Caring Instructions for a Three-Week Old Kitten

Sometimes a human needs to care for a kitten younger than eight weeks old. The first thing to do is to make certain an unaccompanied small kitten is actually abandoned. If eyes are open and they move around but are unsteady, they are two to three weeks old; if eyes are open, ears are up and they can walk around, they are three to four weeks old.

  1. Warmth and Shelter

    • If the kitten is cold, warm him slowly by holding him against your skin; cold is the greatest danger. Do not use any method that might warm his temperature too quickly, including submersion in water. Wrapping the kitten in a blanket or towel is not enough; he must get his heat from you. A cold kitten should not be fed; his body heat should be at 90 degrees F first.

      Make a kitten box. Place a heating pad inside a box that is larger than the pad and cover the bottom. The kitten should be able to move away from the heat to avoid dehydration. Use a flea comb if fleas are present, but avoid flea shampoos because they are too harsh; Lemon Joy has been suggested for cleaning. Never use a hair dryer.

    Feeding

    • Kittens should not be given cow's milk, except in an emergency and then only for 24 hours. The recipe to use is: 2/3 c. whole milk, 3 egg yolks, 1 T. corn oil, 1 dropper baby vitamins. Otherwise, use Kitten Milk Replacer or Just Born. Place the formula in a feeding bottle or medicine dropper and set the container in warm water. Test the temperature on the inside of your wrist.

      The kitten should take the formula at a 45 degree angle, until he turns his head. Do not be concerned if he does not eat for 24 hours, although after that the veterinary should be consulted without delay. After three weeks, a kitten should be able to eliminate without stimulation of the anal area.

      At three weeks, a kitten needs four feedings daily. The amount is indicated on the formula; do not overfeed. At three to four weeks, weaning can begin. Feed turkey, chicken or beef baby food or canned kitten food mixed with Kitten Milk Replacer.

    Other Aspects of Kitten Care

    • Keep the kitten box or nest away from drafts and other animals. Cover it with a blanket or towel. A veterinarian should check for parasites and dehydration as soon as possible, and may indicate how to inject subcutaneous fluids if necessary. Feeding utensils should be sterilized. Some caregivers place the kittens on a soft surface to feed them, while others use their laps or legs.

    Equipment

    • To care for neonatal kittens you will need a heating pad; Kitten Milk formula or replacement; a hot water bottle (use wrapped in towel); a feeding bottle with several nipples; eye dropper or syringe (without needle); towels for bedding and cleaning; a scale for weighing; a rectal thermometer; and an emergency vet's number.