Kittens Crying, Biting, Clawing

Need I say more? They do settle after a while, but it takes a long time. Mom(Kiwi) still can't come in and take care of them, because there is a risk of her nursing them, and that cannot happen at any point, as we are trying to get her to dry up so she can keep her nutrients as she was very near death. The kittens are also crusty from the milk in their fur.....and the wet washcloth only does so much.
I am just wondering when they will cross the line from mom-dependant to playful kittens. I really wish she could be around for more socialization, because they really need it.

How old are they now, Matt?

They miss her. Just snuggle with them, play with them, blow in their faces gently, talk to them. Baby kitties just have deadly claws that's all there is to it- You might think about investing in a snuggle kittie there is a merchant in the market place that sells them. They make good substitutes for mom

5 weeks today gayef

Spend a lot of time with them Matt - as Hissy accurately points out, Mom would be clubbing around with them, chasing them, teaching them all the finer points of good cat manners *grin* but she can't right now, so you have to. Get a fun, interactive toy and play play play with them. And since little kitten claws are razor-sharp, make sure you don't use your hands and if they swat at your hands, make a loud, painful Meow or Hiss noise and then immediately STOP playing until they calm down a bit.

Hope this helps at least some!

~gf~

This may seem odd, but I give young orphaned kittens a series of little kisses on their heads, necks and sides. A kind of light pucker kiss done over and over very quickly. This has always settled them down for me - it probably reminds them of their mom grooming them and gives them some comfort.

For formula bodies, the warm washcloth rubbed gently over their bodies a little at a time like their moms would lick them. Don't take no for an answer from them and always wash them after every meal. Follow by a good snuggle in a warm towel if they will sit still for it.

You have your hands full!!