What to Do With Abandoned Kittens: A Guide to Rescue and Care
Discovering abandoned kittens can be distressing, but knowing the right steps is crucial. Immediately assess the situation and plan your next steps to provide these vulnerable creatures with the best possible chance of survival. What should I do with abandoned kittens? This guide will walk you through the process.
Assessing the Situation: Are They Truly Abandoned?
Before intervening, it’s vital to determine if the kittens are actually abandoned. Mother cats often leave their kittens for short periods to hunt or forage. Prematurely removing them can reduce their chances of survival. Observe from a distance (at least 30-50 feet) for several hours, ideally using binoculars, to avoid scaring the mother away.
Here’s what to look for:
- Signs of the Mother: Are there any signs of a mother cat returning? Look for her presence, hear her calls, or see signs she’s been in the area (e.g., fresh food scraps).
- Kitten Condition: Are the kittens clean, well-fed, and sleeping peacefully? This suggests the mother is caring for them. Observe for signs of distress, such as constant crying, visible ribs, or weakness.
- Time of Year & Environment: Consider the time of year. Kittens born in colder months are more vulnerable if abandoned. Assess the immediate environment. Is it safe from predators, the elements, and traffic?
If, after several hours, the mother does not return, and the kittens appear vulnerable or in distress, it’s likely they are abandoned and require intervention.
Immediate Actions: Providing Warmth and Safety
If you’ve determined the kittens are truly abandoned, your immediate priority is to provide warmth and safety. Hypothermia is a major threat to young kittens.
- Warmth:
- Gently pick up the kittens and wrap them in a soft towel or blanket.
- Prepare a safe and warm nesting box. A cardboard box lined with soft blankets or towels is ideal.
- Use a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel or a heating pad set on low to provide indirect warmth. Never place the kittens directly on a heating pad or hot water bottle as this can cause burns.
- Monitor their temperature regularly. A healthy kitten’s temperature should be between 99.5°F and 102.5°F.
- Safety:
- Bring the kittens indoors to a quiet, safe, and draft-free environment away from other pets.
- Keep the nesting box clean and dry.
- Isolate them from other animals until they have been checked by a veterinarian. This prevents the spread of potential diseases.
Feeding Abandoned Kittens: A Critical Step
Kittens require frequent feeding, especially when they are very young. Cow’s milk is not suitable for kittens as it can cause digestive issues.
- Kitten Formula: Purchase a high-quality kitten milk replacement (KMR) from a pet store or veterinary clinic. This is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of kittens.
- Feeding Schedule: Follow the instructions on the KMR packaging for the correct amount and frequency of feeding. Newborn kittens typically need to be fed every 2-3 hours around the clock.
- Feeding Method: Use a specialized kitten bottle or a small syringe (without the needle) to feed the kittens. Hold the kitten in a natural nursing position and gently insert the nipple or syringe tip into its mouth. Allow the kitten to suckle at its own pace. Never force-feed a kitten.
- Burping: After each feeding, gently burp the kitten by patting it on its back, just as you would a baby.
- Hygiene: Keep the feeding equipment clean and sterilized to prevent infections.
Stimulation: Helping Kittens Eliminate
Newborn kittens cannot eliminate on their own and require stimulation from their mother. You’ll need to replicate this process.
- After Each Feeding: Gently stimulate the kitten’s genital and anal area with a warm, damp cloth or cotton ball. This will encourage them to urinate and defecate.
- Cleanliness: Keep the kittens clean and dry to prevent skin irritation.
Veterinary Care: A Vital Necessity
A veterinary check-up is essential for the health and well-being of abandoned kittens.
- Initial Examination: The veterinarian will assess the kittens’ overall health, check for any underlying medical conditions, and recommend a vaccination and deworming schedule.
- Dehydration: The vet can address dehydration, a common issue in abandoned kittens, through subcutaneous fluids.
- Flea and Parasite Control: Kittens are often infested with fleas and other parasites, which can be treated with appropriate medications. Never use adult flea medication on kittens, as it can be toxic.
- Long-Term Care: The veterinarian can advise you on the best course of action for the kittens’ long-term care, including adoption options.
Finding a Home: Ensuring a Bright Future
Once the kittens are healthy and thriving, finding them loving homes is the final step.
- Adoption Agencies and Rescues: Contact local animal shelters, rescue organizations, and adoption agencies to explore potential placement options.
- Social Media: Utilize social media platforms to advertise the kittens and reach potential adopters.
- Vet Recommendations: Veterinarians often have clients looking for kittens and may be able to connect you with a suitable home.
- Screen Potential Adopters: Thoroughly screen potential adopters to ensure they are responsible, committed, and able to provide the kittens with a loving and permanent home. Conduct interviews, ask for references, and consider home visits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Caring for abandoned kittens requires dedication and knowledge. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Feeding Cow’s Milk: As mentioned earlier, cow’s milk can cause digestive problems. Always use KMR.
- Overfeeding or Underfeeding: Follow the KMR instructions carefully. Overfeeding can lead to diarrhea, while underfeeding can result in malnutrition.
- Neglecting Warmth: Hypothermia is a serious threat to young kittens.
- Ignoring Veterinary Care: A vet check is crucial to identify and treat any health issues.
- Premature Introduction to Other Pets: Introduce the kittens to other pets gradually and under supervision to avoid stress or injury.
- Using Adult Flea Medications: Adult flea medications are toxic to kittens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the ideal temperature for a kitten’s nesting box?
The ideal temperature for a kitten’s nesting box is between 85°F and 90°F (29°C to 32°C) for the first week of life, gradually decreasing to 80°F (27°C) by the fourth week. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the heating source accordingly.
How often should I weigh the kittens?
Weigh the kittens daily to monitor their weight gain. A healthy kitten should gain approximately 0.5 to 1 ounce (14 to 28 grams) per day. Consistent weight gain is a good indicator of overall health and proper feeding.
What if a kitten refuses to eat?
If a kitten refuses to eat, try gently stroking its back or wrapping it in a warm towel to encourage it to suckle. You can also try warming the KMR slightly. If the kitten still refuses to eat, consult a veterinarian as this may indicate an underlying health issue.
How do I know if a kitten is dehydrated?
Signs of dehydration in kittens include dry gums, sunken eyes, and lethargy. You can also perform a skin turgor test by gently pinching the skin on the back of the kitten’s neck. If the skin returns slowly to its normal position, the kitten may be dehydrated. Dehydration requires immediate veterinary attention.
When do kittens open their eyes?
Kittens typically open their eyes around 7 to 14 days of age. Do not attempt to force their eyes open. If one or both eyes are still closed after two weeks, consult a veterinarian.
When do kittens start walking?
Kittens start walking and exploring their surroundings around 3 to 4 weeks of age. Provide them with a safe and stimulating environment to encourage their development.
When should kittens be weaned from KMR?
Kittens can start being weaned from KMR around 4 weeks of age. Gradually introduce a wet kitten food mixed with KMR, slowly decreasing the amount of KMR over time.
How do I socialize kittens?
Socialize kittens by handling them gently, talking to them in a soft voice, and exposing them to new sights, sounds, and experiences in a safe and controlled environment. Early socialization is crucial for developing well-adjusted and friendly cats.
What vaccinations do kittens need?
Kittens typically need a series of vaccinations, including FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia) and rabies. Consult a veterinarian to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for your kittens.
What is feline leukemia virus (FeLV)?
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a serious viral infection that can cause a variety of health problems in cats. Kittens should be tested for FeLV before being introduced to other cats.
What is feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)?
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is another viral infection that weakens the immune system in cats. Kittens should also be tested for FIV before being introduced to other cats.
What if I can’t keep the kittens? What are my options?
If you are unable to keep the kittens, contact local animal shelters, rescue organizations, or adoption agencies to inquire about surrendering them. Many of these organizations have the resources and expertise to care for the kittens and find them loving homes.
Consider becoming a foster home, or assisting with transport of the kittens to the rescue.