It's like July today & Cat-tip for the day =^..^=Caring for Orphaned Kittens

We had a great hike on this beautiful Monday. Kane was 'pooped' when we got home and he conked out for the afternoon. It felt like July today and the flowers were in full bloom everywhere we walked. I was so glad to have my camera along.

Caring for Orphaned Kittens:

As soon as you discover a deserted, tiny kitten, you must protect it from becoming chilled. Place it beneath your clothing, against your skin.

Your next concern is nourishment. Your pet store will have kitten-milk-replacement formula. This is as close as you can get to mother's milk. Do not give kitten straight cow's milk. It will cause diarrhea.

Try to find a kitten nursing bottle at your pet store or your veterinarians office. In a pinch, use an eye-dropper.

To feed your kitten, place it stomach down on a towel or other textured surface to which it can cling. Open its' mouth gently with the tip of your finger, then slip the nipple between its' jaws. To prevent air from entering the stomach, hold the bottle at a 45 degree angle, keeping a slight pull on the bottle to encourage vigorous sucking. When your kitten has had enough formula, bubbles will form around its mouth and its' tummy will feel round.

If the kitten is not strong enough to suckle, seek veterinary assistance immediately.

After each feeding, burp the kitten by holding it upright against your shoulder and patting it gently on the back. Then, using a warm, wet cotton ball, massage your kitten's abdomen and anus to help it urinate and defecate.

Once you have your kitten warm and fed, consult your veterinarian. A newborn kitten cannot regulate its' body temperature and it's weight requires constant monitoring to ensure it is growing properly.