I really need some advice. Two days ago, I found the tiniest kitten in my backyard, and I think she might be around 3 weeks old. She’s absolutely adorable, but I’m worried because she only seems to pee when I gently stimulate her with a warm, damp cloth—like how her mom would lick her. She hasn’t pooped yet either. I’ve been bottle-feeding her kitten formula every few hours, and she’s drinking it up just fine, but is this normal for her age? I’m really trying my best here, but I don’t want to mess anything up. I’m planning to take her to the vet, but the earliest appointment I could get is in two days, so any tips or guidance you can share in the meantime would be so appreciated. I just want to make sure I’m giving her everything she needs right now. Thanks in advance for your help!
Hello there! It’s wonderful that you’ve taken in this little kitten. You’re doing an important job by stimulating the kitten to pee, especially since very young kittens often depend on their mother to help with this by licking their bellies and urogenital area. Without stimulation, kittens under 3-4 weeks old may not urinate or defecate on their own.
It sounds like your kitten may be quite young and still needs assistance. To help, using a warm, damp cloth or cotton ball to gently rub their lower abdomen and genital area after feeding can mimic the mother’s actions. Be patient and gentle; this can take a little time and is important for their health.
Keep an eye out for signs of concern, such as a kitten not urinating for over 24 hours, any signs of discomfort, bloating, or foul-smelling urine, as these might indicate an underlying issue that requires veterinary attention.
Remember, having a professional evaluate the kitten can be incredibly helpful to ensure they are developing well. I’d recommend booking a video consult with one of our vets at Dial A Vet, who can provide more personalized guidance and help ensure your kitten stays healthy and happy.
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