One thing about neonatal care is do not guess . Learn how to do things from those that have been successful in saving these vulnerable lives. There are many resources but you must look for them.
Mixing formula- when neonates first arrive make sure you have their bedding with heat source available. Make sure your home AC is not below 78 degrees and if a heat source isn't immediately available keep them in a warm room/garage (safe space in a box) while you go out and get one. If a heating pad keep heat source on low and place a blanket over it. Make sure to monitor as you may need to add a second blanket depending on thickness. If a heating pad isn't available fill a clean sock w rice . Put in microwave till it feels a good warmth to your touch. Put it in the box under a blanket. The neonate should move near it. Make sure the box or container has proper ventilation. Take their temperature rectally. Put a little water based lubricant and stick the tip in just enough to get a read. If temperature is between 95.5-99 go ahead and start mixing the formula.
1st feeding- mix the formula 2:1. I suggest using Breeders Edge but KMR works. After a couple bottles of 2:1 go ahead and switch to 3:1 to get ahead of any constipation issues. It most likely will happen. If they are dehydrated you can supplemental feed 1-2ml of rebound through out the day but make sure it is warmed. I do not recommend pedialyte. There are different flavors and it's just easier and safer to use a product that was specifically made for cats.
Subsequent feedings- if your neonate hasn't had a bowl movement in 36 hours go ahead and add 5 drops from a 1 ml syringe of olive oil. Once you have a bowl movement continue. If constipation continues after the first bowl movement after starting the oil you can begin to add a pinky nails worth of organic pumpkin from the can to each full bottle if at least 2 weeks old. You can add this to every bottle, but make sure it's a small amount.
2 Weeks Old- make sure you deworm your neonates at 2 weeks old with both pyrantel and ponazuril. Parasites can also cause issues with the stool. If you need to use antibiotics on your neonates add a dash of fortiflora to one bottle per day. Skip adding pumpkin to your dash of fortiflora bottle.
Do not immediately on intake start messing with the formula by adding extras. Start simple and go from there. Adding too much sugar to formula can cause issues. Adding supplements that are not specifically intended for cats can cause issues as it's easy to put too much. Keep it simple with the one extra portion of water and olive oil if constipation sets in. If extreme contipation set in you can give .1/ml lactulose 2-3 times each 8 hours apart and that should help. If the neonate's belly becomes distended please visit your local vet immediately.
Hope this helps
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