How do you care for an abandoned 1 week old kitten?

Answer 1

Orphan kittens will die first from hypothermia so it is very important to keep them warm. Do not use a heating pad - you may accidentally get them too warm. The heat source should be something they can curl up next to or move away from as needed. I recommend using a milk jug filled with steaming hot water - wrap in a towel and place in a card board box with the kittens. The orphan kittens can curl up next to their "water momma" and stay warm. Check the bottle on a regular basis and make sure it stays warm. Orphan kittens need to be bottle fed every 2 - 3 hours day and night. The kittens should eat a kitten milk replacer - you can buy this and a small bottle at a pet store. The product comes in a powder you mix with water or you can buy a liquid, but once the can of the liquid form is opened it is only good for 24 hours - I find the powder form more economical if you are in for the long haul. Never give kittens the "cow milk" we drink, this can make them sick and it isn't rich enough for them. When their eyes open, around 2 weeks of age, you can start to offer canned kitten food mixed with the milk replacer. They won't eat it yet, but they will start to play in the milk and lick it off each other, slowly they will learn it's food. I keep nursing them through this period of learning. As they grow I feed them less often to give them a chance to eat on their own. When the kittens are about 3 ½ weeks old I stop feeding at night, but I do give one last feeding before bed and an early morning feeding. When the kittens are 5 - 6 weeks old they will be eating on their own, feed regular kitten food, the babies should be weaned from the milk by this age.Orphan kittens need stimulation to go potty. Use damp cotton balls to rub the kittens' bottom to help them go to the bathroom. Do this after every feeding. As the kittens grow up start doing this over a small litter box (I use a paper plate with a small amount of litter). Leave the litter box with the kittens at all times, the kittens will crawl through the box while exploring their surroundings, as the kittens smell themselves in the box they will learn what the box is for. Use a damp wash cloth to keep the kittens clean. Orphan kittens can get pretty messy especially when they start to learn to eat on their own. If food is left on them they can develop a mild skin dermatitis. The wash cloth method works pretty well but if they are severely messy a mild soap, I like Aveeno, works well for a bath, use a blow dryer afterward so they won't get a chill. You can do everything right and lose a kitten. It is a horrible feeling when it happens, remember it is not your fault. All you can do is try.

Answer 2

Most kittens are starting to eat solid food between one and two months old. The 3-month old would probably still try to nurse for another month, but is ready to eat on its own. Solitary kittens need warm, comfortable surroundings and usually more attention than those who still have siblings around.

At 3 months, the kitten can receive his shots and rabies vaccination, and should be treated with flea prevention where necessary.

Answer 3

I will be quite honest with you- one week old is very young, and chances are not good for your kitten. My wife and I have cared for very small kittens, but understand it is not always successful. Keep the kitten warm and dry ( a 2 liter soda bottle filled with WARM water, and an old towel can be useful). DO see the vet as soon as possible. Kittens will need to be bottle fed (we used a doll's bottle or an eye dropper) but do not give them cow's milk- they have a hard time digesting it. Your vet can supply you with a powdered formula that you mix with warm water. And good luck to you and your kitten. PS- Be sure that the kitten is really abandoned, and you did not interrupt Mom as she was moving the kittens from one spot to another.

Answer 4

You don't need to do much if the mother is around. Click on the link below to read how to care for orphaned newborn kittens.