How to raise a baby kitten

Raising a newborn kitten can be both challenging and rewarding.

If a newborn kitten under eight weeks is abandoned it may be necessary for a human being to step in and raise it. Raising a kitten can be a lot of hard work. It can also be a lot of fun as you watch the kitten grow from a tiny baby to a mature, functional, affectionate adult cat. When raising kittens there are several steps you can take to help make the transition less traumatic for both owner and kitty.

Things You'll Need

• Box
• Blanket
• Kitten formula
• Bottles
• Nipples
• Basin

Instructions

1. Provide a place for the kitten to sleep. A cardboard box is just fine. You should be able to see inside of it to make sure the kitten is okay. Line the box with an old blanket or discarded piece of clothing. If the weather is very cold outside consider placing a heating pad in between the layers of the cloth. Set it on the lowest possible setting to make sure the kitten does not get burned.

2. Kittens need food that will replace their mother's milk. Purchase commercially prepared kitten milk at vet or pet supply store. The milk has been specially designed to be easy for kittens to digest. You will also need to purchase a bottle with a nipple the kitten can latch onto. Make sure the bottles and nipples are sterile. You can do this by boiling both for five minutes. Cool afterwards and fill with kitten milk. Hold the kitten in your lap and gently guide the nipple into his mouth. He should start sucking. A mother cat will help her kittens digest by licking their genitals. You can mimic this process by using a rough washcloth moistened with a bit of lukewarm water on the kitten's bottom. You may need to feed the kitten as often as 12 times a day every other hour. Contact your vet to find out exactly how often to feed the cat and how much formula to use per feeding.

3. Keep the kitten clean. Dried food particles, feces, urine and spoiled milk can cause many problems for a kitten. A kitten can accidentally digest spoiled food and get an infection. Dirty kittens can be subject to skin and fur irritations. Ideally you want to give the kitten a bath at least twice a week. Kittens who are exposed to water early in life learn to tolerate it. Start exposing the kitten to water the day you start caring for her. Fill a small basin with about half an inch of water. Place the kitten in the basin. Stroke her fur as she stays in the water for a minute or two. Run water from a sink nearby so she can get used to the sound and not be afraid. Lift the kitten out of the water, dry her off and offer her a favorite toy. Continue to do this every day for a week. The kitten should get used to the water by the end of the week, making it far easier for you to bathe her.

References

• Pet Place / Caring for Newborn Kittens
• Feral Cat / Raising Orphan Kittens