Orphaned kitty update.

[Arkansas Granny]

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It's been 5 days now since I found this little dying thing. I think he's going to make it. He's not much of a looker, yet, but he's eating good, very alert, getting more active by the day and is sleeping on my shoulder as I type. He had another bath tonight and actually struggled a little. He purrs when I pet him and comes to the sound of my voice. His eyes are still a little yucky, but getting better. I don't know what color they will be, they are still that bluey-gray color right now.

I feel confident enough to give him a name. His name is Critter.

Thanks to everyone for the good advice and good vibes.

[Skittles]

1. omg

very soft "squee" for now

[irisblue]

32. ^^what she said^^

[blogslut]

2. I use diluted Witch Hazel

...to treat kitty eye yuckies.

Critter is a wonderful name.

[Arkansas Granny]

6. If he turns out to be a she, the name will still work.

I'm not very good at sexing kittens.

[iscooterliberally]

45. Cat's don't mind.

I have a 'Miss Taz The Puppy-Cat', and my vet treats a male cat named 'Princess'. In my case the pet store told me Taz was a boy when she was a baby. The other case, the parents had little girls and thought their kitten was female. Thanks for saving Critter, and he's already a looker to me.

[Warpy]

66. Nobody is, really, the bits don't develop enough until they're at least 4 weeks old

and this little scrap of a kitty isn't there, yet.

I don't know if Critter will make it but the combination of Kitten Milk Replacement and TLC from you will give him/her the best chance, a better chance than Mama Cat did. Likely this was the first kitten born in a first litter and Mama tried to walk away from the pain at birth by walking away from him/her.

Swimming across a surface means less than 3 weeks old. Taking steps with face plants happens around the fourth week mark. By 5 weeks, they're starting to walk, climb, and be nuisances to the mother cat, who spends more time away from them as she begins weaning. At six weeks, they're the ultimate in kitten cuteness although their eyes start to change from baby blue to the final color. At seven weeks, they do that arched back, arched tail, hissing and stepping sideways away from a toy thing, a total riot.

Cats who were hand raised by humans can have some behavior problems, like finding a piece of clothing that smells like their human and slobber and "nurse" at the armpits--I had one that did that. However, they are totally bonded with their humans and turn out to be wonderful companions.

[3catwoman3]

68. That sideways walk...

...with the arched back is one of those things that never ceases to delight.

[Warpy]

69. I know, but it disappears so quickly as they learn to stalk

and pounce. About all that's left of it in an adult cat is the butt wiggle they do before they jump.

[3catwoman3]

70. Take a look at this delightful video...

...of a very young kitten stalking a "terrifying object" -

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. Long life and healthy vibes for Critter!

What a sweetie!

Gentle

[GoCubsGo]

4. Awwwww!!!

What a cutie!

[ailsagirl]

5. Hang in there, little guy

Last edited Tue Jun 24, 2014, 10:39 PM - Edit history (1)

Sounds as if you're doing all the right things, AG!!

Thanks for the update on Critter.

[Rhiannon12866]

7. OMG! He looks so sweet and forlorn...

Thanks so much for the pic and the update and kudos to you!

[NJCher]

30. he looks like he is trying to get his bearing

Life kinda' kicked him upside the head, but then AK Granny came along!





Cher

[Rhiannon12866]

38. Exactly!

Such a little sweetheart and he landed in just the right place!

[TexasTowelie]

8. That Critter is lucky to have crossed paths with you.

Hopefully Critter will continue with his recovery and bring a lot of love to you. It is a great sign that the kitten is purring and has latched on to you. Keep us updated on him.

[Arkansas Granny]

10. I want everyone to understand that I would *never* spoil an animal.

[Moonwalk]

18. Of course not! You will be stern but fair with critter....

...except when you spoil him rotten

[BrotherIvan]

21. LOL!

Critter already has the cuteness on overdrive. I wish you both all the best!

[irisblue]

33. yeah...yeah

[BlancheSplanchnik]

9. awwwwwwww!

little sweetie pie.

[shenmue]

11. Extra hugs!

Win and awesome, u can has!

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

12. That kitteh is a gift from God.

And so are you.

[Omaha Steve]

13. Not much of a looker?

I think the DU is full of secret admirers.

K&R!

[navarth]

31. this!!

how could anybody ever say this little baby is anything less than adorable?

I'm such a sucker for these little shits....I just want to hold this little guy and make ALL the pain go away. All of it. Clean away. And never, ever, ever will anything bad happen to you again. Ever.

I'm glad to say that my wife and I have 3 of them and they ALL get the Daddy Speech: you have made it, you will never want for anything again, and Mommy and Daddy are going to love you forever and ever.

Feels good.

[Arugula Latte]

59. Awww.

That's sweet.

We've got three, too, and feel the same way.

[catbyte]

71. Awww, what an awesome daddy you are, navarth. Your wife sounds wonderful too.

Your 3 furry ones are very, very lucky and very very loved. I'm sure they know that, though, and return that love every day.

Rescued pets are the BEST. My 3 rescued furry felines are snuggled next to me while I type this. My oldest, 19 year old Cranky Nigel, (very handsome long haired gray & white, although he's an old grouch to the younger ones, lol) was rescued when he was about 4 months old by a friend. He was found right outside the door to a strip club (my friend was not a customer which was on a heavily-trafficked street. (I'll bet he has a story or 2 to tell!) My second one is a brown spotted & stripey tabby girl named Sammy who just turned 2. I got her from the electronic barter board at work. She was found wandering in the woods of central lower Michigan. When found, her age was estimated to be 3.5 weeks, according to the vet. How she managed to avoid all the coyotes and other predators, I'll never know. At 7.5 pounds, she's a tough little girl, but oh so loving. My baby, Otis, just turned 1 in May. He is the spitting image of Sammy, but they're not related. I also got him from the barter board. Otis & Sammy look almost identical., even though they were rescued almost 100 miles apart from one another. I got him when he was about 5 weeks old--again, no mom in sight. I named him Otis after the elevator company. He just loved climbing up & down my body, then he'd perch on my shoulder riding there while I did chores or while I was just reading or watching TV. Now, at 17 pounds, big boy Otis doesn't have to climb up my legs to get to my shoulder--he just leaps now, but still loves draping himself around my neck.

I can't imagine my life without my furry little snugglers.

[navarth]

72. Well thanks! I do my best.

I don't know why these adorable little shits hold so much power over me. I've been a sucker for them as far back as I can remember. We don't have any human kids so our kitty love is that much deeper; they're our own flesh and blood.

I wish I was a good enough Dad to keep these babies healthy forever, but I can't. We just lost our oldest boy, it really kicked my insides out. He died in my arms. It was rough.

When I see a little guy like Critter I sort of moosh up inside. I think it's the combination of innocence and cuteness that gets me. I've seen homeless kitties all over the world; I wish I could save Every.Last.One.Of.Them.

Thanks for the compliment, I'll be sure and rub that in with my wife.

[They_Live]

14. Bless you Arkansas Granny for taking in that little Critter.

Thanks for the uplifting update!

[yellerpup]

15. He's darling!

Wishing you many years of happiness with your Critter!

[Half-Century Man]

16. Palm sized kitty

Grow out of that Critter.

[catrose]

17. what a precious kitty!

blessings, Critter, and blessings, Granny.

[Divernan]

19. Holding positive thoughts for little rescue kitty!

And, although I am not a religious person, I am moved to say blessings on you, Granny - you have a good heart!

[840high]

20. Love to you and Critter -

[Stainless]

22. Looks like my handsome boy 'Shadow' did when he was a kitten

I rescued him while I was in a Petsmart store next to a Walmart . A young man brought him in when he found the kitten wandering around in the parking lot at Walmart. My previous cat had passed away from old age weeks before and I was looking for a new best friend. The timing of the encounter was perfect. I brought him home and was going to name him 'Wally' because he came from Walmart. He bonded with me immediately and followed me around the house never more than a few inches from my feet. Since he was all black I decided to call him 'Shadow'. I eventually had him vaccinated and neutered. He was 12 weeks old when I rescued him and he is now exactly 4 years old.

[Rhiannon12866]

39. What a wonderful story!

As are you!

[catbyte]

23. What a little doll! S/he may look a bit scruffy now, but definitely squee-worthy.

Awwwwwwwww. S/he looks like Batman with those ears, lol. S/he will grow into them, though. Bless your very kind heart & bless the wee one.

[Submariner]

24. Oh...... the old "Kitty sleeping on the shoulder trick"

meant to garner sympathy, affection, and squees. You're a goner now because he has owned you with the shoulder bit.

[Arkansas Granny]

25. I see you are familiar with this tactic.

[Brigid]

53. It's a survival mechanism kittens are born with.

They know it makes them irresistible to humans.

[3catwoman3]

67. As if they weren't irresistable...

...enough already. Clever little devils.

[3catwoman3]

37. OMG, that picture...

...is one of the cutest things I have ever seen.

[A Simple Game]

47. It's the equivalent of the Vulcan mind meld, it's too late now she has been assimilated. n/t

[red dog 1]

78. Great photo!

[oldandhappy]

26. Yippee for Critter, and yippee for Granny

You saved a life. Amazing, eh?

[nikto]

27. Good 4 U

Please keep the reports coming.

Thanks.

[magical thyme]

28. Life is what happens when you're making other plans...

You weren't planning on getting another kitty. Looks like life had other plans for you!

Welcome, Critter More good vibes headed your way

[zeemike]

29. I think Critter has found him or herself a good home.

And he will pay you back in a heap of love and hours of entertainment.
You will get the best of the deal.

[hopemountain]

34. awwwwwww

i love posts such as yours. maybe he will be a tortie. whatever... critter is a great name

[tblue37]

56. If the kitty could be a tore, it would have to be female--since

calico and tortie coats are sex-linked traits.

But if the kitten isn't already showing a tortie coat, it won't suddenly appear. He/she will continue to be a black kitty, which means he/she could turn out to be either male or female.

[Triana]

35. Awwww - (s)he's ADORABLE!

Thank you so much for rescuing the little bubbeh.

[3catwoman3]

36. I think Critter is actually the kitty's last name...

...and the fisrt and middle names are Lucky Little.

What a loving thing you have done, Arkansas Granny. I salute you.

Welcome to safety, LL Critter

[Number9Dream]

40. Glad there are kind people like you around

Hope Critter gets completely healthy asap. Keep us updated.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

41. How do they pack so much cute in such a tiny, little package?

Critter is a divine little darlin'

and you are an Angel, Arkansas Granny !

[Iwillnevergiveup]

42. You and Critter

do my own heart good, Arkansas Granny. You were obviously meant for each other, and good vibes and best wishes are traveling across the miles from L.A. to you both.

[tclambert]

43. Ha, ha! Your martial arts may be strong, but this four-ounce kitten has conquered you!

Even Bruce Lee was no match for a kitten!

[Arkansas Granny]

44. Now that is impressive!

[tclambert]

46. I found another image.

I think Bruce Lee looks a little scared. The cuteness is clearly sapping his strength.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

55. definitely, Bruce looks concerned.

And, really, who could blame him?

The cuteness of the fuzzy belly disrupts the opponent's chi.

[WHEN CRABS ROAR]

48. You've been given a gift and a friend.

Enjoy the love.

[tom_kelly]

49. Gran, thanks for being a Critter lover! n/t

[myrna minx]

50. Awww.

[japple]

51. What a little doll. Critter sure did get lucky when he found you.

I've always used saline solution to wipe the eye gunk away. It also seems to soothe them.

Bless you for saving this guy.

(ETA) Many thanks for sharing Critter with us.

[dballance]

52. You totally ROCK!

You're a very, very good human. That little cat is so lucky to have you.

[Scarsdale]

54. Adorable!!

What a cutie! Remember, dynamite comes in small packages, he is going to be a little rascal. He has good taste, though, he chose a cat lover to be his new Mom.

[Sanity Claws]

57. Wonderful story!

I keep checking back for more photos.

Why don't you start a photo diary of Critter here in The Lounge? We can do visual medical checkups for you and tell you whether Critter's eyes are looking better

[raven mad]

58. My 5 started with less............. they didn't have you.

They're all now fat, happy and healthy. Thank you for what you're doing for him/her!!

[lunatica]

60. May I suggest something a tad unorthodox?

I saved a dying kitty by holding him constantly and using a toothbrush I brushed him gently all over. I would even move his chin up so I could get at his neck and chest. A toothbrush is prickly, just like mama cat's tongue. He showed a remarkable improvement even though he hadn't eaten real food for a couple of days. A funny thing that happened is he latched on to one of my many moles because it must have looked like a teet and I just let him as he was purring by then. Once he did this though I knew he was ready for food so I gave him some warm milk. After that he recovered very quickly. He grew up to be a very handsome tomcat.

[pansypoo53219]

61. my cosmo looked like yoda at 8 weeks.

he grew into a 12 pound black long hair like norwegian forest cat. he was beautiful. i miss him. if only i could post on of my paintings of him.

[get the red out]

62. What a precious little guy!

Critter - great name. So glad this little angel is in good hands.

[SheilaT]

63. The down side of stories like this

is that I'm reminded of how much better my life when there's a cat or two in it. Right now there are none and I'm in a period of doing a LOT of travelling, so it makes no sense to have one. But someday I will settle down and then I will be a crazy cat lady.

Actually, I'm not totally bereft of cats as they guys next to me have two, one of which every so often comes into my yard to visit. And another good friend has a cat that I get to cat sit when she travels.

[stage left]

64. Critter is adorable!

Just like all cats. Oh, he/she is so little!

[joeybee12]

65. Are his eys oozing pus? That's an upper respiratory infection...

The vet can give him a mild antibiotic like amoxycillin and you'd be amazed at how quickly that can clear things up.

[cynzke]

73. I have a little guy

like this. Our bathroom window looks out on neighboring houses, so first thing in the morning, I take a look to see what is going on and low and behold a tiny black kitten was standing by neighbor's garage all by himself. Watched for a minute or so and he seemed to be alone, no mother in sight. He appeared lost and confused. I went outside, immediately over to the little guy and picked him up. He started purring the minute I did, as though he knew he was being rescued. Poor little fellow's eyes were crusted over but the left eye socket was enlarged like he had suffered some kind of accident. We were afraid at first that our little friend was blind. He walked into walls and furniture. One eye for sure we could tell he was blind in. But we noticed him avoiding furniture after a few days, and his sight in the other eye seemed to improve. We named our little guy Waldo because he disappeared one day and we couldn't find him. Eventually we found him upstairs. We thought he was too too tiny to crawl up the stairs...but he did! Our Vet said Waldo was lucky, he also has some damage in his good eye but that he could still see. We spoke with neighbors in our subdivision and they had noticed Waldo wandering around the lawns by himself. No one bothered to feed or take care of him. I truly believe I was meant to look out the window that morning to see Waldo and he was guided to find his way to a home and survival.

[Arkansas Granny]

74. It sounds like you and Waldo were meant to be together.

These fragile looking little creatures are remarkably resilient.

[In_The_Wind]

75. He is adorable!

[spooky3]

76. Hugs to you and lots of positive vibes.

[red dog 1]

77. Bless you and Bless Critter too....I think he's beautiful!

I see a trip to the vet in your near future.

[MH1]

79. What a cutie pie!

Thank you for rescuing the little baby. I hope he gets completely healthy soon and that you are rewarded with a long friendship with this little sweetheart!

[Duppers]

80. what a precious baby

And precious thread.

Has brought a tear to my eye.

[padruig]

81. Precious Indeed !

when you save a cat (or dog) you save two lives

one is the cat (or dog)

the other is your own !