Orphaned Kitten

[monty]

I just took in an orphaned/abandoned kitten.

Rough guess I would say it's between 3 and 4 weeks old. Eyes open, ears up and already walking but movements still uncoordinated.

With a bit of insistence got it drinking milk (cat milk replacement mix, not cow milk). Looks pretty healthy albeit a bit noisy. Gets milk fed every 3 hours round the clock.

Got it urinating with a bit of rubbing the back end with a moist rough towel, but no solids yet.

I know survival chances are not extremely high with kittens losing their mother that early, what I like to have is any tips on keeping the chance as high as possible!

I guess social/behavioral training will not be much of a problem, since I already have two other cats, male and female, neutered and spayed respectively. They tend to adopt kittens pretty quick (did it before, but unfortunately the kitten ended up getting ill and died after about 4 weeks).

I think when the movements start to get a bit more coordinated the the weaning will have to start.

Cheers,

Monty

[Crossy]

Good on ya Monty! Hope the little kitty survives

A quick Google found this (amongst loads of others) http://www.catsplay.com/thedailycat/2002-0...han/orphan.html there's a bit about stimulating 'elimination'.

[elfe]

hi

nice you take care of the little one!!

you do everything possible already, you can try also some soft cat food from tin already.

these kittens have a very good chance to survive, yours is already about 4 weeks, should be no problem. i got 3 kitten last year which were only two weeks old when their mom died and they also thrived very well on milk replacer. the cats you raise by yourself become very attached to you, so be warned

be very careful to let the kitten mix with your other cats, diseases can be a problem, even your own cats seem healthy and have vaccinations. to be on the safe side, separate the kitten until it has got its second shots.

edit: as you say you still have to rub its bum to relief it, it might be younger than 3 weeks. try a flat plate like the lid of a bucket and put some cat litter sand in it, it might use it already!

Edited February 16, 2008 by elfe

[0Mix1up]

one thing about early release kittens

they don't become socialized by their brothers/sisters and will tend to bite and scratch people

[elfe]

one thing about early release kittens

they don't become socialized by their brothers/sisters and will tend to bite and scratch people

well, i cannot second that, i have handraised two litters so far and they are the most lovely and attached cats and also wonderful with each other and accept new additions very nicely. actually the more nasty cats here are the one raised by their mothers

[Sheryl]

Agree, in my experience the younger a cat is when it comes into contact with humans (assuming the contacts are nice ones and not bad experiences) the more socialized they will be, and kittens hand raised by humans are very affectionate to people.

[Agenda]

It's normal age and your kitten can survive for sure.

You can try to give wet food to him.

Hope everything will be fine.