How to Raise Orphaned Kittens

Finding a kitten or several kittens can be an uplifting experience. Surely, these helpless creatures would not survive without your love and care. However, just loving and pitying a kitten will not ensure it grows up safely. In order to properly raise orphaned kittens you need to find a way to take the place of the absent mother. Read on to learn how to raise orphaned kittens.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clean blanket or towel
• Box
• Feeding bottle
• Kitten formula

1. Keep the kittens warm. These tiny creatures have very little fur and body fat to keep them from catching disease and pneumonia. Take a clean blanket or towel and wrap them up. If the kittens do not want to be held, place them in a box with the blanket. This will help retain some of its body heat once it lies down.

2. Visit your local pet store or animal department of a grocery store and purchase a feeding bottle for kittens and puppies. This tiny bottle will simulate the mother’s nipple, which the kitten is used to getting its food from, since it is too young for solid food.

3. Purchase some kitten formula as well. While most people think that using milk is food enough for kittens, the only way to help save one from dying is to ensure that it gets the proper vitamins and nutrients it needs. This formula is specially designed for the diet of a kitten.

4. Inspect the kitten for fleas. Parasites like fleas suck the blood from kittens and spread disease. This could weaken the kitten and its immune system, thereby making it hard for the helpless animal to stay healthy.

5. Take the kitten to the vet in order to get all of its shots. Proper shots will help bolster the kitten’s health and keep it from dying. Phone ahead as many vet clinics are by appointment only.

Resources

• Learn to provide first aid to a feral kitten.
• Pet Education website