7 day old kitten

Question
Hello, Teresa, I have one 7 day old kitten that was abandoned by its mother that i have been taking care of since day 3 and it seemed everything was going well but since yesterday evening hasn't had a bowel movement, and isn't eating as hardily as it was, also seems a bit more lethargic. Any ideas on what to do if constipated?  

Answer
Hi again Marie, Well I am so sorry to hear you lost the little guy. You had worked so hard to give him a fair chance. Perhaps there was some reason we don't know about that his mother abandoned him. They often know more than we do. Thanks for giving him the best shot possible. Teresa


Hi Marie, Constipation in kittens is usually due to the wrong type of food. Kittens need lots of fluid as much as they need nutrition. We always want to give them really lots of good stuff and sometimes that can cause constipation. What are you feeding this little guy? Do not give him concentrated milk unless it is diluted. While I wait for your answer back I would suggest you give him some sugar water to get his energy back up and to get things moving! Mix boiled water(1 cup) with corn syrup (1 tablespoon) and let it dissolve and cool and then give him some of that. About an hour later give him some more as much as he will take. Then after that put him back on his normal milk. Do you weigh him? I find this so helpful when I am raising kittens. It is really hard when you are looking at them and holding them so much to notice that they are not gaining weight. I assume you are massaging his genitals to get the stool out? Keep doing that and let me know if you get anything or if you are getting lots of urine. If there is not much urine and there is NO stool then this kitten is in trouble... You have kept him going for the last 4 days so I am sure we can get him going again ! Get back to me...
Teresa