questions on newborn kittens

Hi guys. My friend's parent's have a farm with a couple of barn cats. One cat gave birth to four kittens I think yesterday, but she hasn't shown any maternal instincts towards them. Her parents are doing what they can to ensure their survival, but they haven't done this before so I'm trying to find what advice I can give them.

One of them has the umbilical cord still attached. Do they leave it or cut it off?

They're using KMR and most of the kittens are squealing and drinking.
I've told them that they need to stimulate the kittens' bowel movements, but I don't know exactly what to do. Wipe a wet flannel on their bums? How long after feeding them do you do this?

How much should they be feeding them?

They were born all over the barn so her dad picked them up and has put them together in a little nest. Do you think they'll be safe from the other barn cats?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

OK, just from reading this forum I should tell them to leave the umbilical cord alone as it will fall off eventually.

Google for 'messybeast hand rearing' and you get a great page about it, with a link to another great page on the FAB's website.

Thanks, I'll try that.
I've been going through the sticky links above, but the one on orphaned kittens isn't working for me.

If the umbilical cord is still attached with a placenta attached to it then yes, it needs to be dealt with. Washing your hands and ripping it with your fingers as far away from the kittens belly is best. If it's just a bit of the umbilical cord left, then it is fine and will fall off on its own.

The babies will need stimulation both before and after every feeding. Taking a wet wash cloth works well, it has that rough texture like a momma's tongue.

Newborns need to be fed KMR at least every two hours, sometimes every other hour, around the clock. That's all through the night too. A lot of work, but worth it to save the little lives of those too helpless to help themselves.

You'll also want to make sure they are being kept warm. They cannot regulate their own body temperature and without momma they will freeze without any assistance. A warm water bottle under the bedding usually does the trick- but make sure it won't burn them. Newborn kittens usually drink about 32ccs (1.1 ounces) of formula a day throughout all feedings.

Good luck! Thank you for helping them!