Custom Box Service has three kittens.
Earlier in the week, Jeff startled a black cat from the lawnmower shed. She took off like a flash. Yesterday he discovered three hungry kittens in the same shed, hiding under some tarps. The black cat must be there mother, but there’s no sign of her now. Unfortunately, Mama Cat may have abandoned her babies.
The three kittens — which are as adorable — are hungry. We don’t know how old they are, or what to feed them. We have a case of cat food from several years ago — the cans are marked “best by July 04”. We figure it’s our best choice. I gave them each a dollop of wet food this morning. One devoured it, another munched on it idly, and the third ignored it completely.
Later I took out a bowl of water, but my little friends were oblivious to it. They walked through it, stumbled in it, stuck their noses in it, but they did not drink.
What should we feed a trio of kittens that are a few weeks old? They don’t seem big enough to be weaned. (They may only be a couple weeks old. As I say, we can’t tell how old they are.) Is wet cat food safe? Should we get them some milk?
They already have little personalities. One of the grey kittens likes to follow the guys around the lawn. The black kitten has an amazing set of lungs, and its wailing can be heard from a great distance.
But I have to tell myself not to get attached to these babies. The odds that they’ll survive are near zero. It’s hard, though. I love kittens. I really do.
These kittens are at least 5 weeks old, probably older, based on how they look on the web. Kittens do not get their eyes open for at least a week and don’t crawl well for about 3 weeks. It appears these guys are up and doing well walking around. For food, get a bowl of room remperature to warm milk and literally stick their noses in it so it gets all over their face….they will lick it off and soon understand what the milk really is. This may take a few tries each day. Most kittens can easily be weaned at six to eight weeks…so they should survive, but you will need to help the situation along. Wet cat food is OK, they just don’t really know what to do with it yet. They may also need a way to keep warm at night…mama cats are good for that! Good luck with your new family!
I am a bit of a cat expert. As Janet says, these kittens look to be about 5 weeks old and are very viable. I caution you *not* to feed them wet cat food OR milk. Both are really bad for cats. I suggest buying some high quality kitten food at a pet food store (perhaps laced with some wet food to tempt them). In any event, I wouldn’t be concerned about their survival, as they are well past the critical stage. Call a vet, ask for some direction and you’ll have yourself 3 beautiful cats in no time.
Good luck! They look precious. :o)
P.S. They will figure out the water situation. Also, if you’re so inclined, they will also figure out a litter box on their own. They may still be young enough that you will have to wipe down their bottoms with a warm, moist rag to help them go to the bathroom (simulating their mother’s tongue) but, again, a vet could direct you on this very easily. Kittens are easy! I hand raised 3 less-than-1-week-old kittens when I was but a teenager and it was a wonderful experience.
Damn! No hope of you taking Atticus now.
Further to the above, (most? all?) cats are lactose intolerant, so milk will probably upset their tummies.
The best thing to do would be to get them a checkup at the vet, and at the same time get advice on feeding and care. The vet can tell you how old they are, what condition they are in, and what to do next, and can probably also help you find them another family.
I WANT TO ADOPT THE BLACK KITTEN. I’LL TAKE HIM OR HER PRONTO. IT IS MY BIRTHDAY NEXT WEEK . . . .
I remember using special kitten formula/milk replacement for orphan kitties. You should be able to get it at a veterinary office or pet supply store. For the really tiny ones you can feed with a syringe, but these guys should be able to learn to lap.
According to Noah, their names are Pippy, Sandy, and All Black… but don’t ask me which one is Pippy and which one is Sandy! 😉
I’m taking one of the grey kittens so I will have to consider one of Noah’s names for it, although I make no guarantees. 🙂 His other Grandma Sandy might find it confusing if this grandma had a cat named after her. J.D. is already calling one of the grey ones Elmer, despite thinking it is a girl. I guess I’ll wait and see which kitten I get and what its gender is before I decide on a name, although Pippy is always a possibility. (A grandmother doesn’t easily turn down a grandson’s suggestion.)
Duke (the black kitten) and Max (the male grey kitten) are doing well in their new home. I’m happy to report that both are eating with enthusiasm and drinking plenty of water. They are just beginning to discover how to play. Duke enjoys a good wrestle.
i love the black little kitten it is so cute .