What to Do if the Mother Rejects Her Kittens?

After giving birth, some mother cats do not care for their kittens. This may result from health issues, intense stress, or maternal inexperience. In these situations, it’s crucial for you to step in and ensure their survival. Here are key kitten care after birth measures to follow:

Bottle-Feeding Kittens

Feed kittens using specialized kitten milk replacer (available at veterinary clinics). Recommended feeding schedule:

• 1st week: Every 3 hours, including at night.
• 2nd week: Every 4 hours.
• 3rd week: Every 5 hours.
• 4th week: Every 6 hours.

Important tip: Never place kittens on their backs while feeding, as this can cause aspiration pneumonia. Instead, position kittens on their bellies, as they would naturally feed from their mother. Always follow the recommended quantity guidelines provided with the milk replacer.

If commercial kitten milk replacer isn’t available, here are two homemade recipes:

Recipe No. 1:

• 8 ounces skim milk
• 8 ounces cream (12%)
• 1 egg yolk

Recipe No. 2:

• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 egg yolk
• 2-3 drops vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon corn syrup

Stimulating Physiological Needs

Kittens cannot urinate or defecate independently during their first weeks. Stimulation after each feeding is essential.

How to do it:

• Use a damp washcloth.
• Gently rub the genital area to encourage elimination.

Without this help, kittens risk constipation or urinary complications.

Maintaining Proper Body Temperature

Kittens can’t regulate body temperature before three weeks of age. Prevent hypothermia by placing them in a box with blankets and adding a heat source such as a covered hot-water bottle or heat lamp.

Crucial precaution: Ensure the heat source never touches the kittens’ skin directly to prevent burns.

Introducing Solid Food and Gradual Weaning

At four weeks, introduce canned kitten food in a small, flat dish. This lets them explore solid foods while continuing milk feeding.

Weaning typically begins at six weeks and should occur gradually:

• Separate one kitten at a time, waiting 24 to 48 hours before separating the next.
• Once the last kitten is weaned, the mother’s lactation can be stopped.

Drying Up Mother’s Milk After Weaning

To avoid mammary inflammation, gradually reduce milk production:

• Day 1: Fast completely from food and water for 24 hours.
• Day 2: Provide 1/3 of normal food portion.
• Day 3: Increase to 1/2 normal portion.
• Day 4: Resume regular feeding.

Monitor mammary glands:

• If swelling persists after five days, consult a veterinarian.
• Apply cold compresses for five minutes, twice daily, to relieve discomfort. Do not massage, as it stimulates milk production.

Kitten Vaccination and Deworming

Kittens can be adopted at two months old but only one week after their first vaccination.

Recommended vaccination schedule:

• 6 to 8 weeks: First vaccine (basic)
• 3 months: Vaccine booster
• 4 months: Final vaccine (essential for full protection)

Deworming protocol:

• Start at 4 weeks, then monthly until six months old.