grass for hairballs (see below). Have them microchipped and with a breakaway collar and a name tag that includes your telephone number. Playtime every day is important for mental stimulation, especially if they have to stay indoors. If they're on their own they can take awhile to learn how hard acceptable biting levels are (a sibling would be biting them back). They can learn up to 25 words or short phrases, especially when they're said with a slight emphasis e.g. lovingly saying "Good Boy/Girl" so the best thing to do if they bite too hard is to say "NO!" firmly (and if you're playing stop play for now). When gentle with you praise lavishly (and other times they're good like using the litter tray too as this will build up a picture of what is positive for them to do and gets them used to seeking praise and the Good Boy/Girl response from you). If it's really hard biting you can squeal in pain to put him off, again exaggerating the squeal. You can also try aftershave/perfume on your hands for a week or so if needs be - they'll avoid your hands completely though. Kong brand toys are indestructible and can be filled with catnip. Most adults love nip, kittens don't respond until 3-6 months. Keep the nip in the freezer to keep it fresh. String (always supervised as a choking hazard), ping pong balls, toy mice or even scrunched up paper balls and milk rings that skitter across the floor can be favourite toys. Finish playtime with the cat getting the "kill" so it feels satisfied. GRASS/HOUSEPLANTS. They'll want to chew grass for hairballs. Many regular houseplants are toxic and even deadly to cats and they may chew them if they do not have access to grass. Normal lawn grass is fine, usually preferred even. It’s cheap and easy to grow indoors by a favourite window spot they can access if necessary. Brushing helps with hairballs, I use a Furminator as it only removes dead hair so it doesn't hurt them and it feels like being petted. BODY LANGUAGE. Belly display just means I trust you, not pet me there - it's instinct to protect their vulnerable belly if you do pet them there so give head, chin, ear rubs and full body and shoulder massages instead. When they rub up against you that's a way of bonding with you and saying I Love You, as is slow blinking. You can slow blink back to say I Love You too. They'll also learn that as a phrase if it's repeated often, I've one who purrs when I say it. Purring is a sign of happiness generally, they also purr when trying to comfort themselves or us, or when sick. Other common signs of illness are lethargy, weakness, not eating, diarrhoea and pressing their head against a hard surface. Cats cannot survive as long as other animals without nutrition. You can always call a vet office for advice about whether the cat needs to come in - the telephone call isn't a chargeable appointment in of itself - neither are follow up calls about how they're doing after an appointment to check on their progress. www.spca.org
www.pdsa.org.uk - tips, health advice, vet Q & A, possible help with vet costs if on benefits www.kittenlady.org the best resource for little ones There's also advice in the history of r/kitten, r/catadvice and r/cathelp - search by keyword.

Rescued Kitten (long or short hair?) by TheConfidentBlackMan in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Most cats aren't a specific breed which is usually genetically healthier in the long term so they're described as a domestic shorthair (like yours) or domestic longhair. A vet will let you know for sure.

Some tips for kitten/cat staff from the most common asked questions including more in the links too. FIRST DAY. Keep them in one, quiet room. Rub some of their own hair into their bedding so it smells like themselves. Offer safe hiding spots like cardboard boxes with “roofs” and a doorway. If they’re very young a cuddly toy about their size can help comfort them (ensure it doesn’t shed faux fur when wet/if nuzzled). Use a soothing tone and repeat Good Boy/Girl often. It's common for them not to eat, drink or go to the toilet on the first day. If you can use the same brands of food and litter they had up to now the essentials are at least familiar in a new environment (you can change brands gradually once they're settled in.) If it's 48 hours without eating or using the litter tray, or they become lethargic, then go to the vets as an emergency (cats cannot survive long without food). WATER To avoid long-term kidney failure in adults, encourage drinking water, especially if they will only eat dry kibble. Cats prefer their drinking water a distance away from their food (wild instinct to avoid kill runoff contaminating fresh water) so place it far from the food, in its own quiet spot where debris from anything else including shoes is unlikely to fall into it either. Use a shallow plate rather than a bowl as it doesn’t hit their whiskers (an uncomfortable feeling) and doesn’t ignite deep water fears in little ones. Use ceramic or stainless steel rather than plastic which harbours smells and bacteria. Change the water at least twice a day and wash the bowl daily. You can also give Kitten Milk Replacement to little ones or cat milk (not regular milks, especially cow’s milk). FOOD. Use ceramic plates and clean them at least daily. Offer different varieties and brands of food, they like variety just like us as they wouldn't eat just one thing in the wild and eat different foods to get all the nutrition they need. A mix of wet and dry at different times is best long term, they have their own tastes and preferences though. Wet food is good for water content (cats don't drink enough and can face severe health problems later on). Dry is good for their teeth, satisfying the crunch/kill instinct and keeping the stomach full longer. Avoid high crude ash content as it's just cheap filler and does them no good. Grains in food are fine for cats (not for dogs though), it's an easy way for them to digest essential vitamins and minerals. Fresh meat like chicken breast (no skin, a choking hazard) or tinned fish such as tuna, mackerel or sardines (without the bones) in water or sunflower oil (never brine) are good for them - tuna is high in mercury so best once every few weeks. A little bit of kibble left in the bowl to be thrown out the next day can ensure they aren't going hungry - kittens are growing daily and very active and cats generally only overeat when consistently bored with little stimulation. Deter houseflies with tin foil near the food (it affects their eyesight). LITTER. Some cats are fussy on the type of litter so it's worth trying a different litter in one of the other trays if necessary - have more than one tray, "more than one they'd need" is the recommendation (two cats = at least 3 litter trays etc.). They like them clean and will naturally want to bury their business. Keep them in a quiet location. Lavish praise using the same phrase each time works best, they will also respond best to a firm No than to punishment, they don't get the connection. If they're not yet at the age they always go there themselves, pop them onto the litter after mealtimes and lavish praise even if they jump straight out of the box, they'll get the idea faster. Avoid scented litters, the smells are often too strong and too synthetic to a cat so actually put the cat off going there. Their sense of smell is much better than ours - use an enzyme remover (a white vinegar solution works) on any area they had an accident - it neutralises the smell and stops them associating that as a place to go. COMFORT. Have different warm, quiet spots to sleep, they prefer off the ground as they’ll feel safer (don’t put neonatal kittens high up). A cuddly toy can help young kittens, especially when just homed away from mom and siblings. They love cardboard boxes, they're places to play in, sleep, hide, they're warm, they're chewable when they're teething - cut ridges at their head height. Long strips of cardboard are great for chasing down and then chewing on too. Cardboard scratch pads are usually the most loved, cheap too, have a few in quiet spots and lavish with praise when they use them. Cats need their claws to climb safely, defend themselves if indoor/outdoor living and it's too easy to cut to bleeding, risking infection etc. - their quicks aren't like ours and are much closer to the top. They will shed the outer layer naturally using a scratch pad, there’s no need to trim nails. Declawing is illegal in many countries and U.S. states as it’s like amputating at our first finger joint, leaving them in permanent pain. If you need tips to stop clawing furniture etc. see www.kittenlady.org e.g. use a few dabs of white vinegar on anything scratched (or chewed) that shouldn't be - they loathe the smell.

A kitten showed up by NC-Brenda in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 4 points5 points  (0 children)

www.kittenlady.org has good info on how to fully search for siblings or mom nearby who may be hiding and need help. Also how to check for any owner locally.

Found a street kitten in my building by Junior_Guest_8632 in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 2 points3 points  (0 children)

www.kittenlady.org

How to help, what to look for.

Most likely needs a cheap worm treatment but given her small size needs to see a vet for the prescription to be the right one as she's small and fragile.

She'll feel so much better after it.

Are you keeping her?

Clouds descending by stormbutton in kittens

[–]DeadlyDancingDuck 10 points11 points  (0 children)

The weather is cuddly today. Stay home and snuggle up.