Caring For An Orphaned Kitten
If you want to adopt an orphaned kitten or if you have found one alone on the street and taken it in, then it’s important to understand that kittens do require a higher level of care.
Don’t Panic
If you have an orphaned kitten, then you need to know that time is of the essence. Panic doesn’t help anyone, but you do need to treat the situation as if it can’t wait. Gather the kittens, or kitten and make a plan for the next 24 hours. Observe their immediate needs and look out for any signs of serious health conditions as well. This includes gasping for air or even bleeding. If this is the case, then you need to take them to a vet.
Gather the Right Supplies
You need to gather supplies that will keep the kitten as warm as possible. It’s also vital that you keep them hydrated and that you feed them too. This is easier said than done, but if you consult your vet then they will be able to talk you through everything. It’s important to know that kittens are unable to control their body temperature, so make sure that they are not hypothermic or hyperthermic. If the kitten has been exposed to cold temperatures, then consider filling a sock with rice and then put it in the microwave. When you do, you can then give them a little heat pack that will gradually warm them up.
Feeding
You have to make sure that you never feed a kitten cow’s milk. If you do, then you’ll soon find that this is extremely bad for them and that it can also lead to death as well. You can easily pick up a kitten milk replacement from the local vets. Now would also be the time for you to pick up some cat food for your orphaned kitten. There is also a specific technique that you need to use to feed your kitten as well. If you don’t then you may find that you end up causing them discomfort or they may not even feed at all and this isn’t what you want. If you want some nutritional kitten food, check out Barking Heads.
Stimulate them to Go
Some people believe that new-born kittens are able to go to the bathroom on their own. This is not the case, in fact, they are completely unable to go on their own. The mother of the kitten usually licks them as this stimulates urination, as well as keeping them clean. If you want to replicate this with a very young kitten, then you need to get a warm and wet cloth for them each feeding. There are plenty of techniques that you can use to try and get this done and you would be surprised at how much of a difference it can make to your kitten’s overall health.
Of course, there are many things that you can do to try and give your kitten a good level of support when they are orphaned, and this is especially the case if you follow the above tips.
