If you find a litter of orphaned kittens, or if your mama cat has serious health issues and is not caring for her babies, you may need to step in. When feral cats have kittens, you can take them from their mother and raise them to be tame, helping them find loving homes. In either case, you need to know something about raising kittens or find someone who does.
It is always best to allow the mother to care for the kittens herself, if possible, so they can receive natural immunities from their mother’s milk. If the mother cat cannot raise the kittens, you can contact your local animal rescue to see if a surrogate mother is available. Placing the kittens with another mother cat should be your first choice; if that isn’t possible, stepping in to help the kittens is the next best option.
Congratulations! You Are the Proud Caregiver of a Litter of Kittens! Now What?
When you can’t find a suitable mother cat, you must step in to care for the kittens or allow them to die, which isn’t a good option. Caring for orphaned kittens is more complicated than just giving them a bottle a couple of times a day. If kittens aren’t properly cared for as newborns, they may struggle to eliminate waste and can die, even if they are being fed well. A kitten needs:
- Warmth
- Stimulation to eliminate
- Hydration
- Nutrition
- A quiet, safe place to rest
- Parasite removal
- Socialization when old enough
When you find abandoned kittens, take them to the vet to see if they need special care. If you are unable to wake the kittens or get them to respond, there may be serious health issues that require veterinary assistance. If your vet isn’t available, you can follow basic steps to keep the kittens alive.
Providing Warmth
When you find a kitten or kittens, it’s crucial to provide warmth. Mother cats cuddle with their babies, and young kittens huddle together to stay warm. If a kitten is not warm, feeding it could be fatal. The kittens won’t have the strength to warm themselves and digest food. It’s important to warm the kitten by either placing it in your shirt or laying it on a heating pad set to low.
Potty Time
Kittens are not only fed by their mothers; they are also stimulated to eliminate. The mother licks the kitten’s belly and anal region to encourage elimination. If a kitten is not stimulated, it will hold waste in its body, leading to toxin buildup and health problems.
To get a kitten to relieve itself, you need to simulate the mother’s actions. While mother cats lick their kittens, you can use a washcloth instead. Gently but firmly rub the kitten in short strokes along its belly and backside. Bathroom tissue can also be used to stimulate urination by gently rubbing the area. After the kitten has gone potty, ensure all waste is cleaned away. Potty time should occur before and after feedings.
Hydration
Any animal that becomes dehydrated needs sufficient fluids. Pedialyte infant electrolyte solution can help combat dehydration. Offer this in small amounts, especially if the kitten is sick. Do not force the kitten to drink anything. Once the kitten is properly hydrated and ready to eat, you can offer food.
Dinner Time
The age of the kitten will determine how often and how much you feed it. Kitten formula is available at most pet stores and farmer’s co-ops. Special bottles and droppers can also be found. If the kitten is very young, consider feeding it goat’s milk or colostrum. You will need to feed your kitten frequently.
Warm the formula to body temperature before feeding to avoid making the kitten expend energy warming it up before digesting. Cold formula can require more calories to warm than it provides.
Starting with an eye dropper can be helpful. Tiny kitten bottles are another easy way to feed a kitten. Do not force feed; if the kitten is not actively trying to eat, do not offer food at that time. Overfeeding or putting too much in a kitten’s mouth when it isn’t ready can cause aspiration and potentially lead to lung infections.
Peace and Quiet
Kittens are adorable. Your children, neighbors’ children, and others will likely flock to see and touch them, which may seem harmless but can be quite stressful for a young kitten. One of the main things a kitten needs is peace and quiet.
Providing a safe, protected, and quiet area for the kitten or kittens to rest between feedings and elimination sessions is essential. If possible, provide a warm, dark area for the kittens. If not, a warm, undisturbed space will suffice.
Parasite Removal
Fleas can drain an infant kitten’s strength quickly. Combing the kitten can help remove fleas from its fur. However, using flea treatments on the skin or bedding can be toxic to young kittens. Always consult a vet before applying any treatments. Intestinal worms and other parasites fall into the same category; discuss these issues with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action.
Socializing
Once the kittens are old enough, you can begin socializing them. Orphaned kittens can grow up to be healthy, self-assured cats and wonderful pets if you start socializing them with humans and other household pets between 4-8 weeks of age. The older a kitten is when socialization begins, the less likely it is to yield positive results. To foster a loving pet, work with the kitten at a young age to help it understand that you are a family member and not a large, frightening creature.
