Caring for Orphan
Caring for orphan kittens
is no easy task. Sometimes despite doing
everything right things go wrong.
Perhaps the queen dies or simply doesn’t have enough milk to feed her
It’s estimated that 10-30% of kittens overall die, and with orphans they have
an uphill battle. Keeping them inside and from getting
chilled is critical.
Part of what to do
depends on the age of the kittens. If
they’re newborn do everything you can to get some colostrum down them
mother cat. The
colostrum has antibodies they need and it can give a
newborn kitten a
fighting chance at life. Conflicting studies show that this comes from
ingesting feline milk, not necessarily the colostrum, with antibodies
be given via serum injected under the skin.
There is commercial
kitten milk replacement powder available
at many pet stores or veterinarians. These usually have a recommended
feed on the label but remember
this is often for a 24 hour period so spread
that amount over multiple feedings!
For the first week the
kittens should be kept at 90 degrees
but not warmer. This can be a small box or other container that the
in, and if necessary using a heating pad in a small folded towel helps
the temperature to be comfortable for the kittens.
Feeding can be done with an eye
dropper, small syringe or a
nursing bottle – if the kittens will suckle use the
nursing bottle. With an
eyedropper it’s easy to give too much fluid at once – fluid that ends
up in the
lungs and can cause pneumonia. If the fluid ends up in the lungs gently
the kitten upside down to let the fluid drain out until the choking
Ideally the kitten will
be face down on a towel or pillow so
it can cling as naturally as possible while nursing. Keeping the bottle at a 45
degree angle helps keep air from getting to the kitten.
When the tummy is
rounded withdraw the bottle – overfeeding isn’t good.
Initially kittens should
be fed every 3-4 hours then as they
get older 6-8 hours is enough.
Kittens also needs help
with stimulation of the
bowels. The mother naturally licks the kitten to do this but we can
it with a moistened cotton ball, cleaning thoroughly under the tail as
kitten goes. Using a damp towelette groom them, again duplicating the
licking them as they nurse.
Along with the physical
care the orphan kittens
be held and
snuggled. There is no substitute for the mother cat’s
attention but as much as
can be the time being with someone makes a difference to the growing
helpless kittens. Allow them to sleep as they naturally do as much as
At about three weeks they
can start nibbling wet food or
moistened solid food. They
must be kept extremely clean the first few weeks
especially if they did not receive colostrum. Kittens will
sleep a great deal
the first few weeks and should be allowed to do so. During this time
handling to a minimum so their food can go towards growing and
Raising orphan kittens
can be a difficult, uphill battle but
the reward in a healthy kitten that becomes a beautiful cat is beyond
countless hours put in to insure survival.
Return From Orphan
Kittens To Kittens