How to Care for Abandoned Kittens

Unaltered cats breed often as the survival rate for the offspring is low. When a feral or outdoor cat cannot care for her young, she may leave the kittens underneath a porch or in an alley. If you find such a litter, here are some things you can do to care for the abandoned kittens and ensure they find healthy homes.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Care for Kittens Immediately After Finding Them

1. Look to see that the kittens are actually abandoned. If kittens are dirty, live in a messy nest and cry constantly, they are most likely hungry and left without a mother.

2. Take kittens inside and warm them immediately. Turn a heating pad on to its lowest setting or warm a hot water bottle, wrap a towel around the item and place with the kittens. If you do not have either of these, wrap the kitten in a towel and massage lightly.

3. Create a nest in a box or cat carrier. Abandoned kittens will feel more comfortable in a small, warm area similar to one their mother would create for them. Make sure the area is warm and free from drafts and dangers such as animals and small children.

4. Line the bottom of the box or carrier with newspapers or a towel that can be thrown away. Change this bedding daily, as kittens will have accidents.

5. Feed kittens a pet formula with a medicine dropper or kitten bottle, all of which can be found at a veterinarian's office or pet department of a retail store. If you do not know the age of the kittens, start with pet formula and continue until their eyes have opened and they are walking properly and playing. You can then try canned food and/or solid food made specifically for kittens.

6. Wipe each kitten's body with a damp cloth after feeding, using short strokes like the mother cat would use. This will comfort the kittens but also teach them to eventually clean themselves.

Continue to Care for Kittens

7. Set kittens in a litter box after they have eaten. They will be ready to try the litter box at about 4 weeks old. Many kittens that have been abandoned will require extra effort and time to develop properly.

8. Pet and play with kittens often, and let them play with each other. Play with toys, such as string and small balls, to help develop motor skills.

9. Cover the kittens' box with a towel or blanket when leaving the room or when kittens are sleeping. Leaving a small cloth inside the box will also help the rescued kittens feel safe and comfortable.

10. Take any kittens found without a mother to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. The vet will check for dehydration and any other health problems that would require extra care. You can also schedule follow-up appointments for routine medications and shots.

11. Find homes for the kittens once they are weaned and functioning healthily. If you decide to keep the kittens, great! If you are unable, speak with your vet or local animal shelter or take out an ad in the local newspaper to help find capable owners.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut an old bath towel into smaller pieces to use for bedding and comfort.
• Use pet formula instead of cow milk, which is not nutritious enough and can give kittens diarrhea.
• Keep up with vet appointments. This is an important part of the kittens' development and will ensure they stay healthy.
• Do not feed the kittens until they are warm. If they are too cold, they will use more energy digesting the food than the food will replenish.
• Do not blame yourself if the kittens don't make it. It can be very difficult to take care of abandoned kittens and they don't always end up being strong and healthy.

Resources

• Go here to find more information about caring for kittens.
• Go here for more information and for recipes on making emergency kitten formula.

[merriteresa]

on 10/15/2009 There are many wild cats in Morocco. I have found 2 abandoned ones that have just opened thier eyes. They were hungery and crying. Can I feed them baby formula? There is no kitty formula. They are left to die.

[merriteresa]

on 10/15/2009 There are many wild cats in Morocco. I have found 2 abandoned ones that have just opened thier eyes. They were hungery and crying. Can I feed them baby formula? There is no kitty formula. They are left to die.