How to Handle New Born Kittens

Most of the time a mother cat can take care of her newborn kittens all by herself. In some cases, such as the mother cat isn't producing enough milk, or the newborn kitten is in need of extra care (it may be the runt of the litter), a kitten may need human intervention. When this occurs the human being must know the right and wrong way to hold and care for the newborn kittens.

Things You'll Need

  • Large basket
  • Blankets
  • Warm towels
  • Anti-bacterial soap
  • Goat's milk
  • Nursing bottle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wash your hands before and after you handle the baby kittens. This is of the utmost importance for fragile newborn kittens. Use anti-bacterial soap and wash half way up to your elbows. Kittens are more susceptible to germs at this age so you want to be as clean as possible.

    • 2

      Always hold the newborn kitten with all four of their paws facing down. For example, if you wanted the kitten on your lap to feed him or her you would want all 4 paws on your legs. If you wanted the kitten to lay on your stomach while you take a nap, then all four paws would be on your stomach. Never hold your newborn kitten like a baby in your arms, especially if you are getting ready to feed the kitten.

    • 3

      Feed the kittens with a nursing bottle. You can get one at just about any pet store or you can order one online. Fill the bottle with warm goats milk. Don't give it to the kitten cold. Have your kitten on all fours and tilt their chin up just a bit to get them to suck from the bottle. Do one kitten at a time until all kittens have been fed.

    • 4

      Make sure the kittens have warm blankets or towels to lay on. You can warm up the towels with ease in your dryer, just make sure they are not too hot. The best thing to do is to have a good sized basket that is low to the ground that you can keep all the blankets and towels in. This will contain the kittens as well. Each day you are going to want to wash the blankets in hot water to kill any germs or bugs that might be on the blankets.

    • 5

      If your newborn kitten does not have a mama cat around you are going to have to teach it to go to the bathroom. Newborn kittens don't begin using litter boxes until 4 weeks of age. You must stimulate your cat by stroking it underneath with a wet washcloth. Make sure the kitten goes to the bathroom before you stop. Afterwards, you can give the kitten a bath. You will need to do this if the mama cat isn't around to do it by licking the kitten's fur. Use anti-bacterial soap for the first 4 weeks and then a mild baby shampoo after that.

    • 6

      If you have any health concerns take the newborn kittens to see a Vet. You may want to call your local Vet anyway, to get some good advice as to what to look for with issues like dehydration which is common in newborn kittens who don't have their mother to feed them.