newborn kitten constipation

Question
Our cat gave birth to four kittens.  Three of them died.  She is not having much to do with the fourth kitten.  We have been feeding it newborn kitten milk for almost two days.  It has only had one bowel movement for us.  We can get it to urinate. It it six days old.  What do I need to do?

Answer
Hi Heather,

I'm sorry for your loss. Is the mom taking care of the kitten at all? If she isn't licking it and cleaning it there are a couple of things you need to do. Little kittens don't go on their own. You need to get a cotton ball and wet it with warm water. You then rub it against the kittens genitals and anus. Word of advice, do this over the sink and have some extra cotton balls ready. You have to stimulate the kitten to go. You want to mimic the pressure the mom's tongue would use.
Some kittens don't go everyday. They will have a bowel movement sometimes every two days. They will urinate a lot though. I would do the cotton ball right after she eats. If you feel that she is really constipated add a couple of drops of mineral oil to the food mixture and add more water to it.
Keep the kitten warm. Make a nest for it with towels. Add a small stuffed animal that it can snuggle against. Put a heating pad, ( on low), under a section, leaving an area without the pad so she can move off the pad to regulate her temperature.
I am adding a recipe for something called kitty glop. I have raised numerous kittens on this stuff. It is great. Feed it like you would the KMR.
Good luck and write back if you have any further questions.

Ciao, Karen

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KITTY GLOP




INGREDIENTS:
1 can evaporated milk (sweetened condensed)
2 tbsp. plain yogurt (not low or non fat)
2 tbsp. mayonnaise (real not light or No-Fat)
1 tbs. Karo Syrup (light)
1 pkg. Knox gelatin
1 egg yolk (beaten, )
1 cup Pedialyte (unflavored)
1 jar Stage One Baby food (chicken or turkey)

INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix milk, yogurt, mayonnaise, baby food, and syrup together well. Bring 1 cup pedialyte to boil and mix in Knox gelatin. Set aside. Mix egg yolk with small amount of milk mixture and beat well.

Add gelatin and pedialyte to milk mixture and beat well. Add in egg yolk mixture and beat well. Remember to not use egg substitute and keep egg white to a minimum.

Pour into bowl (with cover) and set in refrigerator. Glop will last for two weeks covered in refrigerator. Try freezing the mixture in ice cube trays and store the cubes in the freezer, thaw as many as needed.
Always warm glop to room temperature ,(milk form), or a little warmer, before feeding.