First I'd like to thank everyone who responded to my diary yesterday about the abandoned kitten with so much helpful advice & moral support. You have all been a great help.
Here's the state of things today:
1. The kitten is taking the formula well, & seems to be getting more energetic (& vocal!) by the day. He's even started loudly calling when he's hungry, showing a good, strong pair of lungs!
2. As for the kitty's elimination [Warning: bodily waste discussion follows], he's definitely passing urine. I'm dearly hoping he passes stool after this next feeding.
3. While they could not positively identify it as the mother cat, my mother & sibling found a dead cat on the side of a nearby road — so the kitten may have been orphaned rather than abandoned (though we will likely never know for sure).
At any rate, we're going to start becoming well-acquainted with the local veterinarian & animal experts as Friday ensues. Please keep this brave little tabby in your thoughts.
MORNING UPDATE:
HE'S POOPING!!! My father & I helped each other at the 4am feeding this morning (he held, I fed), & when we cleaned him afterward, persistence paid off & he passed a hard little chunk.
Now I've heard that at his morning feeding, he not only had a bigger appetite, but pooped profusely!
The hardest days aren't over yet, but this has us feeling much more confident. Thanks again for the kind words & encouragement!