Abandoned newborn kittens: How to feed, warm, and manage diarrhea?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Hi. I found today 3 abandoned kittens. They look less than a week old. I could not find their mother. Can u guide me how to feed them ,, what kind of milk and how much and how frequently? I am keeping them warm by keeping them inside a soft polyester blanket. I have made them pee with a cooton ball. I gave them 2 ml of skim milk in a syringe. It was very awkward and difficult. One of them have loose yellow stool already. Can u guide me plz with my questions and more details. Thank you.
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 27th, 2020
Hello. Use a cardboard box as a nest box. Put in a towel, & then a disposable diaper to absorb liquids. Change as needed. Put a heating pad under 1/2 of the box, so the kittens can move as they need more or less warmth. Feed a Kitten Milk Replacer, either a premade liquid or a powder you mix as needed. If you cannot find a kitten milk, this is a formula you can try: 1/2 cup whole milk 1 egg yolk 1 drop multivitamins ( pet or children's ) 3 crushed Tums ( or calcium based antacid ) Feed every 2-3 hours during the day, but do not wake them to feed them. They should do OK all night. If diarrhea persists, you can temporarily add more water to the diet to meet fluid needs. Consider taking a stool sample to your veterinarian for parasite analysis. At 3-4 weeks, start to introduce a solid, soft diet. Good luck & thanks for rescuing the kittens. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on August 5th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! I agree they do look premature. If they are not nursing off the mother then you will have to bottle feed them or be taught how to tube feed them from your Vet. Go to a pet store, vet or tractor supply and purchase bottles and nipples and kitten milk replacer. The kittens need to be fed ever 2-3 hours and be stimulated to urinate and defecate after each feed. You do this by gently rubbing their genitals and anus with a soft warm cloth. Hopefully if you get them stronger they can then start nursing. If they will not nurse off a bottle you have to take them to a Vet today to be taught to tube feed otherwise they will likely die by Monday. https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=1969 https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=39387 I wish you the best~
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on April 27th, 2017
Ideally, the kittens would be evaluated by a veterinarian to ensure they are healthy and do not have any obvious disease or congenital defect. 1) The kittens need to be placed in a safe, secure spot such as a box with a blanket in a confined area of your home. Due to the fact they have naive immune systems, they should avoid contact with other animals or pets in the home. It is critical that they avoid extreme temperature-(i.e. Very hot or cold). 2) They should be fed a kitten formula every 2-4 hours. I recommend Esbilac. The formula should be mixed with warm but not hot water. Each kitten should be fed until satisfied. 3) After feeding, you should use a warm, moist, cloth to gently wipe the abdomen and genital area to stimulate urination and defecation. If the kittens fail to nurse, urinate or defecate, you will need to seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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