How to Care for Orphan New Born Kittens

If a young kitten has been orphaned or abandoned by its mother, prompt help is essential for the kitten's survival. Although kittens older than 5 or 6 weeks do not require specialized care, newborn kittens younger than 3 weeks are likely to die without diligent care. Always seek professional help if you are caring for a sick, weak, injured or orphaned animal.

Things You'll Need

  • Eyedropper or nursing bottle
  • Wash cloth
  • Blankets
  • Wet kitten food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the kittens in a warm, secure environment while you seek veterinary help. Hold the kittens against your bare chest or stomach, covering them lightly with a cloth. During the first week of life, kittens need to be kept at a temperature between 88 and 92 degrees Fahrenheit. Older kittens can thrive at temperatures as low as 80 degrees and do not require as much constant stimulation.

    • 2

      Transport the kittens to a veterinarian's office or an animal hospital. The veterinarian will evaluate the kittens for signs of illness, injury and dehydration. She also may test the kittens for chronic diseases such as feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). A veterinarian is the best source of advice and information regarding the proper care of orphaned animals.

    • 3

      Sterilize a kitten bottle by boiling it in water for three to five minutes. This is important between each feeding to prevent the spread of disease.

    • 4

      Measure a proper amount of kitten formula using the measurement marks on the bottle. A 1-week-old kitten needs 32 ml of formula per feeding. This amount increases to 56 ml at 2 weeks, 80 ml at 3 weeks, 104 ml at 4 weeks and 128 ml at 5 weeks of age.

    • 5

      Lay the kitten face-down on a towel. Gently open the kitten's mouth with your fingertip, then slide the bottle's nipple into the kitten's mouth. Hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle and pull on it gently as the kitten suckles. After he stops suckling, burp him gently by lying him against your chest and tapping his back with a fingertip. Repeat this feeding process for each kitten.

    • 6

      Stimulate the kitten's bowels after each meal using a slightly damp washcloth. Use quick, gentle strokes all over the kitten, particularly her belly, anus and the base of her tail. This emulates a mother cat's licking, which enables the kitten to defecate and urinate. This also helps the kitten to bond with you and prevents dirt or feces from caking into her fur.

    • 7

      Feed and stimulate kittens around the clock, according to the kittens' ages and general health. A 1-week-old kitten needs to be fed about six times per day, whereas 2-week-old kittens need to eat only four times per day. Kittens 3 weeks of age and older need to eat once every eight hours.

    • 8

      Wean kittens starting at 4 weeks of age. Begin by allowing the kittens to lick formula from a bowl. Gradually mix small amounts of wet kitten food into the formula. Be sure to limit your kittens' intake of new foods to prevent digestive upsets. By 6 to 8 weeks, the kittens should be eating a diet comprised entirely of solid food.