kitten hasn't pooed?

[Trillian]

We are hand raising a feral kitten that at a rough guess would be around 3-4 weeks old. We got it on Sunday morning and so far it hasn't pooed. It has done plenty of wees, but no poos and I'm concerned that not pooing will do more harm than good. But then I have no idea if this is normal or not? It is bright and alert and cries when it's hungry so it doesn't seem affected by it, but I know nothing about cats so have no idea what to expect.

[NaeNae]

Have you treated it at all? like worming etc?

I'd say if there is no evidence that the kitty has pooped by tomorrow it might be an idea to ring the local vet and see what they say. Hwats the little ones name??

[Trillian]

I'm suspecting worms too Nae - it's a feral cat so it's entirely possible that's the problem. I have even tried running it's bum under warm water and massaging it's belly like google said to LOL. And her name is Chewy - so named because if the dog got a hold of it she'd become a chew toy

[NaeNae]

And her name is Chewy - so named because if the dog got a hold of it she'd become a chew toy

I know I shouldn't laugh but this really cracked me up.

She might still be too young for worming I don't know much about really really little kittens all my cats have been 8w+. Does she have a hot water bottle or a heatable wheat pack? maybe sleeping on something warm (aside from bedding) might help get things moving??

[Trillian]

Yeah I have a hot water bottle in there with her - the nights are pretty cool here still.

[Artechim]

The mum's usually lick the tummies to make them poo. But if you have tried the massage I am not sure. My cat was about 3-4 weeks when we found her and I held her out for the dogs to lick and they took care of all of that for me - but it sounds like your dogs may be a bit less motherly lol.

[krysalyss]

You should definitely worm and de-flea her straight away. Worming is every 2 weeks at this stage and fleas probably once a month depending on what you use. She is likely to have a big worm burden. I have seen kittens and puppies die from worms and from fleas so it can be a big deal. It may also help with the poo issue. With native joeys we get a wet cotton wool ball or tissue and gently wipe the genital/anal area to stimulate toileting although you have to be really gentle otherwise it can get a bit raw. Hope this helps! Otherwise talk to your vet or an animal shelter. There's bound to be someone there who has raised a few kittens in their time.

[Trillian]

well she pooed this morning and I couldn't *see* any worms in it, but that doesn't mean she doesn't have them. I will get some worming stuff when I'm in town. Thanks!