How to Raise Newborn Kittens

Always consult a veterinarian before dealing with orphaned newborn kittens. That said, it is very important they be kept warm, well-fed, well-groomed and away from dangers such as high places or unfriendly animals. It is also important that children be taught how to properly handle the kittens. Young children should only be allowed to play with the kittens until after the kittens are 3 to 4 weeks old.

Things You'll Need

  • Heating pad
  • Large, shallow box or carrier
  • Antibacterial soap
  • Clean towels
  • Soft blankets
  • Kitten nursing bottle or dropper syringe
  • Kitten formula
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Instructions

  1. Housing

    • 1

      Wash your hands with antibacterial soap before and after handling newborn kittens. Their immune systems are fragile, and it is easy for them to catch germs.

    • 2

      Place soft blankets or towels on the bottom of a box or carrier.

    • 3

      Cover a heating pad in a clean towel, set the heating pad to "low," and place it in the box or carrier. Make sure the kittens have a place to move to if they get too warm.

    • 4

      Check kittens often to make sure they are warm, well-fed and moving. If a kitten seems listless or lethargic, check with a veterinarian.

    • 5

      Clean and replace bedding in the kittens' box every day. A clean environment is crucial to their health.

    Feeding

    • 6

      Feed kittens, one at a time, every hour or two. Mix formula as directed by the instructions on the bottle, and fill a nursing bottle or dropper syringe.

    • 7

      Place kitten in an upright position in your lap. If the kitten is not upright, milk could get into its lungs while it attempts to suckle. Feed only one kitten at a time.

    • 8

      Place dropper syringe or nursing bottle at a 45-degree angle in the kitten's mouth. If the kitten does not have a strong sucking reflex while using a bottle, switch to a dropper syringe. Feed for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the kitten seems finished.

    • 9

      Pat the kitten's abdomen very gently until it releases air. This is similar to burping a human baby. When doing this, note how the kitten's abdomen feels; it should be firm, but not hard or bloated. If it is hard or bloated, check with a vet.

    • 10

      Rub a warm, moist cloth over the kitten's anus and genital area to encourage it to eliminate. Kittens under 2 weeks old cannot urinate or defecate on their own.