HELP! Abandoned 2 wk. old Kittens!

comic sans blue
Hi Everyone,
I have 4 2 week old kittens that have been abandoned by their mother. She was only 6 months old and I guess she was too young or something. Anyhow, she's been gone for 2 days and we can't find her anywhere. I have a little bottle and bought some kitty formula for them and they are eating pretty good. I have 1 that just can't seem to get the nipple motion going. My question is is there anything else to feed them other than formula. It's really expensive. If I have to i'll keep buying it, but just though maybe there was something else I could do???? Also how often would you recommend feeding them? They've gotten to know me already and when I come near they go crazy. Also, would it help to put something in their box to cuddle with. I've just never had this happen before and need some quidance Thanks for any help!!!

Although hand-raising kittens can be rewarding, it is also a lot of hard work. I would probably call around to your local shelters to see if any have lactating mothers. Cats are usually very good about 'adopting' other kittens besides their own. That way you could save money on replacement milk and most importantly give the kittens the best chance at survival.

That's a good idea. The thing is that we have a cat here that is lactating and she won't have anything to do with them. I keep trying to introduce them to her, but she just growls. They're doing really well so far. I'll call around and see what I can find out and keep trying the other mother. Thanks

Its not as good as thwe suppliment, but you can use goats milk instead with them. They should eat about every 2 hours at this age. Just dont forget to stimulate them to use the bathroom after each feeding.

From what I've read, the formula is really the best thing and you should stick with it until they are weaned. Are you using the powder or the readtmade liquid? The powder is a lot cheaper and lasts for a while (you need to follow instructions carefully when preparing it to make sure you get the right concentration.

You may want to read this article about hand rearing kittens for more tips:

http://www.thecatsite.com/care/hand.html

Thanks everyone for the good info. I called around and there were no shelters to take my babies. We live in a very small community. I kept using the formula, but unfortunately 3 of my babies died within a day of the mother leaving. She came back the other day and had been sick. There is one little one still hanging on. The mother has no milk so i'm still feeding him, he's doing pretty good. Some days he eats better than others. I keep him close to me all the time. Today his mother took an interest in him and has been cleaning him and cuddling with him so i'm hoping that will help. He just turned 2 weeks on Saturday so he's just a little thing. He is definately a fighter and has a strong cry and is trying to stand up like a big cat. I really hope he stays strong. The others went down hill so fast so i'm keeping my eye on him. Thanks again!

Originally posted by zephyrs34
comic sans blue
Hi Everyone,
I have 4 2 week old kittens that have been abandoned by their mother. She was only 6 months old and I guess she was too young or something. Anyhow, she's been gone for 2 days and we can't find her anywhere. I have a little bottle and bought some kitty formula for them and they are eating pretty good. I have 1 that just can't seem to get the nipple motion going. My question is is there anything else to feed them other than formula. It's really expensive. If I have to I'll keep buying it, but just though maybe there was something else I could do???? Also how often would you recommend feeding them? They've gotten to know me already and when I come near they go crazy. Also, would it help to put something in their box to cuddle with. I've just never had this happen before and need some guidance

Thanks for any help!!!

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Get yourself some KMR, which is a milk replacer for kittens. Usually the Vets have it and it is also available from Revival Animal Health on the internet at www.revivalanimal.com. As for their bed, get a heating pad, cover it with a folded towel and set it on LOW. They need to be fed every 2 hours (you're going to LOVE that!) If you can, get a scale that weighs in grams, ounces are too vague for kittens. Weigh them daily and keep a log so you will know immediately if they are losing weight (not a good sign).

Pete (PS Good Luck; this is not an easy assignment for an experienced breeder either)