Things to Consider in Caring for a 1-4 Week Old Kitten
It's kitten season! When mother cats abandon their orphaned kitten babies, it's up to us to step in and take on the role of motherhood. Initially, the kitten, content in the comfort and security of a peaceful place, sleeps quietly for a while, making its presence known throughout the day. But at that moment, one thing is on our minds: "How do I take care of this kitten?" This article is written to come to your rescue at that moment.
Is the Kitten Really Abandoned?
Sometimes mother cats may leave their kittens alone in what they believe is a safe area while they go out to eat or move to another area one by one. In such cases, the returning mother will realize the absence of her kitten. This situation is emotionally and physically stressful for the mother cat. If a mother cat cannot feed her kittens, the developed milk glands in her body can lead to serious infections. To determine if a kitten is truly abandoned, pay attention to these three things:
If the kitten's general condition appears good (in a safe area, with strong vocalization, surrounded by siblings who are healthy, clean, and without any wounds), you can revisit the kitten(s) after an hour or two to see if they are truly abandoned. During this time, observe the surroundings to ensure their safety. If the mother does not return, the kitten is abandoned.
If the kitten's general condition is good but the location is not suitable for a mother to leave her kitten (such as a road with traffic or an open area easily accessible to other animals), the kitten should not be left there. If possible, take the kitten with you and check if there are other kittens nearby. Sometimes, very curious kittens may crawl away from their siblings. In such a case, they should be returned to their mother and siblings.
If the kitten's general condition does not look good (body colder than it should be, slow movements, injured, presence of maggots, etc.), the kitten should be taken to a veterinarian clinic for its health.
Remember, the colostrum a kitten receives from its mother is crucial for its ability to fight bacteria and viruses later on.
If you are sure the kitten has been abandoned, the next step is: 2. What are the First Needs of a Kitten? If you have a kitten that you are sure has been abandoned, the best thing to do is to ensure it gets examined by a veterinarian clinic first. This way, you can also get answers to all your questions from your veterinarian.
Most veterinarians do not prefer a young and unvaccinated animal to be kept in a clinic environment due to the busy pace of clinics and the entry and exit of sick animals. The place where they can receive the necessary care and warmth is not a cage but the warmth of a human.
However, in cases where you cannot go to a clinic, the most important things to pay attention to if the kitten is healthy are:
Feeding: It is recommended to feed kitten every 2 hours with a kitten milk prepared according to the recommendation of the kitten milk brand you use. The kitten will likely be very hungry. You can let it drink as much as it wants. During feeding, narrow-mouthed syringes, also known as insulin injectors, can be used to give drops of milk into the mouth, or preferred size of bottles suitable for kittens can be used. Feeding with a syringe increases the risk of swallowing air and causing colic. The ideal feeding position is for the kitten to lie face down just like when it suckles from its mother, with its head and neck reaching a parallel position to the tip of the bottle where it can reach without stretching too much.
Stool/Urination: Kittens cannot defecate and urinate on their own. When the mother cat licks the perineal area (the area between the anus and genital organ) with her rough tongue, she stimulates the muscles. When there is no mother, it is our job to do this. If possible, massage the kitten's perineal area with a cotton ball dipped in lukewarm water for at least 3-4 minutes without applying too much force that would cause irritation after each meal. When urination and defecation are finished, the kittens will start to rest. There may be urination every time, but there may not be defecation. Don't worry. Get the kitten examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. If you say "I'm sure my kitten has been abandoned, I have met its urgent needs, and I have had it examined by a veterinarian. So what are the things I need to pay attention to for this little one who has become a part of our lives?" let's continue reading :)
What are the Signs of Illness I Need to Monitor in the Kitten?
Decrease in interest in the caregiver
Decreased activity level
Weakness
Pallor
Difficulty breathing
Jaundice
How Much Should the Kitten Weigh? How Fast Should It Grow?
Newborn kittens are usually about 100 grams. The birth weight of the kitten doubles until it is 7-10 days old. After this point, their tendency to gain weight increases. They usually gain about 500 grams every month. Kittens can lose 10% of their birth weight in the first 24 hours of life, which is normal. It will be useful to weigh the kittens twice a day for healthy monitoring.
