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Rescued kittens: How to age, feed, wean, and treat their eye problems?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | unneutered | 1 month and 30 days old

I could use some help figuring out the aprox age of these kittens so I know how often to feed them formula and when to start weaning them. The third kitten also has some potential blindness issues and there may be eye infections in all three of them? They were feral kittens abandoned by their mother cat and recently rescued in to our home so we're trying to do the best we can with them until their vet appt on Thursday!

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Emily, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 31st, 2017

Usually the teeth help us decide how old a kitten is but I'd estimate them to be ~5 weeks old. If they have teeth you can offer wet kitten food (free choice/out all the time) and water for now until you see your veterinarian Thursday At this time keep their eyes clean by wiping away any discharge with a warm moist washcloth until your veterinarian can take a close look at them.

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    Answered By Rebecca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Thanks for rescue these babies. If they have teeth they can eat solid food. Get a high quality kitten food- iams has canned and dry. Make sure it's for kittens. See if they can eat dry kibble but if not may need to soften in. For now frequent warm compresses to clean the gunk from thier eyes. Once seen at the vet they will likely need medications. If they don't take well to the kitten food immediate, get some KMR Brand milk replacer and mix that as directed and see if they will lap that. Then mix with the diet you are trying to transition them to. At the vet visit they will probably test for feline leukemia, check for parasites and do an overall health exam. Good luck and thanks for helping them.

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Without seeing these kittens in person it is hard to say for certain. If you are able to look into their mouths at their teeth or weigh them, then that can be helpful in determining exact age. These kittens look like they are at the age when they should be weaning, I would guess at least 5 weeks old. Here are some helpful resources that may help you out: http://aspcapro.org/blog/2014/07/03/tip-week-4-ways-tell-kittens-age http://bestfriends.org/stories-blog-videos/latest-news/how-care-orphaned-kittens-determining-their-age http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=576 As far as their eyes go, use a warm clean washcloth to remove any discharge that accumulates on the lids several times a day to prevent it from irritating the eyelids.

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