Newborn Orphaned Kitten Care
To properly care for the kitten you need to be able to provide the kitten with a warm safe environment and plenty of food.
Newborn orphaned kitten care. But adjusting to solid foods can stress the kitten s digestive system. Kittens up to two weeks old can generally consume their daily intake in 4 5 meals per day. Your primary concern in caring for your newborn kitten is temperature regulation. Instead keep the kitten s feet down and it s head straight as though she s nursing from her mother.
You will want to make sure he or she is stable first and given a once over by a doctor. Orphaned kittens should be fed on a strict schedule preferably every 2 4 hours. Keep them on a heating pad set on low wrapped in towels at least two layers of towels or one towel folded over should cover the pad. They require attention and care around the clock.
The care that you give the kitten could help the kitten stay alive and healthy. This video will guide caregivers through food selection and preparation along with tips for handling the transition period. When the orphaned kittens are three to four weeks old begin to offer milk replacer in a shallow bowl then introduce a moist easily chewable diet. During kitten season you may come across a kitten that is orphaned and needs some help.
Kittens under three weeks old can t control their body temperature. You can use a box or small crate with plenty of dry clean bedding. If you have recently taken in some newborn kittens you will have your work cut out for you. You ll know if it s too hot if the kittens tend to sleep on the edges.
Never hold a kitten and feed it like a human baby. Hold her by the scruff of her neck and place the nipple into the side then center of her mouth. Weaning orphaned kittens onto solid foods the transition from formula to solid foods begins at about 3 4 weeks of age for orphaned kittens. Small breed kittens should be limited to 10 15ml per feeding during the first week of life in order to prevent diarrhea.
Make sure you change the bedding frequently so it doesn t get too soiled. Correctly position the kittens and bottles for feeding. Caring for newborn kittens is hard work. If you are committed to helping the newborn kittens and become their surrogate mother then you will need to provide a safe warm home for them.
If the mother cat is still in the picture she can provide most of the kittens needs herself.