It's been a long time, but I have had kittens like this in the past (two, I think, in 9 litters). They seem extra energetic and move around a lot crying, and never seem to be nursing. I always had an electric heat pad under the nest so I didn't notice them being cold. In both cases I immediately started supplementary feeding, even took one into work with me once! Happy to say that after three days or so of feeding, they started to nurse by themselves. I kept up the extra feeds for a few weeks and by 6 weeks they had caught up.

I found a small syringe was fine - I did faff about with special feeing bottles and special teats but never found them great - the bottle gave too much too fast, and I could never get the hole in the teat quite right. The syringe was fine since you quickly learn to give enough gentle pressure to suit the kitten without drowning it!

The last kitten of this type went to my sister & died about 4 years ago aged oover 16!!!

I've no idea why some are like this; I did wonder years ago whether some are born with a temporary disturbance to their sense of smell and can't quite work out how to latch on. They are certainly real little fighters though and determined to live!

best of luck to Gizmo, now you know it's not uncommon and in a few days he should be feeding from mum on his own, fingers crossed xxx

PS: I used Cimicat but you can also use evaporated milk diluted 50/50.

PPS: re Billyboysmammy - mum should help clean the baby herself, no need to keep him away from her as long as you know which one he is, he can stay with the others and keep warm between feeds.

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