"That would never happen to me"

[u/rosieposie30]

I said for *YEARS* as I stalked this sub.

Then today I whipped the fasted U-ey of my life to save this little guy from the middle of a busy road on my way home. Then searched the area for mom or sibs and found another little guy. I checked them each for injuries. Other than being a little scared and wet (it stormed all day/night yesterday) they appear okay! Stopped by a friend's to pick up some milk replacement and bottles.

How old do you guys think these little babies are?

Their eyes (obviously) are open, but they seem to have a hard time opening them very wide or for a long time. I have been feeding them every 2-3 hours and have gotten them both to urinate so far! They weigh 247g and 256g! I am going to keep a weight log! Any advice on how to tell them apart in order to keep accurate logs?

Thank you and happy to finally be part of the Chosen Ones

[u/bibijack1]

So smart of you to check for other kittens! Sounds like your friend does kitten rescue. What a great resource for you. We like to use the Miracle Nipple with tiny babies. The store bought nipples are a bit big for kittens that are 2 1/2 to 3 weeks old. The Miracle nipple is only available online. I love it so much bc they feed so much better with it. I know it's hot out but they'll still need help staying warm. If you need a heating pad make sure to get one that has an on/off not a 2 hour auto off. That's trickier than it should be. Cover the pad with layers of soft towels & baby blankets. Always have an area with no pad so they can roll there if they feel too warm. There are stuffies available with a ticking heart but you can give them a regular stuffie to snuggle against. Bathe them with baby shampoo and comb off the the inevitable fleas. If the bath water turns bloody it's ok, it's the flea poop dissolving. They don't always poop every day at this age. I like to use Puffs with lotion to rub their tender tushies. Then use the baby wipes to get the urine & poop off the skin. Buy those 2 items in bulk. You're gonna need it. To tell them apart...have you sexed them yet? That might solve your dilemma. Check them for any white marks. If they are the same sex with no white marks, there are tiny paper collars you can get. The mantra of bottle baby feeders is Pee 'em, Feed 'em, Burp 'em (then feed and burp again so you use the space the burping created). I always set my alarm for the next feeding as soon as I get up for the current one. Naps are key. Just 3-4 weeks until you can really sleep.

Mom took care of them for the hardest part, the 1st 2+ weeks. Bless her for that. And bless you for taking on an exhausting but lifesaving job. If you hadn't stopped and then double checked, well, you know.

[u/rosieposie30 → u/bibijack1]

Wow! Thank you so much for your reply! The information and advice you provided is wonderful and I appreciate you friend! 🫶🏻

My friend does do rescues! Of many kinds! She had a hawk a few weeks ago! Its crazy! Shes like Snow White or something! Haha!

I have not been able to successfully sex them yet. I know they are still so little and so its not exactly the same but when I adopted my first boy (also a mini panther) I immediately knew he was a boy. He was seven weeks old I think? So not very similar but I was hopeful I would be able to tell with these guys pretty early.

They have been doing great, pottying (someone keeps peeing the bed and only pooping for me haha) the bigger baby, the one I found on the actual road, who I decided to call Cinder, just finally had successfully bottle latching today! But I did order a miracle nipple which should be here by the weekend. I had been very slowly syringe feeding him. And I will be honest, after reading so much online I was petrified every time, that I would cause him to aspirate. So I am very thankful he has begun to latch!

Thank you so much again for all the tips and tricks! 🫶🏻

[u/bibijack1 → u/rosieposie30]

You're most welcome. I was helped tons when I started with bottle babies. Just paying it forward. 1 is peeing on his own! Then all u have to do is wipe the pee off the skin to prevent urine scald. Tonight, I got a premature bottle baby born this morning. A tiny calico that's only 2 oz. Average newborn weight is 3-4 oz so she is a preemie. Her mom is a rookie, has no milk & won't care for her. Crap. Well, no sleep for me until the end of September.

[u/rosieposie30 → u/bibijack1]

Awhhhh God bless you!!! I have a 9 year old calico so thats close to me heart! You can do this! She is lucky to have you! And clearly mom knows that and is slacking since she knows you will pick up her slack 😉 it is tough work! I can only imagine a preemie! Sending good vibes and love to you, baby and mama! 💕