[NChandler]

I have brought home a wild kitten about 5 weeks of age that has an eye infection and an abscess. The kitten is on antibotics starting today, but was only removed from the mother as of last night (it is eating gruel well at 3 hour intervals) but has not pooped. I have foster kittens, mainly for socialization, before and all have pooped in the litter box with no problem. Here's a stupid question... do kittens start to poop once regular food is introduced only? Do they not poop while only feeding off mom? I am trying the stimulation... kitten is peeing in litter box no problem with just placing her in there... How long should it take for me to get really concerned?

Thanks for your help :)

[cici385]

I hope that this post finds you in time - as you posted at the end of August.
We've recently adopted an orphaned kitten, so I feel your sense of urgency and confusion.

Our little one did not do number 2 every day, but we made sure he was properly hydrated and upon the 2nd day or so we'd dilute the gruel/formula with a little water for one feeding and he went pretty much like clockwork after that.

My question to you is, is your kitty doing #1 on it's own, or are you having to stimulate her still. Also, have you attempted the litter box. At about 4 weeks our little guy took right to the litter box and needed no stimulation. Just some food for thought, but I'd dilute the gruel a little, but watch for diharea.
Good Luck!!

CiCi