Before you startMake sure the kittens are truly orphaned (see I found kittens alone). Orphaned newborns are fragile — involve a vet as early as possible.
What you need
- Kitten milk replacer (powder or liquid) — never cow's milk
- A kitten nursing bottle or a 1–3 ml syringe without needle
- A heating pad on low or a warm water bottle, wrapped in a towel
- Soft cloths, cotton balls, a kitchen scale
How to feed
- Warm the kitten firstThe kitten should feel warm to the touch before feeding. A cold kitten cannot digest milk.
- Prepare the milkMix as the label says and warm it to body temperature — test a drop on your wrist; it should feel barely warm.
- Belly downPlace the kitten on its tummy on a towel, head slightly raised, like it would nurse from mum. Never feed a kitten on its back — milk can go into the lungs.
- Let it suckleGently put the nipple in its mouth and let it suck at its own pace. With a syringe, give one tiny drop at a time.
- BurpHold it upright against your shoulder and gently pat its back.
- Help it pee and poopNewborns cannot do this alone. After each meal, gently rub the genital area with a warm, damp cotton ball until it goes.
How often
| Age | Feeding |
|---|---|
| 0–1 week | Every 2 hours, day and night |
| 1–2 weeks | Every 2–3 hours |
| 2–3 weeks | Every 3–4 hours |
| 4 weeks+ | Start offering soft wet kitten food |
Warning signs — call a vet
Not gaining weight for two days, milk coming from the nose, diarrhoea, crying constantly, cold body or weakness. Weigh kittens daily: healthy kittens gain about 10–15 g a day.