You are handling kittens straight out of the womb, and nothing can feel more overwhelming, especially if you have never done so before. Newborn kittens are reliant on their mother for warmth, food and cleanliness. But with care, patience, and attention you can raise orphaned kittens to be healthy and strong. Your instructions on how to schedule a newborn kitten; (without mother) type of requires the breaking down.
The first and foremost priority is keeping the kittens warm. During the first few weeks after birth, newborn kittens are incapable of regulating their body temperature. And without warmth, they can become weak or even develop life-threatening problems in a short amount of time. Place a blanket and small box for cozy space to sit
Form a cozy nest with a nice warm blanket and using a small box or pet bed. Put a heating pad under part of the bed on low, or use a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel. Ensure the kittens will have enough room to warm up, but can move away from it if they start to feel too hot.
Another important facet of caring for orphaned kittens is feeding them. As newborn kittens are unable to consume solid cat food, you have to offer a kitten milk replacer (KMR). At no time give cowmilk as it will upset their tummy and you may land in digestive problems. Feed them every two to four hours depending on their age using a kitten nursing bottle or syringe. Newborn kittens, particularly under one week old, often require nutrition
If bottle feeding, the kitten should be held in a natural belly down position as if nursing from their mother. Do not feed them lying flat on their back this might make milk go into the lungs. Slow feeding as choking can occur. Make sure that the milk is warm, but not hot.
Most people are aware that new born puppies need help to go the toilet, but many do not know, they require help as a new born kitten too! The mother cat generally licks the kittens, stimulating snow and bowel movements. Replace this process if you learning to care for female kittens without mom. Gently rubbing the kitten genital and anus areas with a damp warm cotton ball or dry fluffy cloth right after each feeding until they urinate
If bottle feeding, the kitten should be held in a natural belly down position as if nursing from their mother. Do not feed them lying flat on their back this might make milk go into the lungs. Slow feeding as choking can occur. Make sure that the milk is warm, but not hot.
Most people are aware that new born puppies need help to go the toilet, but many do not know, they require help as a new born kitten too! The mother cat generally licks the kittens, stimulating snow and bowel movements. Replace this process if you learning to care for female kittens without mom. Gently rubbing the kitten genital and anus areas with a damp warm cotton ball or dry fluffy cloth right after each feeding until they urinate
Over time (4 weeks onwards) slowly introduce some wet kitten food in there. Most kittens transition completely from milk formula to kitten food by six to eight weeks.
Caring for newborn kittens in the absence of a mother takes time and dedication, but it is worth every effort to do so. Orphaned kittens can survive and go on to be lovely, healthy cats with warmth, appropriate feeding, cleanliness and love.
