How to Care for Orphaned Kittens Less Than Three Weeks of Age - Caring for the Kittens

1. Help the kittens eliminate feces and urine. Normally, the mother licks the kittens' genitals after each feed which causes them to pass feces and urine. Before and after each feed, you'll need to wipe the kitten's bottom with a cotton pad soaked in warm water. This stimulates the kitten to go to the toilet, which she cannot do without stimulation until she is a few weeks old.[16] Place the kitten on a clean blanket and turn the kitten on its side. Use the moistened cotton pad to rub the genitals in one direction, not back and forth which could cause friction. You'll notice the kitten begin to urinate or defecate. Keep rubbing until the kitten stops or she may not completely eliminate.
- The kittens' urine shouldn't smell and should be pale yellow in color. Feces should be yellowish brown. If you notice white or green feces, or dark urine that smells strongly, the kittens may be dehydrated or need medical attention.[17]

2. Clean the kittens. Once you've fed and helped the kittens eliminate, you'll need to clean them. Take a warm damp cloth and stroke the kittens' fur using short strokes. Be sure to towel dry the kittens until they're completely dry and place them back in their soft warm bedding.[18]
- If you notice dried feces are stuck on a kitten's fur, gently dip the kitten's bottom into a bowl of warm water. Then you can carefully wipe the loosened feces off with a cloth.[19]

3. Checking the weight of the kittens. Kittens should steadily gain weight throughout their first few months. Make sure to weigh each kitten at the same time every day and record their weights. Kittens usually double their weight one week after birth. They should keep gaining about half an ounce each day after the first week.[20] If a kitten stops gaining weight, or is losing weight, there is something wrong and it may need to see a vet.
- For example, kittens are usually born weighing around 3.0 - 3.7 ounces (90 - 110 grams). Around 2 weeks old, a kitten should weigh around 7 ounces. By 3 weeks old, the kitten should weigh about 10 ounces.[21]

4. Know when to take the kittens to the vet. It's a good idea to take the kittens to the vet as soon as possible to let the vet check for dehydration, worms, parasites, and assess their general health.[22] Some veterinarians' offices may even offer a free visit if you tell them you're caring for rescued kittens. You should also know when to take young kittens to the vet for medical treatment. Take the kittens to the vet if you notice:[23]
- A high or low temperature (over 103 or under 99 degrees)
- Lack of appetite (if a kitten hasn't eaten at all in a day, get emergency medical attention)
- Vomiting (if it's constant, get emergency medical attention)
- Weight loss
- Coughing, sneezing, discharge from the eyes or nose
- Diarrhea (if it's constant, get emergency medical attention)
- Lack of energy
- Bleeding of any kind (get emergency medical attention)
- Difficulty breathing (get emergency medical attention)
-Any trauma, like being hit by a car, dropped, limping, stepped on, unconscious (get emergency medical attention)

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