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Abandoned Kitty Advice

We found an abandoned kitten this week at work, I took her to the vet to see if she was alright and find out her approximate age. The vet said as of 4/7/08 she was not even 3 weeks old yet. The vet is also telling me that as soon as her teeth come in, which she believes will be in 1 week from the visit, she can be completely weened from milk. She told me to place her on dry kitten food with water to soften it. I am worried that this is just too soon to ween her. She is so tiny. I also have her in foster care at this time, due to the fact I work all day. When should I bring her back home to my family? Will this be decided based on the weening time? Thank you, Worried New Mommy

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Answer #1

Hi there,

At the Humane Society where I work, we won’t wean the kittens until 6 weeks of age. Weaning them before then can be harmful to their teeth and emotional development.

Most Humane Societies/shelters will sell kitten formula and bottles. Follow the instructions to mix the formula with water (it’s usually in a powder) and bottle-feed her every 2-3 hours, even at night.

By four weeks she should be able to go longer without eating, and by 6 weeks her teeth will come in and you can do the kibble mixed with water thing.

I’m not sure where your vet got their training, but you’re right–it’s too early.

Answer #2

If this kitten is an orphan, then you DO want to get it on kitten food, softened with water ASAP…kitten replacement milk will work, but under “orphan” circumstances, be it lambs, goats, calves or pups…pushing the timeline is usually the norm. Listen to the vet.

phrannie

Answer #3

I’d say wait till about 6-8 weeks.

My grandma’s neighbour had two 2 week old kittens that he cared nothing for, and to be honest, they werent fit to be owners of animals, so my grandma took them in.

It was so hard getting them to feed because they were away from their mother too young. It took ages trying to get them to have a drink or anything.

So yeah, I’d say wait till 6-8 weeks.

Answer #4

Id wait till shes 8 weeks. Thats when I brought my kitten home to my family and it was the perfect time, she really blended in with my other cats. Kittens aren’t supposed to leave their mothers till around 8 weeks. Obviously your kitten didn’t have that choice by the sounds of it, so let it be closely mothered as much as she can while in foster care until 8 weeks.

Answer #5

not 100% sure but I think you can try goats milk if I remember right my mother had to do that once before

Answer #6

If your Having trouble why dont you research on the internet for sum advice hope it helps:)

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