Abandoned Kitten What to Do
Introduction
Caring for abandoned kitten what to do can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and approach, you can ensure their survival and well-being.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the crucial steps needed to care for newborn kittens from birth until they are three weeks old.
If you’ve found an abandoned kitten and are wondering what to do, this guide will provide you with all the necessary information to help these vulnerable creatures.
Determining If a Kitten Is Truly Abandoned
Observing from a Distance
Before taking any action, observe the kittens from a safe distance. Mother cats often leave their kittens while they search for food and might be gone for several hours.
If the kittens are sleeping peacefully, it’s likely the mother will return. If possible, consider rescuing both the mother and the kittens if the situation allows.
If you’ve found a kitten and are wondering what to do, start by giving the mother a chance to come back.
Monitoring Period
Monitor the kittens for 12-18 hours to see if the mother returns. If the kittens are sleeping, wait 3-4 hours before checking on them again.
If they are meowing loudly, indicating hunger or discomfort, wait only 30 minutes to an hour. Immediate action is required if the kittens are in a very cold environment, are dirty, wet, or in imminent danger.
Assessing the Kittens’ Condition
Check the kittens every 2-3 hours. They are likely not abandoned if they appear content and are not fussing, crying, or showing signs of distress.
However, if the kittens are dirty, wet, continuously meowing, underweight, dehydrated, or in imminent danger, it is time to intervene. If you’re unsure about an abandoned kitten and what to do, these signs can help you decide when to step in.
Creating a Safe and Warm Environment for Abandoned Kittens
Combatting the 3-H Syndrome (Hypothermia, Hypoglycemia, and Dehydration) in Kitten
Hypothermia Prevention
Newborn kittens cannot regulate their body temperature until they are three weeks old. The temperature should be:
- 1st week: 30°C (86°F)
- 2nd week: 28°C (82°F)
- 3rd week: 25°C (77°F)
Use a covered hot water bottle, heat pad, or heat lamp to maintain warmth, ensuring a cooler area is available if they get too warm.
Hypoglycemia Prevention
Kittens nurse approximately 12-20 times in 24 hours. Before bottle feeding, always check their temperature. Warm hypothermic kittens gradually before feeding to prevent digestive issues.
Preventing Dehydration
Proper bottle feeding is key to preventing dehydration. Do not use the skin tent test to assess hydration in newborn kittens. Instead, check the moisture level of their gums.
Feeding Abandoned Kittens: Best Practices
The Right Feline Milk Replacer
Use a dedicated feline milk replacer, not goat milk, cow’s milk, or human milk. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid digestive issues.
Bottle-Feeding Basics
Feed kittens:
- 1st & 2nd weeks: 7 meals per day (every 3 hours)
- 3rd week: 5 meals per day
Wean kittens starting at the end of the 3rd week. Use the correct technique by feeding kittens on their stomachs, not on their backs, to prevent aspiration. Stimulate their bathroom needs after each feeding.
Hygiene for Abandoned Kittens
Cleaning vs. Disinfecting: A Two-Step Process
- Cleaning: Remove organic material from surfaces.
- Disinfecting: Use chemical solutions to kill pathogens on clean surfaces. Choose a disinfectant targeting feline pan leukopenia, feline calicivirus, and ringworm.
The Importance of Spot-Cleaning in Kitten Care
Maintain familiar scents to reduce stress by spot-cleaning soiled areas instead of full cleaning.
Routine Hygiene Practices
- Daily Bedding Change: Replace soiled bedding daily.
- Spot-Cleaning: Clean soiled areas to maintain familiar scents.
- Disinfecting: Use kitten-safe disinfectants for non-soiled areas.
- Regular Health Checks: Monitor for eye, skin, or umbilical cord infections.
Identifying and Addressing Health Issues in Abandoned Kittens
Temperature Monitoring
Check the kitten’s temperature daily, especially before feeding, to ensure they are warm enough to digest food properly.
Blood Glucose Level
Use a human glucometer to check blood glucose levels if hypoglycemia is suspected. Prick the ear or paw for a sample.
Weight Monitoring
Weigh kittens regularly to ensure consistent weight gain. Any weight loss indicates potential health issues.
Gastrointestinal Health
Monitor bowel movements for signs of constipation or diarrhea, often due to improperly mixed milk.
Socialization and Behavioral Development in Abandoned Kittens
Inducing Short Acute Stress for Development
- Daily Handling: Gently handle kittens daily to help them cope with stress later in life.
- Exposure to New Stimuli: Gradually introduce kittens to different textures, sounds, and gentle handling.
Focus on Nutrition for Brain Development
- Importance of DHA: Ensure the milk replacer is rich in DHA for cognitive and visual development.
When to Seek Professional Help for Abandoned Kittens
Consulting a Veterinarian: When in Doubt
Consult a veterinarian if you are uncertain about the kitten’s health or notice signs of distress or health issues. Prompt veterinary care can significantly impact the kitten’s survival and health.
Conclusion (Abandoned Kitten What to Do)
Caring for abandoned kittens is a challenging yet rewarding task. By observing and assessing their condition, creating a safe environment, feeding them properly, maintaining hygiene, monitoring their health, and aiding their socialization, you can give these vulnerable creatures a chance at a healthy life.
Always seek professional help when in doubt to ensure the best care for the kittens. If you’ve found a kitten and are unsure what to do, this guide can be your go-to resource for ensuring their well-being.
FAQs:
References
- ASPCA – Caring for Neonatal Kittens
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - The Kitten Lady – How to Care for Orphaned Kittens
The Kitten Lady - International Cat Care – Looking After Kittens
International Cat Care - VCA Animal Hospitals – Kitten Care Guide
VCA Animal Hospitals - PetMD – Caring for Newborn Kittens
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