How to Take Care of a Four-Day-Old Kitten

Kittens are some of the most cuddly, entertaining creatures in existence. Usually the kitten's mother is around for the first 4 to 6 weeks of its life and can take care of it. However, in some cases the mother refuses to care for the kittens, or she may have been killed. This makes it necessary for humans to care for the kitten alone. The age of 4-days-old is a perilous age for a kitten. It is important to follow strict instructions when caring for a kitten this young.

Things You'll Need

  • Kitten milk Towels Wet, soft cloth Clock Eye dropper Scale that can measure ounces Paper Pencil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Weigh the cat on the scale to determine its starting weight. Keep track of its weight on paper. It is important to weigh the kitten daily to make sure it is gaining weight and not losing weight. Kittens can die in just a day or two, so it is very important that it is monitored by weight. Weigh at least once a day until the cat is 4 to 6 weeks old.

    • 2

      Feed the kitten kitten's milk purchased from a pet store or vet. Never give a kitten any other kind of milk because the nutrients in the kitten's milk are essential for the care of the newly born kitten. Use an eyedropper to feed the kitten. Feed it until the kitten appears to be full. As long as the kitten continues to gain weight, you are feeding it enough. Kittens must be fed every 2 hours around the clock until they are about 4 weeks old.

    • 3

      Clean the kitten thoroughly each day. Every 2 hours after feeding, take a wet, soft rag and clean the kitten's genital area. This enables the kitten to defecate, which is impossible for it to do on its own. If this is not done, the kitten will die of constipation. Twice a day change the towels in the kitten's box. Wipe the kitten down with a damp rag every time the towels are changed. This process can be stopped after the kitten is 2.5 weeks old.

    • 4

      Protect the kitten from children, other pets and too much light. A four-day-old kitten is so delicate that almost anything can kill it. Be careful when handling the kitten and always make sure to keep it warm in the kitten's box. A chilled kitten can die overnight in a relatively warm room.

    • 5

      Cuddle and socialize with your kitten. Kittens need as much love and care as a newborn baby. If possible, after a few weeks introduce the kitten to another cat or kitten. This will help guide the kitten into becoming a normal cat. It will also help the kitten learn things that a cat knows that a human cannot show it such as licking itself clean.