swollen paws

Question
QUESTION: I have been taking care of a newly born kitten for a week now and last night I noticed it's right front paw is swollen and the left one is starting to swell.  The kitten eats, pees, poops, and sleeps as normaal and when I press on the paws, it is in no apparent pain.  The swollen paws are not warm to the touch nor do they appear to be infected nor does it flinch or cry when I touch them.  Could it just be from it sucking on them?  What should I do?

ANSWER: Hi Shar, is this an orphan kitten?? Have you seen him sucking on them?? If it is an orphan can you let me know roughly how old it is and what  you are feeding?? and then I will get back to you.. ok? Teresa

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Our little kitten is approximately 7-8 days old now.  I do believe I found it within the first 24 hours of it's life.  One of the little kids found the young kitten in the road last sunday and I have taken it in and have become its mommy since then. It is thriving extremely well.  I have been feeding it 'Just Born' (Highly Digestible Milk Reblacer for Kittens).  It is urinating and pooping normal.  The urine is a soft yellow color and the poop has become more of a solid form and is brownish in color.  The umbilical cord fell off earlier this morning.  The eyes have yet to open although they do show signs of opening soon.  I plan on taking it to our vet this week but I am wondering if it needs to be seen asap?  Yes I have seen it sucking on its paws but that isnt often.  It does like to suck on my palm/finger/hand though!

Answer
hi Shar... it sounds like you are doing everything well.. but I would be concerned about these swollen feet. It might indicate something wrong with the kidneys... or how he is processing things.
So, I would recommend you get him to a vet tomorrow if you can.. good luck, Teresa