Abandoned Kittens

jimnms

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My sister just found three newborn kittens in her shed. She said they looked like they had just been born. She didn't touch them or anything, but she's afraid the mother abandoned them. What should she do if the mother doesn't return?
 

airprincess

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Jimnms

I moved your question to the proper forum where our resident experts will see it.

good luck!
 

hissy

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are the umbilical cords showing? If mom isn't with them chances are something has happened to her. You need to bring the babies inside and get them warm. Put them in a cardboard box with soft bedding- do you have a hot water bottle? If you do fill it up and wrap it in a thin towel and put it in the box with the kittens. They need to eat, you need Kitty Replacement Milk you can find at a grocery store or a place like WalMart, you will need nursing bottles- Is there a store open near you where you can get these supplies?
 

hissy

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Sorry I had to leave frightened kitties the fireworks have begun.

Bring them indoors and begin to feed them. They have to be fed every two hours WITHOUT FAIL after you feed them, you have to stimulate their bottoms so they poop and pee. You are the parent cat now, and you have to supply their needs.

Here is an excellent website to guide you step by step

Orphaned kittens
 
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jimnms

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Thanks for the info, I will pass this on to her. I haven't spoken with her since she ca;;ed. bit she was going to call a vet's office this morning.

She isn't shure weather the mother abandoned them, but she was going to check on them again.

She has plenty of human baby formula, can she use that if she has to feed them.
 

hissy

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NO human baby formula- these kittens cannot handle baby formula they need KMR- kitty replacement formula. Please call her and tell her not to feed anything but KMR which you can get at a grocery store. If they are newborn and the mom is not there, every minute those kittens are outside their health becomes more and more compromised and in danger. Please tell her to bring them inside and make a run to the grocery store for KMR and a nursing bottle.

Failing that she can feed them kitten glop but NO Human Baby formula!

1 envelope Knox unflavored gelatin
1 12 oz can goat's milk
3 tablespoons plain yogurt
3 teaspoons clear karo syrup
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 egg (optional)

Boil water, mix in gelatin. Add other ingredients and mix with beater or blender. Serve warm
 
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jimnms

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I just had a thought. My sister doesn't have any cats, but I do. If the mother doesn't return, do you think one of my cat's motherly instincts will kick in if she see's them, and take care of them, even though she's fixed. I know she won't be able to nurse them, but will she clean them and keep them warm.

Boots, our oldest cat, even though she is not biologically related to the others, still plays mother to the other younger cats.
 

hissy

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It would be a risk I would not take as these kittens will smell feral and you cat is fixed.Please tell you sister to bring them indoors NOW and send her the link to the website I provided.

We also have an article about newborn kitten care here:Hand Rearing Kittens

She needs to get these babies INSIDE and keep them warm!
 
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