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spinbaby

(15,088 posts)
Wed Aug 26, 2020, 09:58 AM Aug 2020

I think I have a fading kitten on my hands

I’ve been trapping cats at a colony. They’re semi-feral—one of those situations where old people feed cats and things get out of hand. Anyway, on Monday I caught two kittens. One was old enough to spay and is resting comfortably in her recovery crate. The other was a fluffy little black male who only weighed 2 pounds. The doctor checked him out, wormed him, and sent him home with me to foster until he’s old enough to neuter.

And, oh my word, I can’t believe this kitten came from a colony—he’s so cuddly and purry. He also just doesn’t feel right. You handle enough kittens , you kind of know what a healthy kitten feels like—they feel solid and springy. This kitten feels bony and floppy and he’s very inactive. He’s eating, but not with kitten enthusiasm. I have a bad feeling about him and am going to speak to the doctor about him. I hope I’m wrong.

14 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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I think I have a fading kitten on my hands (Original Post) spinbaby Aug 2020 OP
Such a cutie Mz Pip Aug 2020 #1
Praying for the sweet fur baby. n.t lark Aug 2020 #2
Healing vibes on the way! 💗💗💗 SheltieLover Aug 2020 #3
Could he maybe have calicivirus? happybird Aug 2020 #4
This one didn't have respiratory issues spinbaby Aug 2020 #7
So adorable, keep us posted Freddie Aug 2020 #5
He's Adorable DarthDem Aug 2020 #6
Pull through, little guy... Blue Owl Aug 2020 #8
Are you familiar with FIP? hamsterjill Aug 2020 #9
An update spinbaby Aug 2020 #10
How is the little guy doing? happybird Aug 2020 #11
Good spinbaby Sep 2020 #12
Ooo. That's a nasty one. No wonder he felt so poorly! happybird Sep 2020 #13
Bless you for what you do for these kittens. dware Sep 2020 #14

SheltieLover

(57,073 posts)
3. Healing vibes on the way! 💗💗💗
Wed Aug 26, 2020, 10:05 AM
Aug 2020

Such an adorable kitty! I hope he comes around!

Ty for helping them!

happybird

(4,588 posts)
4. Could he maybe have calicivirus?
Wed Aug 26, 2020, 10:10 AM
Aug 2020

A feral kitten I took care of had it and he was eventually so weak I had to syringe feed him and carry him to the litterbox to do his business. He had the “limping kitten” variety, which doesn’t have the respiratory symptoms, just extreme fatigue and fever (and the limping/sore joints). After a little more than a week, the virus cleared and he was fine. The main thing is making sure they stay hydrated and eat.

Or, he may just be a mellow little guy who is chllin’ and relaxed because he feels safe with you and is happy to be indoors, out of danger.

Sending you and the kitties good thoughts.

spinbaby

(15,088 posts)
7. This one didn't have respiratory issues
Wed Aug 26, 2020, 12:55 PM
Aug 2020

I didn’t know Calicivirus had a non respiratory variant. I’m glad I have him isolated behind two doors in the guest bathroom. We decided to give him a couple of days and then recheck.

Freddie

(9,257 posts)
5. So adorable, keep us posted
Wed Aug 26, 2020, 10:17 AM
Aug 2020

I lost a rescue kitten once, to flea anemia. He had been rescued covered with fleas, they dipped him but the damage was done. Vet told me that a severe flea allergy changes the blood cells; temporary in adult cats but little kittens usually can’t survive. I called the rescue to tell them (just to be on the lookout for other kittens with the same problem) and they gave me my beloved Freddie free of any fees.

hamsterjill

(15,220 posts)
9. Are you familiar with FIP?
Wed Aug 26, 2020, 05:12 PM
Aug 2020

Feline Infectious Peritonitis. I’m so sorry to bring it up but please ask your vet if it’s a possibility.

Does kitty have a temp?

spinbaby

(15,088 posts)
10. An update
Thu Aug 27, 2020, 05:55 PM
Aug 2020

Today he’s eating better, but has some congestion. He had a look around the guest bedroom. He’s not exactly lethargic, but not bouncing around like a normal kitten either.

spinbaby

(15,088 posts)
12. Good
Tue Sep 1, 2020, 08:52 AM
Sep 2020

It turned out he had coccidia. What is key is that the first stool sample did not show coccidia, only worms. It showed up on the second sample and he Also still had worms. He’s being medicated and his second worming is Friday. Poor little guy, he’s so sweet. And for even more good news, I have someone to adopt him once we get him healthy and neutered.

happybird

(4,588 posts)
13. Ooo. That's a nasty one. No wonder he felt so poorly!
Tue Sep 1, 2020, 04:16 PM
Sep 2020

Glad you and the doc got it figured out and he’s on the road to recovery. Great news that he has an adopter lined up!

I was verrry close to pm-ing you to see if we live within 12 hours of each other. I’ve been thinking about a kitten and something about that little dude caught my eye. My male cat is feeling ever so much better after recovering from major dental surgery, and now he’s all perky and driving my mellow female cat absolutely insane. He needs a play buddy. And I feel weird with only two cats.

dware

(12,264 posts)
14. Bless you for what you do for these kittens.
Tue Sep 1, 2020, 10:20 PM
Sep 2020

He is so beautiful and am glad to hear that he seems to be doing better and, you have found a good home for him.

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