Kitten rescued from drowning, barely breathing. What can I do?

If the kitten has aspirated milk it will have serious trouble breathing. It will get aspiration pneumonia and likely die. This is an emergency. If you think the kitten has aspirated milk and it is showing upper respiratory problems, is lethargic, then it must be seen by a veterinarian now, if it is to have any chance to survive at all. There are no home treatment options. This kitten will need intensive medical care in a hospital.

I would recommend having the kitten checked out by a vet. It likely needs to be tested for intestinal parasites (worms and coccidia are common), get started on vaccinations, and be evaluated for congenital issues. It is old enough to go on kitten food, so I would mix kitten milk replacer with wet kitten food. You can also use a nutritional supplement like NutriCal. If it has any fleas, use an age appropriate flea preventative as fleas can cause anemia in tiny kittens. Pet probiotics are also a good idea. Here is a link to a chart on aging kitten teeth: http://www.ruralareavet.org/PDF/Physical_Exam-How_to_Determine_Age.pdf And here is a link to raising orphan kittens: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=576

Hi, I'm sorry to tell you bad news but if the kitten aspirated milk, it will likely die. It is very easy for kittens to aspirate at this age and usually results in death. Sometimes early intervention with antibiotics can save them. Likely, he will die in his sleep tonight. If he makes it to morning, you might want to consider euthanasia. On a better note, the remaining kitten can be tube fed instead of bottle fed until it is a little older. A rubber tube is inserted into the mouth and swallowed by the kitten and goes down into the stomach. You attach a syringe and inject a few milliliters into the tube, then pull it out. If you go to a vet and bring him they can demonstrate how to do this. If you notice any signs of eye, nasal discharge or coughing or breathing with effort, bring the kitten to the vet as soon as possible for antibiotics. Good luck, i hope this helps!

Some kittens don't make it no matter what we do to help them out, and some cats are just not cut out to be moms. There is also the possibility that there is a congenital internal defect. If the kitten is very weak and won't suckle from the nipple or a bottle, you can try to slowly syringe the kitten milk replacer, but there is an increased risk of it going into his lungs and causing aspiration pneumonia. If this doesn't work, you should take the kitten to get checked out by a vet. The vet can show you how to safely tube feed the kitten to get its proper nutrition. Make sure that the kitten is staying warm and clean, and that you are stimulating urination and bowel movements. Here is a good article on raising orphan kittens: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=576

Poor little thing! Thank you for trying to help her. It sounds like Candy Cane has many issues going on. I strongly suggest you take her to see a veterinarian as many of the issues you describe sound life threatening. I would take her to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. You can try offering her canned food, keeping her warm or even offering some KMR kitten formula but her condition sounds critical. Unfortunately there is not much more you can do at home without seeing a veterinarian first.

You need to keep her warm inside your home 27/7, a carton box with fleece or other warm cloths would be a good option, you can also use warm bottles under the cloths. it's important to feed her kitten milk replacer only, normal milk is not good enough for kittens, she can't survive on it. you can buy kitten milk replacer in any pet shop.

You can get kitten formula and bottles or feeding nipples and syringes at WalMart or any pet store or feed store. Get some canned kitten food and dry food too. Depending on how old she is she may be ready to try solid food, but cow's milk is not the right kind for kittens and will cause diarrhea. Try some formula first, then if she seems interested in something more substantial, mix some formula with the wet kitten food and mash it into a gruel and let her lap it. She'll get messy, just keep her clean with a damp washcloth and warm water and make sure she stays warm. Offer her water in a saucer or very shallow dish or lid so she can reach it but not fall in. If you have trouble getting her to eat or feel overwhelmed by trying to feed her, please contact a local shelter or veterinary clinic and ask if anyone can give you some tips or if they know someone with experience raising kittens that can take her. YouTube has very helpful videos concerning orphaned kitten care.