The best caregiver is their motherMother cats leave their kittens for hours to find food. Kittens who stay with mum have the best chance of survival.
- Are they in immediate danger?Rain, traffic, dogs, extreme heat or cold — if yes, move them a short distance to a safe, sheltered spot (a box on its side nearby) so mum can still find them.
- Watch from far away for 2–4 hoursStay at least 10 metres away or out of sight — mum will not come back while people are close. Sprinkle flour around the nest to spot paw prints.
- Check their conditionHealthy kittens are round, warm and quiet. Kittens that cry nonstop, feel cold, look thin or have crusty eyes need help now.
- Keep them warm firstCold kittens cannot digest food. Warm them slowly: a bottle of warm (not hot) water wrapped in a towel, in a box with soft cloth. Never feed a cold kitten.
- Feed only kitten milk replacerCow's milk causes diarrhoea that can kill kittens. Use kitten milk replacer from a vet or pet shop, fed with a kitten bottle or syringe while the kitten lies on its tummy — never on its back.
- Contact a vet or usVery young kittens need feeding every 2–3 hours, day and night, and help to pee and poop. Send us a photo and we will help you estimate their age and plan care.
How old are they?
| Age | Signs | Food |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1 week | Eyes closed, ears folded, umbilical cord may be attached | Milk replacer every 2 hours |
| 2–3 weeks | Eyes open (blue), wobbly first steps | Milk replacer every 3–4 hours |
| 4–5 weeks | Walking and playing, baby teeth | Milk + soft wet kitten food |
| 6–8 weeks | Running, jumping, using a litter tray | Wet and dry kitten food |