How to Keep an Orphaned Kitten Warm

Kittens cannot control their body temperature and rely on their mothers and littermates for warmth during their first few weeks of life. If you find what appears to be an orphaned kitten, leave it alone for an hour. Allow the mother a chance to return. If she doesn't return or the conditions seem unsafe, ensure a healthy life for the kitten by taking it to a veterinarian or animal shelter. If you aren't able to take the kitten to a vet or shelter right away, you can increase its chances for survival by providing a warm, dry place to stay.

Things You'll Need

  • Towels or blanket
  • Hot water bottle
  • Laundry basket or box with high sides
  • Air thermometer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Tuck the kitten under your shirt, if you don't have any other materials readily available. If it is wet, dry it off as best as possible with what is on hand. Keep the kitten close to your body to keep it warm.

    • 2

      Line the bottom of a box or laundry basket, with towels or a blanket. Place it away from drafts and areas with a lot of noise and other animals.

    • 3

      Set the kitten in the box or basket and cover its body -- not its head -- with the towels or blanket.

    • 4

      Add hot water to a water bottle. Wrap it in a towel or under one layer of the blanket and lay it in the corner of the basket. Leave some room away from the water bottle so the kitten can cool down, if needed.

    • 5

      Set the kitten next to the water bottle, but allow it to roam, if it chooses not to lay next to the bottle. Fluff up the towels or blanket to provide areas for it to snuggle.

    • 6

      Measure the air temperature next to the kitten. The temperature within the box should range from 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover the box with a towel, if the temperature falls below that range.

    • 7

      Refill the hot water bottle when the water becomes lukewarm.