5 orphaned kittens

I recently was found by 5 little kittens. They are approximately 4 weeks old. I just found them today but they seem to be doing well. They are eating canned food and their appetites are good. My worry is that none of them have used the bathroom yet. I have put them in a litter box but they just cry and try to jump out.
Is there anything special I need to do or will it just be natural for them?

Is there a certain amount of time I should wait before I get worried?

Originally Posted by foundme

I recently was found by 5 little kittens. They are approximately 4 weeks old. I just found them today but they seem to be doing well. They are eating canned food and their appetites are good. My worry is that none of them have used the bathroom yet. I have put them in a litter box but they just cry and try to jump out.
Is there anything special I need to do or will it just be natural for them?

Is there a certain amount of time I should wait before I get worried?

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foundme....did you find these kittens outdoors? If so, they will not be familiar with a litterbox as mom would have shown them how to go outdoors. If you in fact did find them outdoors, then I suggest replacing the litter with potting soil (you can buy potting soil at your local gardening store). I would also use small aluminum pans instead of a traditional litterbox as the edges are typically lower than a litterbox. Also, given that you found them...I would set up a vet appt. soon to verify that they are indeed healthy. Mother cats do not normally abandon their kittens unless something happens to the mom or the kittens are sick. This will also be a good site to visit:

http://www.kitten-rescue.com/

Katie

You should get them to the vet to be sure they are okay. You can add either more water to their solid food, or some canned pumpkin. If they are younger than four weeks old, they may need to be stimulated to poop, or they may just be blocked - I would suggest a vet visit tomorrow for them-

Aw, poor little things! I would definitely try "changing their diaper" by stroking their bottoms with a kleenex. You could put the pieces of used "diaper" in the box, too, to get them used to the idea of doing their business.
Yes, you should call the vet for a check-up although mama-kitty probably succumbed to the dangers of living outside. Bless you for opening your heart & home to these precious little kittens. Any chance of posting some pics! Please give us updates on how they're doing! Susan

If you stimulate them, use a cotton roll dampened with warm water not a kleenix

Thanks for all the advice. As soon as they got some food in them they were fine.

P.S. I am trying to get some pics posted but my camera gave out and trying to get pics of them on my cell is hard because they won't sit still[/quote]