I'm writing this thread as a request from a girl I know.

She recently found three new-born stray kittens that had been abandoned by their mother and were literally on the brink of starvation. They were all so emaciated that their bones were clearly visible all around and they couldn't have been more than a few days old at the time. Her heart was so moved by their condition when she saw them that she has "adopted" them and has begun taking care of them.

From what I could understand, it sounded like her concern is that some of them after feeding react and make sounds that lead her to believe there may be a health condition problem. She thinks they may have fluid in their lungs (or a problem like that) or some kind of respiratory problem. She basically wants to get an educated diagnosis from someone familiar with animals since she can't really afford the vet bills for checkups for three new kittens, especially if she's not completely sure if there's anything wrong with any of them. If there is something genuinely wrong with them, then I think that would prompt her to go to the vet.

I suggested things like the SPCA, but she was quite clear that she didn't want to give them up, but she was hoping there was someone at the university who could help her. While over the bulletin board may provide some suggestions, I think she's really looking for someone she could bring the kittens over to and ask them to look them over.

I know this is kind of a charity case, but was hoping there was someone who could help since NC State has such a good vet school and numerous departments involved with animal care. Anyone willing to help or know someone who may be able to give assistance here?

Serious answers please, I posted this in the lounge and not chit chat for a reason.

[Edited on April 14, 2008 at 11:43 PM. Reason : v]

4/14/2008 11:27:14 PM

Since you obviously don't know any guys with balls, I'll gladly come over with a brick and finish the job

4/14/2008 11:36:50 PM

Regardless of whether there is a health concern or not, the kittens need to see a vet. If she can't afford the checkup for kittens then she can't afford them period. The first year costs of owning these kittens would easily be $1,500, even with some help. Tests, vaccinations, spay/neuter, flea/worm prevention, food, litter, etc... shit ain't cheap.

4/14/2008 11:56:58 PM

I strongly advise going to a vet however..

Quote :

"From what I could understand, it sounded like her concern is that some of them after feeding react and make sounds that lead her to believe there may be a health condition problem. She thinks they may have fluid in their lungs (or a problem like that) or some kind of respiratory problem."

Do you know if she is feeding them correctly? sometimes tiny kittens (and especially ones like these who are so hungry and already weak) might be kinda choking on the milk or having a hard time with the actual act of feeding and inhale some of the milk. Most kittens ALWAYS have something wrong with them too. . worms, goopy eyes, runny nose, etc which are best to be addressed by the vet.

[Edited on April 15, 2008 at 12:17 AM. Reason : .]

4/15/2008 12:16:21 AM

^I have no idea how she is feeding them, and wouldn't be surprised if she is not doing it correctly. If you have suggestions on how she should do it I will pass the information along to her.

^^I know that that owning pets is not cheap; I have two dogs of my own. But I think her concern was that she just wanted to make sure they were okay, and now she feels responsible enough for them that she wouldn't want to see them placed in an environment where they may eventually be euthanized, or else to see them disappear and never know what happens to them. I don't know for sure though, I didn't question her too deeply about it.

4/15/2008 12:19:07 AM

Do she want to keep them or just foster them until they are old enough to be adopted

If she only wants to foster them then I would suggest that she contact some rescue groups to see if they would let her foster them through them. The rescue group would then pay for the vet care. Independent Animal Rescue & Marleys Cat Tails are 2 that I've dealt with.

The kittens really need to see a vet. I know she wants to help them but if she can't find someone to examine them for "free" and refuses to take them to a vet to get proper attention then she's not doing the kittens any good and they may die. Some vets will let you set up payment plans with them.

She really needs to get a professionals opinion or surrender them to someone who will get them the care they need.

4/15/2008 10:56:33 AM

i know this is heartless and cold and blah blah blah, but given the vast number of stray cats out there, she might be better off putting them out of their misery...drown them, snap their necks, or give them to me to feed to my snakes

4/15/2008 12:26:19 PM

this might have been said, but some vets (actually a lot of vets) offer discounts for stray/homeless/foster animals so...probably calling around would be a good idea.

4/15/2008 4:02:42 PM

I'm not that familiar with feeding kittens. But they could be aspirating the milk. Make sure she's feeding them in a sternal position-belly towards the ground, and position the bottle so their head is slightly extended forward. It elongates their throat so their airway is closed off while sucking.

And depending on their age, it sounds like they are very young. They shouldn't be drinking a great deal at one time. But should be fed every 2 hours with roughly 3-6 ml of milk. I think kittens usually stop nursing when they've gotten enough. Also if they are regurging-or it's coming out their nose, maybe the hole in the nipple is too large.

It's unlikely at this point that they would have a URI, number one their immune system is too naive to build up a response, and number two if they got any of mom's milk, they are protected for a few weeks from outside pathogens.

It'd probably be helpful too, if she kept them on a heating pad. Since they probably can't move around too much, it should be set on the lowest power with a towel folded in half over it. That way there isn't the risk of burning.

4/15/2008 6:04:55 PM

Update: Thank you all for your helpful advice. Turns out that one of the three kittens died about the time this post was out (it was just too weak). However, when I described the feeding comments to her she realized that must have been the problem because she'd been holding them semi-upright (like you might hold a small child) as she fed them. That accounts for their milk aspiration. Anyway, I don't see her too often, but it seems like the other kittens were doing okay at last check.

Another solution provided by The Lounge.

[Edited on April 25, 2008 at 2:04 AM. Reason : ]

4/25/2008 2:04:24 AM