There are a lot of stray cats and kittens wandering around aimlessly all over the area. Most (but not all) stray cats are stray cats. This means that it is likely that the cat has never socialized with humans in the room. However, a stray kitten can be a pet if it can socialize. If you find a stray (or stray) kitten, there are several things you can do to help it survive and socialize as a pet.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Providing Emergency Food and Shelter
Step 1. Make sure the kitten is abandoned by its mother
Mother cats can't always accompany their kittens because they have to go out to find food. If you find a stray cat or two, make sure that it was abandoned by its mother before you bring it in.
- However, the only way to be sure is to wait and watch. You have to watch from a distance so the mother can't see or smell you.
- If you've waited a few hours and the mother doesn't come back, it means that she has left her child.
- If the mother returns, it is best if the kitten remains with its mother until weaning. Meanwhile, you can help the mother by providing food, water, and shelter.
- Once the kitten is weaned, you can decide whether to take it in and try to socialize with it, or leave it to live outside.
- Many stray cats and kittens actually live in colonies. If he is 4 months old, he can survive in the colony.
Step 2. Estimate the age
Kittens need age-appropriate care. So, the first thing you should do is estimate its age. You can estimate your age before you touch it and take it home if you can see it clearly.
- Newborn cats less than a week old weigh about 85–220 grams, have their eyes closed, their ears folded down, and cannot walk. The umbilical cord may still be attached to the stomach.
- Kittens 1–2 weeks old weigh 220–300 grams, their eyes are blue and slightly open, their ears are also slightly open, and they are trying to move.
- A 3-week-old kitten weighs 220–425 grams, has eyes and ears open, steps hesitantly, and responds to sounds and other movements.
- A 4–5 week old kitten weighs 220–480 grams, is able to run and play with his sibling, can eat wet food, and his eyes are no longer blue.
Step 3. Try to find a nursing mother cat
Nursing mothers have maternal instincts and usually adopt other kittens. Since the mother has milk which is the best food and already knows how to care for a kitten, the best option is to give the kitten to another mother.
- Contact veterinary societies, veterinary clinics, and animal rescue organizations to ask if anyone with a mother cat would like to take an extra kitten.
- While you can hand over the kitten to a nursing mother, you still have to be willing to take it back when it's weaned.
Step 4. Make sure the kitten is always warm and dry
Kittens still have a hard time regulating their body temperature (in fact, they can't regulate their body temperature at all until they are at least 3 weeks old). Therefore, he still needs a lot of help to keep warm. Usually, kittens will snuggle close to their mother or cuddle with their siblings (usually in a pile).
- If the body is cold to the touch, warm it with your body heat. Rub the body to increase blood circulation.
- Make a place for her out of cardboard boxes, laundry baskets, plastic tubs, etc. Place blankets and towels inside to keep the kitten warm and from falling or climbing out.
- You can also place a heating pad in the box (under the towel) if necessary, but make sure it's under the towel so it can move if it gets too hot.
- Since there is no mother to clean her body, the bed you prepare will definitely be dirty. Change it frequently so that the kitten doesn't get wet. If it gets wet, wipe it and dry it with a towel.
Step 5. Purchase formula for the kitten
Newborn cats can only drink kitten-only formula. Never give other types of milk that is in your home. This means that you should buy formula at the cat food store as soon as possible.
- Apart from milk, you also have to buy bottles. Kitten bottles are usually sold in the same section as milk.
- If you have one, buy a nipple that makes it easier for the kitten to drink from the bottle.
Step 6. Make an emergency formula
If no pet supply store is open, you can make makeshift formula from ingredients you have at home. If the ingredients are not complete, at least you can go to a convenience store that is open 24 hours. This formula should only be used in an emergency as the ingredients may be harmful to kittens. Milk can cause diarrhea and eggs may contain salmonella which is equally fatal for newborn cats.
- Option 1: Mix 250 ml of evaporated milk with 1 egg yolk and 2 tablespoons corn syrup. Strain the mixture to separate the lumps. Store in the refrigerator. When going to use, put of this mixture and boiling water into the bottle. Refrigerate before giving to kittens.
- Option 2: Mix 2 cups whole milk, 2 egg yolks (organic, if available), and 2 tablespoons protein powder. Stir with a fork or whisk. Warm it up by placing the bottle in a bowl of warm water.
Step 7. Feed the kitten according to the schedule
Kittens should be fed every 2 hours, depending on their age. He also drinks in a stomach-down position with the bottle upright on top, but at a slight angle. The milk should also be warm, but not hot.
- Kittens less than 10 days old should drink every 2 hours, including midnight.
- Kittens 11 days to 2 weeks old should drink every 3-4 hours.
- Kittens 2–4 weeks old should drink every 5–6 hours.
- Once they are 4-5 weeks old, reduce the use of bottles. Start by mixing the milk with the wet food and prepare it in a bowl, not a bottle. You can also start feeding him dry food and see if he's interested.
Step 8. Make him burp after drinking
Just like human babies, formula-fed kittens also need to be made to burp. He will stop drinking when he is full, unless it is difficult to suck on the pacifier.
- If he's not sucking, you can pull on the pacifier to encourage him to suck harder. You can also move the pacifier to make him try.
- For sick kittens, you will need to be fed via a tube inserted into the stomach. However, see your vet first.
- When he's finished drinking, carry him on your shoulder or support his tummy, and gently pat his back until he burps.
- After that, wipe the body with a wet and warm cloth to clean the remaining milk that may have slipped from the mouth
Step 9. Stimulate him to urinate
Kittens under 4 weeks of age need help with urination or defecation. Naturally, the mother will lick to stimulate her to urinate, but since there is no parent, you have to do this. Luckily you don't need to lick, just use a soft tissue or warm, damp cotton.
- Use a tissue or cotton swab to rub his bottom until he pees.
- Since he only drinks formula, his stools are not as solid or shaped as normal.
Method 2 of 3: Deciding to Have a Kitten
Step 1. Think carefully before deciding
Kittens are adorable and definitely make you want to take care of them. However, raising a kitten (especially one that is still breastfeeding) and teaching it to socialize until it becomes a pet is a long and difficult process. Make sure you are prepared for such a commitment first.
- Also consider that you need veterinary care. Standard care (such as vaccination, sterilization, cleaning lice, deworming, etc.) of course costs a lot of money. Non-standard treatments (such as emergency care, treatment for parasites or ringworm, respiratory infections, etc.) are also very expensive and unpredictable.
- If you can't handle such a commitment, find someone else who can. Start by looking in animal lover communities or animal shelters. Also, try other cat rescue and animal rescue organizations. You can also contact the vet's clinic to ask if anyone would be willing to adopt a kitten.
Step 2. Weigh the body regularly
To make sure your kitten is growing, weigh it every day. You can weigh it before each meal or at the same time every day. Keep track of his weight so you can track his progress day by day.
Your cat should have doubled in weight in the first week after birth
Step 3. Start training him to poop in the litter box
Once he is 4 weeks old, you can already teach him to use the litter box. If he starts looking for a place to pee before 4 weeks of age, prepare a litter box early.
- Use a shallow box for kittens. Many animal shelters use canned cat food.
- Use non-clumping sand. Don't use wipes or towels to train your cat as they will develop bad habits that their potential owner may not like.
- After he eats, put it in the litter box to encourage him to use it. You can also throw in a cotton ball or used tissue to give her an idea of what to do.
Step 4. Be aware of health problems
Unfortunately, kittens may have a variety of health problems, especially those born outside. Watch for possible disease, and take him to the vet if problems start.
- Upper respiratory tract infections are a very common problem in kittens. If he has a yellow discharge from his nose or has difficulty breathing when he eats, there's a good chance he has a respiratory infection. Depending on his condition, he may need antibiotics.
- Fleas are also a common problem in cats of external origin. For kittens, flea problems can be fatal. If your kitten has fleas, comb its fur with a flea comb, then give it a warm bath. Do not use flea shampoo or parasite medication on kittens.
- Parasites are also sometimes found in kittens from the outside. Usually, parasites cause bowel problems. If this is the case, take him to a vet who can provide anti-worm treatment for kittens from 10 days old.
Step 5. Check with the vet's health
When he's older, take him to the vet for a health check and get vaccinated, assuming you haven't taken him to the vet because he's sick. Vaccinations are usually given in several doses over several weeks or months.
Method 3 of 3: Training your Kitten to be Social
Step 1. Place him in his own room
When he is young (less than 2 months), give him a safe and warm place. Once you're bigger, you can enlarge the space to move around and play.
- Make sure the location you choose doesn't have any hidden points that it can enter.
- You can use a cage if the space isn't small enough.
- Make sure there's a sleeping area, a litter box (if he's a little older), and a place for food and drink.
- His bed should be arranged so that he can hide under the blanket if he is frightened.
Step 2. Make sure the atmosphere is always calm
Move slowly whenever you are near him. You should also talk to him often so he gets used to the human voice, but gently. Make sure the room doesn't accept loud outside noises (if possible), and don't play music in the room until he's comfortable.
- After he's been in your house for a while, consider leaving the radio on quietly in his room when you're not around.
- If he's not afraid, place his cage or bed in another area (where you can keep an eye on him) so he can get used to the busyness of the house.
Step 3. Avoid punishment or scolding
Kittens are clueless so they may do what you consider "naughty". If that happens, don't punish or scold him. Instead, reward him if he's smart so he knows what kind of behavior you want. After understanding, he will repeat the good behavior.
Step 4. Be patient
It will take time to teach a kitten to socialize and get used to humans, depending on how old it was when you first nursed it. If you are caring for more than one kitten, consider separating them and playing with each one separately.
Step 5. Use food as an incentive to socialize with people
All kittens love food. So you can use food as an incentive to encourage him to be more sociable. While you can prepare dry food throughout the day, provide wet food only if you have one. Make him associate wet food with you (human) so that he appreciates human presence.
- Place the bowl of wet food as close to you as possible when he eats.
- Caress and touch gently when he eats to get used to your touch.
- Feed him with a spoon to help him get used to you.
- You can also puree baby food as a gift. If there is no mixture, just give the meat.
Step 6. Have him play at least 2 hours a day
Spend at least 2 hours with the kitten. You can play with it live for 2 hours or multiple times, whatever suits you. Invite him to play on the floor. If you have more than one kitten, play separately. Hold him as close to your body as possible. Start giving him toys as soon as he shows interest.
Step 7. Introduce him to a new friend
If he is comfortable with you and not stressed, start introducing him to other pets. Keep an eye on the interactions because you can't predict an animal's behavior. You can also introduce your kitten to other people to get used to people other than you.
Step 8. Give him more room to play
Once he gets older and starts playing with toys, you can give him a bigger area and give him another toy. You can also build scratching places or trees (start small), tunnels, cardboard boxes, etc.
Tips
- Ideally, all stray cats and kittens should be neutered to prevent the birth of another kitten. An unsterilized female cat can give birth to several kittens each year. If you can catch a stray cat and neuter it, release it back into the colony after surgery. This process is often known as Capture-Sterilize-Restore. There may be an animal rescue group in your area that does this practice and you can ask them for help.
- If you find a kitten on the side of the road, do not approach it quickly as it may run into the middle of the road.
