How to Raise Abandoned Kittens

What pet lover could turn away from a nest of helpless kittens? But before you decide to save a litter of abandoned kittens, thoroughly familiarize yourself with the specifics of the task. Before you bring them home, check the area for the kittens' mother. Cats can be stealthy, and it may not be immediately apparent if the mother is present. After you have determined the litter is truly abandoned, roll up your sleeves and prepare to get to work. Saving the kittens may not be simple, but it will be rewarding.

Things You'll Need

  • Towels
  • Cardboard box
  • Heating pad
  • Kitten nursing kit
  • Kitten formula
  • Cotton balls or gauze pad
  • Washcloth
  • Litter pan
  • Kitty litter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Bring the kittens into your house and provide them with warmth immediately. Kittens are accustomed to their mother's body temperature of around 103 degrees Fahrenheit. It's imperative to maintain their temperature so they don't become ill. Place a heating pad in a rolled up towel in the box as a mother substitute for the kittens to cuddle up to. Monitor the heating pad to make sure it is functioning properly and the kittens' environment maintains the correct warmth.

    • 2

      Place the kitten on your lap and feed it using a formula kit found at pet stores. This investment will be invaluable, making the feeding process easier. The kitten will have a natural instinct to knead as it suckles. The best way to handle this is to allow the kitty to knead your leg while taking the bottle. Kittens require frequent feeding -- every one to two hours for the first one to two weeks.

    • 3

      Stimulate the kitten's anal and urinary areas gently after each feeding, using a moist cotton ball or gauze pad. This mimic's the mother cat's actions, and is necessary for the kittens to eliminate for the first 3 to 4 weeks of life. After that, the kittens will begin to use the litter box you have prepared.

    • 4

      Wash each kitten daily with a soft, wet washcloth to keep it clean. Be careful not to rub too hard. Keeping the kittens clean is vital to their health.

    • 5

      Visit your vet as soon as possible after taking in the kittens to make sure they are as healthy as possible. Any problems can then be identified and taken care of.

    • 6

      Play with the kittens as they grow in order to assist with their motor skills development and socialization. Contact your local ASPCA for possible assistance in placing the kittens in good homes as soon as they are ready, at around the age of 8 weeks.