Hi again, and thanks for your reply with additional information.

If they have aspirated or gotten formula into their lungs, they would have difficulty breathing and/or be coughing and breathing more rapidly and shallowly than usual.

The formula may be too thick to come through the nipple, so turn it upside down and see how quickly or slowly it flows out. If it's too slow, meaning one drop less than every second or so, the hole isn't big enough, and/or the nipple is too thick or big to fit in their mouths. If it comes out in a steady stream, the hole is too big and too much is coming out at one time.

When you bottle feed them, they should be on their bellies (on your lap on a towel, with them wrapped in a towel for warmth) with their head tilted very slightly up, as they would be, when nursing from mom.

If you have not been successful with the bottle, move to a dropper. Squeeze in only a small amount at a time, from the side of the mouth, wait for them to swallow, and you can encourage the swallow reflex by gently rubbing the throat. You can also place 1 drop of karo corn syrup, honey or maple syrup on their tongues or rub into their gums. They may be hypoglycemic from not eating as they should, and this will perk up their appetites. I would only offer the KMR and not Whiskas cat milk.

Here are several sites with instructions on how to feed and care for abandoned newborn kitrtens:
http://www.petcaretips.net/orphaned_kitten_care.html
http://maxshouse.com/kitten_care.htm
http://www.thepetcenter.com/gen/kit.html
http://www.cathelp-online.com/health/kitten1.php
http://www.hdw-inc.com/tinykitten.htm

Most of them have the same info, but some give different tips.

I feel, at this particular time, they are really in need of a vet evaluation, and may need a feeding tube, if they will not suckle and you are not able to feed them by dropper; also, if you are concerned about the possibility of them aspirating formula into their lungs, the vet will be able to determine that from examination.

See how they do with the dropper feedings of the formula and take it from there. If they are with you at work, make sure they are kept warm at all times and are not in a direct draft. I know you know this already, to keep them warm, as you mentioned, but a chilled kitten will not eat and be able to digest food.

It's very kind of you to foster them and I hope all will work out well with these two furbabies.

Cher

Hi again,

If you keep them warm (keep the heating pad on low, under a few layers of towels on one side of a medium sized cardboard box, so they don't get too warm, and can move away from the pad if they wish; also, monitor the pad at all times) and start dropper feeding them, they should improve. There are no guarantees and I wish I could tell you they'll be fine, but you'll have to take each step at a time and hope all will work out well.

If you can't have a vet see them due to financial constraints, ask for help from your local Humane Society, ASPCA, Cat Rescue organizations, etc., to get them vet care.

Cher

Hello again, Lyn, and you're most welcome.

I'm so sorry to hear this sad news about the loss of the kittens. They were just not strong enough to survive, and there's no doubt that you did do your very best, and they knew love for that one week. It's possible they were born sick and that's why the mother abandoned them, but the only way to know for sure would be if the vet does a necropsy (autopsy for animals).

If the third kitten is doing well with your daughter, that's great, but yes, no other cat should be exposed to the kitten if it's unknown if the kitten may be carrying any illness. If Toro is losing his voice, this may indicate a sore throat or other illness, so your suggestion of bringing them to the vet is a wise one. I hope your daughter can accomplish this, today.

My best wishes for Toro and the remaining kitten to be fine.

Cher