How to Raise Kittens Without a Mother

A mother kitten may orphan her kittens because she can't produce milk for them. She may also have behavioral or psychological conditions that prevent her from caring for them. The kittens' mother may have also died from injury or birth. Motherless kittens need a schedule of eating, sleeping, playing and eliminating in an adequate, safe environment.

Things You'll Need

  • Nesting box
  • Bedding
  • 25-watt light bulb
  • Milk replacer
  • Feeding device/bottle
  • Meat kitten food
  • Dry kitten food
  • Cotton balls
  • Scale
Show More

Instructions

  1. Nest Set-Up

    • 1

      Setup a warm and safe home for the motherless kittens. Place a layer of clean, dry bedding in a sturdy, small box or crate with tall sides. The box should be dark inside but open to allow for airflow.

    • 2

      Set the temperature near the kittens to around 92 degrees. Suspend a 25-watt light bulb over one end of the box for heat, but make sure it's not too close to the kitten. Check the temperature frequently, as they're unable to generate their own body heat until 2 weeks of age.

    • 3

      Change the bedding every few days so the kittens live in clean conditions.

    Feeding

    • 4

      Feed the litter kitten milk replacer with a feeding device or nursing bottle. Local pet supply stores typically sell these items. A sterile eye-dropper or small syringe also works well for dispensing the food.

    • 5

      Warm the milk replacer under. Run the bottle under the hot water faucet. Never place it in the microwave.

    • 6

      Study the kittens to see if they're getting milk if you're using a nursing bottle. The nipple may be too small, and they may be having trouble. Squeeze the milk out of the nipple while it's in the kitten's mouth, if necessary.

    • 7

      Make your own milk replacer for short-term feeding if you can't find milk replacer. Mix an egg yolk with evaporated milk. Use this option only for two feedings or so.

    • 8

      Feed the kittens every two hours. As they grow, spread out feedings over time. Stop feeding them once the kittens slow down feedings or lose interest. Feed the kitten watered-down, meat kitten food at around 3 weeks of age. Give a small amount at a time. After the kittens get used to the meat, supplement it with dry food that is high in protein and fat. Weigh your kittens to check for adequate weight gain. Kittens should gain 50 to 100 grams per week and double their birth weight at 14 days old.

    Hygiene

    • 9

      Stimulate the kitten's excretory system to ensure regular elimination. Moisten a cotton ball with warm water, and gently rub the anal and genital area. The kitten should urinate or defecate in one to two minutes. You may have to try before eating with certain kittens.

    • 10

      Observe the feces for signs of ill health. Dark yellow or orange stool signals inadequate food intake.

    • 11

      Continue this method until the kittens reach 3 weeks of age.

    Nurturing

    • 12

      Keep your kittens together for socialization.

    • 13

      Pet, cuddle and play with the kittens for 30 to 40 minutes per day. Snuggle with kittens before and after eating.

    • 14

      Introduce kittens to other members of the household at 3 to 6 weeks of age.