- 1). Check to make certain the newborn kittens are kept adequately warm (but not hot). Newborn kittens are unable to regulate their body temperature. This means they can easily succumb to chill or heat. If the kitten has no litter-mates and is an orphan, the risk of hypothermia is greater. You should supply him with a warm synthetic plush litter-mate to snuggle against for warmth and security. Lone newborn kittens need extra care.
- 2). Feed the kittens from a bottle if the newborns need more nourishment. It may take some trial and error to determine how much to feed newborn kittens. If they develop diarrhea, they may be eating too much. Consult a veterinarian if the kittens appear to be in distress, or if you are unsure how much and how often you should feed the kittens.
- 3). Assist the newborns to pass waste. A newborn kitten's rectum and urethra must be lightly stimulated to help them pass waste. The best way to do this is take a small wet cloth and very gently massage the kitten's rectal area. After a few weeks, they will no longer require external stimulation to pass waste.
- 4). Give lactic acid bacteria to the kittens when the kittens are approximately a week old. Lactic acid bacteria and other helpful bacteria build up their digestive system; this is especially important for kittens that are hand-reared. Veterinary lactic acid bacteria come in easy to administer tubes or oral syringes and can be found in most pet supply stores.
- 5). Give the newborn kittens affection. Kittens, like human babies, need affection or they will not thrive. If the mother cat is absent, you should gently, and regularly, pet the newborn kittens. If the mother is present, start handling the kittens by two weeks. This helps the kittens become used to human touch.
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