Kittens

[JSIMMO]

Hi, I have recently found some kittens that appear to be abandoned by their mother, they look asif they're 2-3 weeks old, they have fur and their eyes are slightly open.

Its very cold on the allotment where I found them, if I were to bring them inside how would I feed them?

Could I put cows milk in a dish for them or would I have to use a syringe?

Thanks if anyone has any idea.

[redcrx]

My idea would be to contact the cats protection league or the RSPCA if you dont know how to look after such young kittens

[B00]

I'm no expert, but I highly doubt they'll be able to stomach cows milk at such a young age.

As Red says, contact your local RSPCA, or your nearest animal shelter for advice.

[Schutzengel]

Give it another day, and then check again,.the mother might be around looking for food for herself, and coming back to feed the kittens. Cows milk isn't suitable for baby kittens. Are they in a covered space, if not, perhaps you could find a plastic box, lay it on its side with the open end facing towards you, so that it looks like a kennel. Put an old towel inside and put the kittens on it. At least this would protect them from the weather and the mother would be able to get inside to feed the kittens. If you are still not happy after that, and you feel sure the mother is not coming back. Then if you took them indoors, you would need to get kitten formula and a feeding syringe from a vet. They would need feeding at least every 3 hours, and if you managed to rear them successfully, then you also have the problem of finding homes for them. Good luck.

[Sqad]

Schutz....just a quick hello....I am always thinking about you and how is your husband?

[JSIMMO]

Would they be able to handle New Born Baby formula? Like Cow and Gate?

[Schutzengel]

I agree with the comments above. I would certainly recommend contacting Cats Protection League, once you are sure that the mother cat is not coming back. If she does come back, then it is likely the whole family needs rescue.

[LoftyLottie]

As someone who has actually reared abandoned kittens from about 10 days old - A vet will give you some dried powder to mix with water that actually replicates mothers milk. Cows milk will certainly kill very young kittens - it is not even good for cats. If they are not able to lap, then yes you can feed from a syringe, but don't overfeed because they can't cope with too much. They need feeding little and often and it's a full time job looking after them.

Bring them in, place them in a box with plenty bedding - fleece is good and contact the cats protection league. They will need a once over and the cpl will have a look at them for you. They will take them in if they have room, if you haven't the time to look after them yourself.

Beware, you also have to teach them to poo, but that is another matter.

Definitely contact the cats protection league.

[LoftyLottie]

They will be much younger than 2-3 weeks if their eyes are only slightly open. Kittens are born with fur by the way.

[Schutzengel]

Baby formula doesn't have the right nutrients for kittens.

[JSIMMO]

How much do you reckon the formula is?

[Schutzengel]

Hi Sqad, good to hear from you. Where is the best place to leave you a message on AB. Schutz.

[Sqad]

Schutz.......I should give AB a miss ........LOL............try [email protected]

[momac]

Please do as Schutzengel says..the mother will come back hopefully...if she doesn't in the next couple of days, ring a cat sanctuary and ask for advice.

[redcrx]

do not give them baby formula.
i really dont think you know how much work could be involved in bringing these kittens up healthily (if they are abandoned), please contact someone who does.

[LoftyLottie]

I don't remember the price of the formula. It wasn't massive. It was actually a powder for feeding puppies not kittens, and I had to mix it with some kitten meat, because kittens need more protein that puppies. It was a while ago. There might be one specifically for kittens nowadays.

Ferral cats often abandon their kittens, usually it is ferral cats that are only kittens themselve that abandon them because they just haven't a clue about mothering. If they are on open ground and not hidden away somewhere then it is very likely they have been abandoned and they need help immediately.

[LoftyLottie]

Young kittens who are only just opening their eyes will be dead kittens if left a couple of days.

[Avatar]

Cynic mode: abandoned by the mother? I think more likely deposited there by some chavs whose cat has had kittens they dont want. Probably no canals near where you live.

[mumsie_wumsie]

JSIMMO, sounds as though you would be in for very hard work to raise these kittens. But you sound a very caring person, please keep us up-dated as to what happens to them.

[carmalee]

Have rasied very, very young kittens successfully. It is an almost full time job though, regular feeding and wiping bums with warm moist cotton wool which stimulates them to pee and poo - their Mum would lick them. they need to be warm and free from fleas. You can get kitten milk from the vet - it's isn't too expensive but it's the only thing to use imo. Unless you are committed to it don't do it - leave it to those who have experience (cat refuge place) or get some help if this is your fist time. they will die unless they are kept fed and warm. You must be a really nice person to worry about them - good one.

[carmalee]

oh yes, you will have to feed them with a syrine which needs to be done carefully.