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Found an orphaned kitten? Advice here
Found Orphaned Kittens? Advice here.
1. TRY TO DETERMINE HOW OLD KITTEN IS:
Has the kitten eaten anything (NEVER FEED A KITTEN MILK!)? If the kitten is old enough to eat on its own, it MAY still require bottle feeding.
If umbilical cord is attached: The kitten is 3 days old or younger: PROCEED TO INSTRUCTIONS BELOW.
If eyes are closed or just opening: The kitten is under 10 days old: PROCEED TO INSTRUCTIONS BELOW.
If ears are standing up: they are at least 3 ½ weeks of age; PROCEED TO BELOW
If they are unstable on their feet: under 4 weeks; PROCEED TO BELOW
If they can run pretty well: at least 5 weeks, they MAY require bottle feeding.
If kittens are running around a yard: they are at least 5-6 weeks old and may not require bottle feeding.
2. KEEP KITTEN WARM (TIPS BELOW) AND DO NOT FEED KITTEN MILK! IT CAN KILL THEM (FEEDING TIPS BELOW).
3. ARE THERE SERIOUS INJURIES, GOOPY EYES OR OBVIOUS FLEAS? If so, handle kittens with care using thick gloves.
If you do NOT live in Kane County, call your county animal control or sheriff’s department right away.
If you live in Kane County: Please call your nearest veterinary clinic, or call Emergency Veterinary Services (630-584-7447) right away.
IF THE KITTEN IS YOUNG ENOUGH TO NURSE, HAVE YOU SEEN THE MOM?
If so, DO NOT trap the mama if there are other kittens!
YOUNG KITTEN CARE
1. KEEP KITTEN WARM. (EVEN IF IT IS WARM OUTSIDE OR IN YOUR HOUSE!!!)
A small kitten needs extra heat to maintain their body temperature. If they pant, they are too warm.
• The kitten should feel warm to your touch. If NOT:
• wrap them in a towel warmed in the dryer and put them on a heating pad, in a box or bucket OR
• Put the kitten under your shirt against your body.
• Fill a water bottle or Tupperware container with hot water and place close to kitten, but not touching the kitten directly until it begins to cool.
• Fill a sock with dry, uncooked rice and microwave for one minute. Place close to kitten, but not touching the kitten directly until it begins to cool.
2. If lifeless or limp, rub Karo syrup or a mixture of sugar and water on their gums and take to your nearest vet immediately!
3. Once kitten is warm, it needs to be fed something. Warmed cat food preferred (moisten dry cat food w/ water), but also, warmed Gatorade, warmed Pedialyte or warmed sugar water, given by dropper or syringe (give slowly). NEVER MILK OR ANYTHING ELSE COLD. It can kill them!
This advice is based on years of caring for orphaned kittens. H.E.L.P. is not a veterinarian, and is not liable for the advice given here.
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