To learn more about helping your cat give birth, see this article.

If food is in another room, some mothers chose to starve rather than leave their newborn kittens to find it. [3] X Research source Reproduction in the Dog and Cat. Christianseen. Publisher: Bailliere Tindall.

If the bedding becomes soiled, wait until Mom hops out for a toilet break herself to take out the dirty bedding and pop in clean. [5] X Research source Reproduction in the Dog and Cat. Christianseen. Publisher: Bailliere Tindall.

Be aware that a cat can potentially fall pregnant again as little as three to four days after giving birth, so keep her indoors to avoid this risk.

Do not feed cow’s milk to the kitten as the lactose is likely to upset the kitten’s stomach. If you have no milk replacement and a hungry kitten, offer some cooled boiled water in a dropper or syringe until you can get to the vet clinic or pet store. The water keeps the kitten hydrated and won’t upset her tummy. [8] X Research source Reproduction in the Dog and Cat. Christianseen. Publisher: Bailliere Tindall.

Rub in just one direction–rubbing back and forth is irritating. Cotton balls or pads are not recommended because they shed. [12] X Research source

If the kitten does not urinate for 12 hours, take it to the vet’s immediately. Most kittens poop once a day, but individual schedules vary. Take it to the vet’s if it hasn’t pooped in more than two days. [13] X Research source

As the kitten gets older (over two weeks), she is able to move away from the heat if she gets too hot. [15] X Research source Reproduction in the Dog and Cat. Christianseen. Publisher: Bailliere Tindall.

Orphaned kittens may be dewormed starting at two weeks, and, depending on their situation, can be vaccinated starting anywhere from two to eight weeks. They may have weaker immune systems because, unlike other kittens, they don’t get the antibodies from their mother’s milk. [17] X Research source

As the kittens start to take mouthfuls of her food, they begin the weaning process. [18] X Research source Feline Behavior: a Guide for Veterinarians. Bonnie Beaver. Publisher: Saunders.

Use cat toys, balls, string, or other objects to play with them and keep them entertained, but don’t use objects small enough for them to swallow. (Note that cats may eat string or yarn if left unsupervised, so only allow this in your interactive play. It’s a potential choking hazard. ) Don’t teach your kittens that human fingers and hands are toys, or the kitten may continue to bite and scratch them as an adult.

Choose a box with low sides so it’s easy for the kittens to get in and out. [22] X Trustworthy Source Animal Humane Society Leading animal welfare nonprofit organization providing medical care, training education, and resources for animal owners Go to source Avoid clumping litter, as kittens may eat the clumps, which could potentially harm their digestion. [23] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source If a kitten seems like it doesn’t want to stay in the litter box, gently take its paws and imitate digging in the litter. Then, provide the kitten with privacy so it can dig a hole, do its business, and cover it up with some litter.

Let the kitten outside when it’s a bit hungry. Entice it back in by calling its name and showing it food. This will remind your kitten that while outdoors is fun, its final destination will always be your home.

If the kitten is eating dry kibble, leave a bowl out all day. If she is eating wet food, give her small meals every six hours. [26] X Research source Feline Behavior: a Guide for Veterinarians. Bonnie Beaver. Publisher: Saunders. Continue to feed kitten food, not adult cat food, until one year of age. [27] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source

Cats tend to be more interested in water that is not next to their food bowl. Encourage drinking by placing water bowls in different spots through the house.