When the kittens came to me a few weeks ago, they were pretty normal and average kittens, no major issues, in good health, etc. Peach seemed a little smaller than the other two, but I wasn't stressed about that at all.
I then realized her poop was a little bit softer than the others and it wasn't firming up. She wasn't gaining as well as her siblings, so I gave her some probiotics. Her stool firmed up, but she was still quite small. Mario and Luigi both gained weight and filled out while she looked pretty much unchanged.
I know that kittens gain at different rates so I initially wasn't that concerned. She was eating and she was active, so it was something I was keeping an eye on not so much something I was worried about.
I noticed that Luigi was incessant about .. um.. well to be direct, nursing on her genitals. This is something very young orphaned kittens do for comfort. I had not seen it start up in three-month-old kittens so I was assuming it was something he had done regularly and it wasn't causing a problem. I had real problems with it because it is seemed so rude, especially as he got bigger and she did not, but no outward physical damage was being done (it can get really damaging in little kittens who can't get away)
Then one morning I went down to feed them and found four piles of vomit about the room. Princess Peach was showing signs that it was her. She was tired and just had that air of not feeling well. I separated her out into the bathroom and consulted with the rescue and we gave her some metro to settle her stomach and we gave her some fluids.
Things seemed to be going in the right direction, then one day she spent the day out of the bathroom (either I forgot to close her back in or the Catman let her out not realizing) and she went right downhill.
More consults with the rescue and my own vet, we increased fluids and I decided to move her into a cage so she could interact with her siblings a little more.
While I can't know for certain what happened, I am guessing that Luigi pestered her to the point of some pretty severe dehydration that subq fluids could only take care of over multiple days. At this point, she is putting on some weight and is active and self-grooming and playful. I will continue fluids and supplements until she is 3lbs
She gets plenty of running around time twice a day. Luigi has become more respectful (thank goodness) and hopefully, she won't need to be isolated for the rest of the time she is here.
As an aside.. I realized the other day that Mario is actually a girl. I did a quick gender check when they first arrived and in my hubris, I didn't double-check myself (I always should). I am not going to worry about changing her name as they probably won't be here much longer. Besides, as high energy as she is (and I mean like a toddler birthday party on Red Bull high energy) I do think Mario fits her very well.
As an aside.. I realized the other day that Mario is actually a girl. I did a quick gender check when they first arrived and in my hubris, I didn't double-check myself (I always should). I am not going to worry about changing her name as they probably won't be here much longer. Besides, as high energy as she is (and I mean like a toddler birthday party on Red Bull high energy) I do think Mario fits her very well.
We sure hope the Princess feels all better super soon.
ReplyDeleteOMG....Napa was doing that here too!! What the heck?? Though no private parts...he stuck to necks and chests (weirdo). Purrs to the Princess
ReplyDeleteSending some purrs to Princess so she gets better quickly and is ready for a new home very soon!
ReplyDeleteWe kitties send our purrs that Princess Peach is feeling better furry soon!
ReplyDeleteMario is an excellent name for a girl!
ReplyDeletePurrayers for Princess Peach to get better soon ! That was a lot of good detective work by everyone involved.
ReplyDeleteWe're glad Princess Peach is doing a bit better and hope she continues to improve.
ReplyDeleteWe send Princess Peach tons of purrs, and we hope she gets better soon. Purrs
ReplyDeletePurrs for the Peach and all of those cuties
ReplyDeleteYou are an angel for all the work you do with kittens. You are an essential worker.
ReplyDeleteEmma and Buster
Siblings are such a pain in the ***! We hope Princess Peach hangs in there and eventually shows Luigi not to underestimate chicks (good-naturedly and without injury of course).
ReplyDelete