Found a Kitten: What to Do & Care Guide

Stray cats form a vast and widespread community, and it's not uncommon to encounter them in many places. Consequently, stories of finding abandoned kittens are numerous. For those who dream of having a cat, discovering a little kitten can be an incredibly joyful experience. However, without prior experience, new cat owners might find themselves at a loss for how to care for these tiny bundles of joy. Below are some suggestions and care tips to help compassionate individuals nurture their newfound kittens effectively.

What to Do When You Find a Feral Kitten

As kittens have no prior history, it's crucial to assess their health immediately upon finding them and provide immediate assistance before deciding on their future. Here's a stepbystep guide to help you out:

1. Initial Health Check: Gently inspect the kitten for any visible wounds, parasites, or other health issues. Always prioritize your safety to avoid being scratched or bitten by the kitten.

2. Cleaning and Warming: Use a wet wipe or a nonwashable foam to gently clean the kitten's fur, particularly around the eyes and ears. Since kittens have limited temperature regulation, ensure they are in a warm and dry environment. Utilize towels, blankets, or specialized pet warming pads to maintain their body heat.

3. Feeding: Kittens may not be able to eat on their own right away, so you'll need to feed them artificially. Opt for specially formulated kitten milk replacer and use a bottle or feeding syringe. Be sure to adjust the feeding schedule and amount based on the kitten's age and weight. Typically, kittens under four weeks old need to be fed multiple times a day, with portions kept moderate.

4. Toilet Training: Prepare a litter box or a cardboard box as a toilet for the kitten and teach it how to use it. If the kitten doesn't know how to go to the bathroom, gently wipe its anal area with a wet paper towel to stimulate defecation and urination. Unweaned kittens rely on their mother's tongue to stimulate this process, so if the mother is absent, you can use a cotton swab to mimic the mother's action.

5. Health Examination: Once the kitten is stable, it's advisable to take it to a veterinarian for a thorough checkup. This includes testing for common diseases like feline distemper and feline panleukopenia, as well as administering necessary vaccinations and deworming. Although kittens under one month old have maternal antibodies and are less susceptible to viruses, their immunity can weaken, increasing the risk of infection. Therefore, a viral screening is essential to ensure their health. Vaccinations should be administered around the kitten's twomonth mark.

6. Longterm Care or Adoption: Decide whether you will be the kitten's longterm guardian or if you will seek a suitable adopter. If you choose to care for the kitten, provide a safe and comfortable living space that meets its daily needs. If you cannot commit to longterm care, consider finding a suitable adopter or taking the kitten to a local animal shelter or veterinary clinic. Before rehoming, screen potential adopters and communicate with them to ensure they are a good fit for the kitten.

Important Considerations for Raising a Kitten:

1. Avoid Bathing: Kittens have weak immune systems, and bathing can lead to colds or stress. It's best not to bathe a kitten before it receives its vaccinations. If the kitten gets dirty, use wet wipes for a quick clean.

2. Diet: Kittens under one month should only be fed milk. Avoid giving them human food or medication, as it can cause stomach upset or be lifethreatening.

3. Create a Calm Environment: Keep the surroundings quiet and warm to prevent the kitten from being startled or overly stressed.

In summary, finding a feral kitten is a task that requires patience and responsibility. By providing the right care and attention, you can help a kitten navigate its early challenges and find a loving home.