One-time fix for a kitten stomachache

A lifesaving trick for when nursing babies want to skip a meal is to give a ttiiiiiny bit of bismuth subsalicylate. We're talking a few drops...maybe 0.01ml. This method of medicating for a stomachache is heavily debated in the kitten rescue world because this med is a distant relative of aspirin, which is toxic to cats. It can only be used once, and as a last resort when you are sure a kitten has gas or stomach pains which keep it from eating!

A lot of times, a baby will have a little stomach ache and not want to eat. That can turn into a major problem if they skip multiple meals, and can lead to death. When mine firmly resist the bottle for the first time, I try again in an hour. If they won't eat within what I know is a reasonable timespan for that kitten's age, I give a few tiny drops of Kalbeten (the Israeli version). If, a little while later, they still won't eat, I know there is a more serious issue to deal with and can see the vet in time. Kalbeten has saved more than a few of my tinies over the years, so it's always in my kitten medicine cabinet.

There are versions of Pepto and Kalbeten (or whatever your local brand is) that are called "extra strength" or have other medicines added to them. There are also pill and chewable versions. DO NOT buy those varieties!!! Only the simplest pink bismuth suspensions can be used for cats and dogs safely!

Because pink bismuth is from the salicylates family, animals cannot tolerate it in large quantities. Kalbeten/Pepto Classic should never be given more than twice. If your baby has a persistent bellyache, the root of the issue needs to be addressed immediately.