My breeder had told me to buy oral syringes, bottles, and KMR beforehand so I was ready to jump in once I noticed something was wrong. She's taking about 5-10ml per feeding now and I'm feeding her 4-5 times a day. She takes it for a while then is over it. I give her a 5-10 minutes break and try again until she's had at least 5 mL. I had thought to try and feed the larger ones. But, although she doesn't seem weak as she's meowing and wobbling, I believe her deep, labored breaths are making it hard for her to stick on a nipple. She gets to attach often, but if another kitten just bumps her she is easily knocked off. I will continue to supplement her and try to give her more alone time with mom. She is gaining weight now, although she is 20g behind the others. On a side note the snows are starting to show spots.

I would not be caught up on the fact that she's behind the others in weight. I wouldn't expect her to catch back up. The best you can expect is to maintain that sort of distance with nice weight gains now.

If her breathing is raspy and laboured she should really be tube fed. This will give her a rest and ensure she gets milk with no chance of aspirating (which is very high when being hand fed especially if she is struggling for you). It is kind of counterproductive to feed her for as long as you do in order to get her to take 5mls. She will be using too much energy to get that milk. Have you got any Nutridrops? This is great for the extra vitamins and sugar she might be missing out on.

From your description on her feeding and breathing I would certainly be trying to feed the others and give her time on a teat to suck at her own pace. I would also consider tube feeding her. Your vet might know of someone who could help with this. Have you asked the breeder now that one is struggling. They should really be support for you and mentor you through this.

Edit: KMR was what was recommended to me but I struggled to get mine to drink it. I ended up buying Cimicat and they all liked it much more.

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Lollo

Good news everyone! A few days ago I started steam showering the kitten along with giving her the medication and it seems to have worked. She doesn't wheeze at all anymore. And is gaining more and more weight! We are on the upswing!! Everyone is starting to notice their siblings and are playing and wondering out of the box. Thank you all for your help!

They are looking gorgeous Glad he is doing well, are they actual collars they are wearing? I would remove them as when they fight for the nips they pull each other and pull by the necks... We use paper (thinly cut) from ebay collars, easily ripped off in one of these 'fights' But I don't like anything round their throats really unless pushed, haven't put anything on my current litter, all seal points

Remember if scuffing them to put your other hand under their bumbum

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20-Puppy-Dog- ... 51ab0183ad

They're just strips of ribbon that I had Velcro sewn into.

Glad to hear everything going well.

They're gorgeous! Even though I have 2 kittens, looking at your pics has made me "broody" for more! Lol

Lisa
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