Hand raising kittens-need advice

[ann]

Hello! So a friend of mine found 3 kittens when they were 2 1/2 weeks old. Someone told her they didn't need to be bottle fed and that they could just eat from a can. For. Week and a half that's what they did, until a vet told them they need to be bottle fed every 2 hours. She told me that she doesn't feed them every two hours, only when she's not busy. They (she and her sister) also haven't been refrigerating the formula or keeping them warm enough. I just got them yesterday (I'm watching them for a few days) and one was so weak that he died only 3 hours after I got her. They other two were very dehydrated and starving. Since I got them I've been bottle feeding them warm formula every two hours, burping and pooping them, and giving them a little unflavored pedialyte every other feeding to help the dehydration. I plan on feeding them once or twice over night to be extra safe.it's working and they are much stronger. The only problem is she isn't taking care of them and doesn't even have the time to feed them as often as they need to be. I have more experience taking care of sick/weak babies etc but I can guarantee she won't let me raise them for her. My other friend and his parents want me to lie and say they all died and when I finish raising them, they'll keep them or their aunt will. I really do not want to do this but given the situation, I don't know what else to do. I could try to talk to her but she is very stubborn and immature and once she says no I don't have any other choice but to give them back. She won't take my advice either (doesn't like to be told what to do) It's a very sticky situation, I'm open to any advice. I feel terrible lying but I would feel awful if I gave them back and they died.

 

[Amanda_Bennett]

I understand how you feel about lying, but I wouldn't give them back knowing she isn't going to care for them and they will suffer and most probably die.

Just my 2 cents, but I would keep them.

 

[gracebowen]

I wouldn't give them back either. In this case the end justifies the means. They died. Or if you want when she's ready for them back take them to your other friend. Then you can tell her you don'thave them and not lie. You can try looking sad and just saying tthey're gone.

When people came over I didn't want to talk to I used to stand in the shower so my mom could tell them I was in the shower without lying.

 

[Doublete]

Omg.

Do NOT give the babies back to her.

Go to petsmart or petco and get kitten formula and a bottle. Feed them every 2-3 hours. Even through the night. You don't need to burp them.
You do need a wet wash cloth to rub on their behinds. It stimulates poop and pee so usually they'll pee as you do this. Eventually they learn to do it on their own but if you don't so this they will die of toxicity from not ridding the urine from their body.

I've raised two different litters. My last one was the youngest. They were 2 weeks old when I got them. They're very healthy, fixed and 1.5 years old now. I am their mom- they're very attached to me.

 

[MikeyTN]

I wouldn't give them back to her either....I have bottle fed baby bunnies before, that was a task.....And just like above post says to do, feed them around the clock. I have the experience but just don't have the time as there were others asking for help to bottle feed before but I just couldn't....good luck with the babies!!!

 

[sonja]

Don't give them back. What she's doing is cruelty.
Have you tried reaching out to your local shelter or cat rescues? Many have volunteers dedicated simply to raising underage kittens. It would be ideal if they could take them in, but even if they can just offer you guidance and support that would be a big help for the kittens.
I don't know where you live, but if you happen to be in the Washington DC area, PM me and I can help you find someone to take them.

 

[kimng]

I know you don't like lying, but DO SO! Whatever it takes to NOT return those kittens to her! Feeding them when "she's not busy" SMH! Worse case is turn them over to a shelter (no kill preferably). They should be given formula until approx. 6 - 8 wks of age, when Momma kitty would wean them (actually outside mom's usually leave them around 4 wks of age, at least my outside cats did that). I'd scoop them up at 4wks and give them formula & some wet or kibble until old enough to go to a new home.

 

[Minimaker]

I would never give them back in a million years. Say they died. Call her and act like you're very upset that you couldn't save them. She'll buy it. If she asks what you did with them tell her you bagged them and took them to a dumpster away from your house because you were too upset to deal with it. If she pushes you on questions, just tell her you are too emotional and upset to talk about it and you're going to drop it now. Get them to a decent shelter and they will have a much better chance at survival. Lying stinks but in this case it's for the greater good. Your friend doesn't need help but these little animals do, help them, worry about her later.

 

[MikeyTN]

In our area here we have Nashville Cat Rescue group that would take in cases like this. Do you have something in your area that would do the same perhaps?

 

[ann]

Sorry guys for the late response, but I was able to convince her to let me keep them without lying! I would never have given them back if I felt they were at risk, thankfully it worked out. I fed them every two hours, some nights I was up until 5am (with finals the next day :31: ). It was the hardest thing I've ever done in regards to caring for animals. My friend came over and was shocked lol I hadn't brushed my hair in days and my shirt was on inside out, there was no time for anything else. If I left the house for more than a few hours I had to take them and all their supplies with me. As tiring as it was it was something I have wanted to do since I was in 5th grade (10 years ago). I DREAMED of raising babies for so long, and I finally got the chance. As tiring as it was, they brought so much joy into my home, at a time when we really needed it. So much so that my parents wanted to keep them! So now I'm happy to say they are 7-8 weeks old, weaned and eating well, and will be staying with us . This had a far more happy ending than I ever anticipated. Thank you guys for helping me out. I didn't get to reply as soon as I would have liked, but your posts made me feel alot better and helped me clear my head. I'll start a new thread with pictures of them then and now