How Long Until a Mom Cat Accepts an Adopted Kitten?

The relationship between a baby and its mother is precious and life-sustaining. An orphaned child, whether human or otherwise, is one of life's heartbreaking realities. Adoption is not limited to humans. Many species will accept orphaned infants, cats included, but when a cat is willing to do so will vary from one individual to another.

  1. The Foster Mother

    • Most cats will accept an orphaned kitten easily. A cat with a litter is the best choice. A mother with a litter of approximately the same age as the orphan is ideal, but a mother whose litter has already been weaned is also suitable, if she is still producing milk. A veterinary examination is imperative to be certain the new kitten is disease-free. An orphaned kitten could pass disease to the entire litter, as disease can be passed from the orphan to the nursing mother, and then on to his new littermates through the mother's milk.

    The Introduction

    • Once the kitten has been deemed healthy by a veterinarian, introduce the kitten to his foster mother. Show the mother the kitten by carefully placing him near the mother's face, and allow her to smell him. She is likely to begin the nurturing process immediately, and groom her new arrival.

    Learning to Nurse

    • Newborn kittens should be able to latch on and nurse.

      After an orphaned kitten is introduced to his foster mother, he will need to nurse to get nourishment. Although nursing is a natural process, you may need to give the little guy some pointers. Place him gently near the mother's belly, with his face touching her nipple. He should latch on, but if he doesn't, gently open his mouth by placing one finger in each corner of his mouth. Once he finds the mother's nipple, he should begin to nurse.

    Dealing with Rejection

    • Occasionally a nursing mother will reject an orphaned kitten. Cats can detect disease, and a nursing mother may reject an orphan if she senses that it is ill. An orphaned kitten without a foster mother to see to its needs requires immediate round-the-clock care. Many animal rescues are equipped to accept orphaned kittens, and they often have bottle-baby fosters on standby. These foster families will provide bottle-feeding and the constant care an orphaned kitten needs.

    Hand-Raising

    • It may not be possible to find a reputable rescue to take an orphaned kitten, and bottle-feeding may become necessary. KMR, or Kitten Milk Replacement, is available in most pet stores, and is the recommended nourishment for newborn kittens. Never use cow's milk, as a newborn kitten cannot tolerate this. Consult a veterinarian for assistance when hand-raising an orphaned kitten. Early care will give your tiny friend the best chance of living a long and happy life.