23/06/2026
Caring for an orphaned newborn kitten can be challenging, but the priorities are simple: warmth, feeding, toileting, and monitoring weight gain.
1. Keep the Kitten Warm First
Never feed a cold kitten.
* Provide a warm nest with blankets or towels.
* Use a heating pad on low setting or a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel.
* Ensure the kitten can move away from the heat source if it becomes too warm.
* Ideal nest temperature:
* 0โ1 week: 30โ32ยฐC
* 1โ2 weeks: 27โ29ยฐC
* 2โ3 weeks: 24โ27ยฐC
2. Feed Kitten Milk Replacer
* Use a commercial kitten milk replacer (KMR).
* Do not feed cowโs milk, condensed milk, or plant-based milk.
* Feed with a kitten bottle or syringe carefully.
As an example, for a kitten weighing 148 g:
* Daily milk requirement is approximately 30โ35 mL per 100 g body weight.
* A 148 g kitten needs about 45โ52 mL per day.
* Divide into small feedings every 2โ3 hours, including overnight if under 2 weeks old.
3. Proper Feeding Position
* Feed the kitten on its tummy, never on its back.
* Allow the kitten to suckle naturally.
* Feed slowly to prevent aspiration.
4. Help the Kitten Urinate and Defecate
Kittens under 3โ4 weeks cannot eliminate on their own.
After every feeding:
* Use warm, damp cotton wool or tissue.
* Gently rub the ge***al and a**l area until the kitten urinates and/or defecates.
5. Monitor Weight Daily
Weigh the kitten at the same time every day.
* Healthy kittens should gain approximately 10โ15 g daily.
* Failure to gain weight for 24 hours is a warning sign.
6. Watch for Danger Signs
Seek veterinary attention if the kitten:
* Refuses to feed
* Feels cold
* Cries continuously
* Has diarrhea
* Has bloating
* Has milk coming from the nose
* Is losing weight
* Appears weak or dehydrated
7. Development Milestones
* Eyes begin opening: 7โ14 days
* Ears unfold: around 2 weeks
* Walking: 3โ4 weeks
* Weaning starts: 4โ5 weeks
Quick Checklist
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Warm nest
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Feed kitten milk replacer every 2โ3 hours
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Stimulate urination and defecation after feeding
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Weigh daily
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Keep bedding clean and dry
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Monitor for weight gain and activity
Survival in the first week often depends more on maintaining body temperature and hydration than on the exact feeding volume. A warm kitten that is steadily gaining weight is usually heading in the right direction. ๐ฑ๐
