If you find some kittens that you think have been abandoned or separated from their mother, observe them from a distance of about 35 feet to see if the mother cat returns. If the kittens are in immediate danger, then you will need to intervene without waiting for the mother cat to return. For example, you should intervene immediately if the kittens are in danger of freezing from the cold, left in a place that they might get run over or stepped on, or in an area where dogs might harm them. [3] X Research source Make sure kittens (and mother cat) are in a warm, clean area where they feel safe. [4] X Expert Source Natalie Punt, DVMVeterinarian Expert Interview. 15 February 2022.
Components of the mother’s milk are helpful for the kittens’ development. [8] X Expert Source Natalie Punt, DVMVeterinarian Expert Interview. 15 February 2022.
When the kittens are 1-2 weeks old, bottle feed the kittens every 1-2 hours with a commercial milk replacer formula. Do not give cow’s milk to the kittens because it is too hard for them to digest. When the kittens are 3-4 weeks old, provide formula in a shallow dish as well as some kitten food that has been softened with water. Offer these foods 4-6 times per day. When the kittens are 6-12 weeks old, decrease the amount of formula that you offer them and begin to give them dry kitten food. Offer these foods 4 times per day.
