1. Enclosure 🏡
Whether it's 1 or a litter of 6 you will need a proper enclosure. We like to use zippered pen enclosures that can be found on Amazon or Chewy. If you're low on cash then you can simply use a plastic storage bin from Walmart that is tall ( You don't want the kittens escaping as they get older and this will only work up until a certain age). Do NOT use the lid if you do this so they can get proper air flow.
If you have a spare cat/dog carrier then you can use that in the early stages as its perfect for nesting and easy to manage with a heat pad.
2. Keep kittens warm ☀️
You will need a heating pad for the babies if they are under 4 weeks old. I like the ones that don't turn off on their own. My favorite is from Sunbeam and is only $15 at Walmart. It has a low, medium and high setting. Once they are older you can give them a nice little round pet bed with a fleece blanket to keep them cozy. ( I keep a disposable pad under the blanket so if they pee it goes on that and not on the bed. Change the blanket and pee pad once every few days)
3. Feeding 🍼
You can convert Grams to ounces through Google. Click here to convert
Please check feeding schedule in photo. I am in love with the Miracle Nipple Syringe feeding technique and would never go back to a bottle. This is the easiest way to feed a baby kitten. They can be ordered online through Amazon. In an emergency situation a regular baby pet bottle can be used and can be found in many pet stores locally or Walmart.
You can buy Kitten Milk Replacement or KMR locally in powder form or ready made cans. I like the powder because it keeps fresh longer and I can customize my batches when I need them. It's usually 1 scoop of powder to 2 scoops of warm/hot water. Mix well.
Remember to feed slowly and let the baby latch onto the nipple to suckle mainly on its own. If you go to fast you can aspirate the baby. Give it breaks in between to breathe. You can set the baby down on a towel or blanket on its legs so its in a standing position while feeding. NEVER feed a kitten on its back like a human baby. They can aspirate the milk.
4. Helping kittens to Pee/Poop 💩
So when you are done feeding each kitten you will need to help them pee and poop. You can use a wet paper towel/washcloth or baby wipes. I like to use fragrance free wipes and either paper towel underneath them / disposable pad cut in a small piece. (Cut the pad in squares to make one last longer)
You will need to gently rub on the genital area until pee comes out. Gently wipe the kitty's anus to stimulate for poop. Kitty will not need to poop with every single feeding so don't get too worried. If kitty doesn't poop after about 30 seconds then put it back to sleep. Try to have your kitten poop at least once/twice a day.
5. Keeping Kitty Clean 💦
Mom cats keep their babies really clean and do a great job at it. It's really hard to replicate this. Your kittens will smell funky after a few days of peeing on themselves (It will happen while they are in their nest) They might pee or poop on each other. If this happens you will need to bathe them in warm water with dish soap/baby shampoo/ or a natural pet shampoo that's simple. Try not to soak the head and wash whats important which is the bottom half. You can rub any spots up top with your fingers/water/soap.
Completely dry off the baby so it doesn't get hypothermia. Don't wash them too often. Like I said, a big litter of babies will smell often.
6. Questions? 🤔
If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to comment and I will try to answer you.
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