How to Keep Newborn Kittens Warm

A newborn kitten relies on her mother for warmth and food. If a newborn kitten is orphaned, or the mother is unable to care for a kitten properly, you must provide a source of warmth for the kitten's survival. While extremely fragile, a newborn kitten responds well to human care. With a few simple household items and vigilant care, you can easily replace the warmth and comfort of a mother cat.

Things You'll Need

  • Blow dryer
  • Soft towels or blankets
  • Sturdy box or laundry basket
  • Hot water bottle
  • Heating pad
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure the kitten is completely dry before warming. Use a soft towel to dry and clean off the fur, followed by a blow-dryer held about 1 foot away and on a low setting. Dry the fur completely.

    • 2

      Create a warm nest for the kitten. Place soft towels or small fleece blanket in the dryer to warm, then arrange the warm linens loosely in sturdy box or laundry basket. Place the kitten inside the warm folds.

    • 3

      Fill a plastic hot water bottle, which can be found in most drug stores, with hot water; wrap inside towel. Place next to the kitten as a substitute for the mother cat's body.

    • 4

      Adjust an electric heating pad to a low setting and place under a layer of towels. Place the kitten on top of the pad and cover loosely with blankets. Make sure that the kitten feels warm, not hot, to the touch. The temperature should be between 85 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit if the kitten is younger than 3 weeks of age; and 80 degrees if she is between 3 and 6 weeks.

    • 5

      Make sure the kitten can move freely in the box and is not wrapped too tightly, so that she can move if she becomes overheated.