Sign up for Enfamil's baby program. They send me the checks good for formula all the time. I've received a few of the 14 oz sample cans in the mail. This link should get you there. Also, you might consider switching to an equivalent store brand formula. The formula industry is highly regulated and so there aren't a lot of differences between the different types of formulas. Another option might be to find an Enfamil distributer in your area who distributes formula samples to the doctor's offices. You might be able to explain your plight and see if they could give you some samples. A previous coworker of mine used to live next to a Similac dealer. The dealer always gave cases of formula away to my coworker to give away to friends. A friendly Enfamil dealer might be willing to help you out a little. Here is a link that might be useful: Enfamil - Mead Johnson

Hey Carmen. I won't give you any crap at all, promise. I will also second trying "8 weeks old" though for spay/neuter. Studies have shown that the earlier it is done the better -- the animal shows little to no ill effects and actually recovers quicker than if done older. It was a policy at the shelter I worked at for both dogs and cats, and my Mocha (dog) did the same around 8 weeks. The females are done at 8 weeks with maybe 1 day recovery and then up and playing (as opposed to older). The males are the same, but the trick is that both testicles should be discended. That usually happens around 8 weeks but is not a hard and fast rule. My dog Rusty, adopted at 3 yrs old, still did not have one discended, and it cost me extra for his neuter. Its just a quicker recovery when they are younger as opposed to waiting, and usually has no ill effects or consequences. This is true for both dogs and cats.

Does the shelter cover any costs? I suggest taking a fecal sample to a vet and having them check for worms. That may be why the kittens are not gaining weight. To feed them canned food try adding a small amount into their wet/dry food. That way their system can adjust to it slowly. You may also want to try a different brand or type of canned food. Certain brands upset my pet's tummy where others don't.

I don't have any more advice than already given. Hang in there! Hopefully this is short-lived. I found the magic number with all 3 of my babies was 6 weeks. It got so much easier after that. My nephew was a very difficult baby. I'm not sure if it was colic, but he was fussy all the time. My poor sister would come over to my house and fall asleep while we tried to rock/cuddle/soothe the baby. I even strapped on the front pack several times and walked him around the neighborhood. Sure fooled my neighbors, who wondered when I had a baby when I never looked pregnant! Good luck to you, and keep us posted! Sheryl