Essential Care Guide for Newborn Kitten Raising

What can you do in such a situation? Out in the wild, without food, and with limited mobility, the kitten faces numerous dangers. Without proper care, it's clear that the kitten won't survive.

When kittens reach three months of age, they can eat solid food and walk, which eases the worry somewhat. If the kitten has its mother, you simply need to support her. However, the real challenge comes with kittens that haven't opened their eyes yet or those just beginning to see, and who aren't able to eat on their own. These are the times when they need the most care.

When you come across a young kitten, how should you care for it?

1. Keep the kitten warm

Low temperatures or significant temperature fluctuations between day and night are among the leading causes of death for newborn kittens. We usually use a birthing box or a heating lamp to prevent the kittens from getting too cold.

2. Ensure the kitten gets milk as soon as possible

Mother's milk is crucial for kittens, serving as both a source of nutrition and immunity. Newborn kittens cannot produce antibodies on their own; they rely on the mother's colostrum. Since the stray kitten you've found doesn't have this, you'll need to provide milk. It's best to choose a safe, highnutrient milk substitute that closely mimics breast milk.

3. Pay attention to hygiene and waste management

After giving birth, the mother cat licks her kittens to clean them and stimulate their waste elimination, as their excretory function is not fully developed. What can you do? Use a warm, damp cloth to wipe the kitten's bottom to aid in elimination. Newborn kittens often defecate in their nests, so it's crucial to maintain the cleanliness of the nest by frequent washing, changing, and disinfecting. "Eating, pooping, and being energetic" is a simple yet effective way to gauge an animal's health.

4. Avoid bright light

After the kittens open their eyes, be mindful to shield them from bright lights.

5. Vaccinate and deworm

At around two to three months old, kittens have the weakest immune systems. It's essential to get them vaccinated promptly and to take preventive measures. After vaccination, deworming should be done every week, as kittens often carry parasites from their mothers.

6. Be vigilant about dehydration and diarrhea

(1) Diarrhea can be fatal for kittens. If the feces smell bad, are watery, contain blood, or are accompanied by vomiting, it's time to seek medical attention.

(2) If the kitten's skin behind the neck is dry, or if its mouth is sticky and dry, it may be dehydrated due to insufficient water intake, diarrhea, or a high/low environmental temperature. If dehydration is detected, it should be addressed promptly.

Immobile kittens are incredibly fragile, and many stray kittens don't survive this stage. If you're fortunate enough to encounter one of these kittens, please show compassion and save a life. The world will be a better place because of your efforts.