I have some kitten questions

[H5N1]

I may be fostering a mother and seven kittens
(eyes not open).

Do kittens chose one nipple and always return to the same nipple?

Normally, a mother cat has eight nipples.
Can any of the kittens get left out because they are
not aggressive enough or because it is logistically impossible to
get to a nipple.

What is the formula for Kitty Milk Replacement?

[intheflow]

1. I have no idea how to answer your questions, except to say

this thread would be more appropriate to post in the Lounge. You're certainly bound to get a better response to this kind of question there.

You're fairly new, so consider this me cluing you into DU ettiquette, not some kind of stern reprimand.

Welcome to DU. :hi:

[_TJ_]

2. I don't know the answer

But speaking as a male, your descripion of a pussy with eight nipples
has me feeling very hot under the collar!

[kitkat65]

3. Try a yahoo or google search. There are quite a few sites on animal

care. Good luck.

[China_cat]

4. I've seen them switch off

So, no, they don't always return to the same nipple. Yes, a kitten can be pushed out by more aggressive littermates.

Better than trying to mix a formula yourself, ask the vet for a milk replacement or check a PetSmart or other pet supply place for replacement products and nursing bottles...although I've found a feeding syringe more easily accepted than a bottle and I've raised a BUNCH of orphan kittens.

[H5N1]

8. thank you for the meow advice

[Mz Pip]

5. I know that

sometimes the weakest do die because they can't get to the milk. Oftern the strongest won't let the little one feed.

You can get kitten formula at any pet supply store. I bottle fed a few baby kittens and they do quite well in the formula.

Mz Pip
:dem:

[H5N1]

7. I have hand fed many a cast off

[havocmom]

6. Many kittens do seem to have 'favorites'

And sometimes there may be one or two in a litter who are not aggressive enough (or strong enough) to get in there and hold their ground to nurse. Sometimes one can remove the other kittens after they are stated, and let the weaker one nurse alone. If the mamma cat lets you do that, the weak one might play catch-up. I have even seen mommas that understood the method to the maddness and do it on their own after figuring out it was helping.

Some kittens just don't have survival in their futures for many reasons. Sad, but it happens.

As to milk replacement, don't have a formula for you. Stores sell it and a vet might be able to help you with how to make one up. Even with extra help, some kittens are not gonna survive. Sometimes their insides are just not formed right or they lack things to help them digest/utilize foods. They just get weaker as their siblings grow stronger.

Call shelters in your area for feeding advice.

Good luck. You are kind to try and help the little chaps.

[theHandpuppet]

9. You might consider taking this to the Pets Forum

It will quickly scroll of the GD forum and frankly, I really believe it belongs on the Pets Forum.