How to Take Care of Abandoned Kittens

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Make sure that the litter of kittens you find are actually abandoned. Mother cats are elusive, sometimes gone scavengering. If the kittens are dirty, the nest soiled and the kittens crying continuously, they have probably been abandoned. Kittens who are quiet, clean and sleeping quietly are still being cared for and should not be removed from the mother until they are at least four weeks old for feral kittens and five to six weeks otherwise.
Step 2:
Warm the abandoned kittens immediately. Many veterinarian offices have incubators or you can place a wrapped heating pad or hot water bottle with the kittens. Warm either of these to around 100 degrees F. Kittens under three weeks are not able to control their own temperature and will need a heating element with them at all times. You can also place a heat lamp over the area that the kittens are in.
Step 3:
Take abandoned kittens to a veterinarian so that their general health can be checked. A vet will also be able to tell if the kittens are dehydrated and give appropriate treatment. Contact a local shelter also. If you are willing to foster the kittens for them, they may be able to help with the cost of food and supplies.
Step 4:
Buy a pet nursing kit and kitten formula. The kit will contain a bottle, several nipples and a brush to clean the bottle with. Sterilize everything before each use, warm the formula to room temperature and give each kitten 8 cc's of formula per ounce of body weight. Feed every few hours, gradually increasing the time as the kittens grow older and burp the kittens just like you would a human baby by holding it to your shoulder and gently patting its back.
Step 5:
Stimulate the bladder and bowels for each kitten each time you feed them. To do this, take a cotton ball, cotton pad or tissues moist with warm water and gently rub the kitten's lower abdomen, genitals and butt. Keep old towels or clothes on hand for this activity as you will more than likely end up with urine or feces on you. By four weeks old, the kittens will be ready to start litter box training.
Step 6:
Wash the kittens after every feeding with a barely damp warm washcloth and use short strokes like a mother cat would do.
Step 7:
Pet, snuggle and play with the kittens to help develop motor skills and attachment.

Tips & Warnings

Cow's milk will not provide the appropriate nutrition for abandoned kittens and should not be used.

Resources

Locate information on how to take care of abandoned kittens.

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