How to Mother a Newborn Kitten (Updated-Photos)

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How to Mother a Newborn Kitten (Updated-Photos)

I found a tiny kitten in a dumpster recently. When I found her she didn't even have her eyes open and was all alone, she needed a mother so I stepped in. Learn how I did it! :)

Trisha Ann Gladding

6.4k Views

Step 1 of 26

For the first 2-6 days you're going to want to keep her close because they're senses aren't fully developed. Keep your kitten warm and wrapped up. She will want to stay close to you.

Step 2 of 26

I kept her close while her eyes were still closed so she felt safe and calm. It's a fact that newborns use the sound of their mothers heartbeat to fall asleep.

Step 3 of 26

You're going to want to feed your little baby next so you'll need that formula, which you can get at any pet store. Heat it for 7-9 sec. and shake well. Your baby will latch on.

Step 4 of 26

I suggest a bottle with a rubber top instead of a dropper to help mimic the mothers nipple. It will make it easier on you both.

Step 5 of 26

Kittens at a week old must be fed every 2 hours. Maybe more. At two weeks it expands to every 4 hours. Then three weeks old- every 6-8. Each week the amount of milk will increase.

Step 6 of 26

An example of what to use.

Step 7 of 26

This parts a little gross but here it is. Kittens need their bowels stimulated, so what I did was took a warm cloth and just rubbed downward on her abdomen. Do that for about 5minutes after each meal!

Step 8 of 26

Do not be alarmed if your baby cries, this is her first time going potty! Its gonna hurt. If need be lightly press on her abdomen while she goes to help her out. It'll be easier next time around.

Step 9 of 26

Keep you're little one warm! Heating pads are Available in most stores. I got mine at Walmart.

Step 10 of 26

Set up the heating pad and some blankets, put you're kitten in and out she will go 💤

Step 11 of 26

:) your kitten will get the hang of things. After 6 weeks you can start to introduce your kitten to soft food.

Step 12 of 26

Last but not least give your new baby attention let them crawl to gain strength and make sure they get checked out at the vet good luck, feel free to ask me any questions!

Step 13 of 26

:) just cause she's cute!

Step 14 of 26

And update on my baby, caught her very first steps today :) ahh my heart melts everytime.

Step 15 of 26

My dog Bella and baby Lily are turning into bestfriends!

Step 16 of 26

SHe's getting so big! This week aug 1-7 she is getting introduced to real food!

Step 17 of 26

Haha she's a playful little kitten now, she's doing great!

Step 18 of 26

Step 19 of 26

Step 20 of 26

Step 21 of 26

Updated 11/6/12 lily and Bella are best friends! She's grown into such a young lady 😉

Step 22 of 26

She likes to stay warm in the dryer....

Step 23 of 26

Play in cases of water!

Step 24 of 26

Cuddle with friends!

Step 25 of 26

And sleep in mommys arms !!!

Step 26 of 26

:) success, a healthy kitty! Now look back at her first photo.

You're Done

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Trisha Ann Gladding

Boynton Beach, Florida

Just gonna try this site out, maybe make some guides of my own one day :)

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2 Gallons Kitten replacement formula. Walmart or a pet store

1 Dropper or bottle. Found at a pet store

1 Heading pad. Can be found at Walmart.

1 Bunch Of ❤💋😘🐱

OMG that is too cute!!

Miss 😄 last month

CUTE

Alyssa James last month

What a beautiful cat :)

Katie Heitland 3 months ago

Nice. Thanks for sharing your family with us.

R V 3 months ago

Awesome what lucky animals living at your house.

Just Stuff 3 months ago

Aww,that's sooooo cute

Elva 😛😄😃😊😉🍩 3 months ago

Wow! It's been 7 months since I read your guide & left a comment. Simba got so big! She's adorable! I'm sure she's the sweetest thing ever! She'll be forever grateful to u for saving her life. Great job! And about that person scolding u about the dryer--annoying!! If anyone wld actually misunderstand u as promoting the idea of putting a cat in the dryer, they have serious issues that can't be your responsibility! Both my cat & dog LOVE when the dryer door opens. They want to be on the warm clothing right away. Normal ppl get that😜. Good luck & take care!☺

Andrea K💋 3 months ago

Wow you have such a kind heart!!

Caroline Ahn 4 months ago

Cute kitty

Sultan Khalifa 4 months ago

What a lovely guide .she is a cutie

Coleene Falk 4 months ago

Thank you for being an animal hero. That adorable, beautiful, playful little girl, so full of life, love and adventure never would have stood a chance without your intervention. You obviously did a great job as a foster mom and now you'll have a best friend for life. Thanks for posting your guide. If it encourages even one person to show mercy and kindness to any animal, especially one in need, the world owes you a debt of gratitude.

Stacey C. 4 months ago

What an amazing and touching snap guide! Go Lily and Go Lily's mommy!! :)

Sahara Anderson 4 months ago

So beautiful. I was tempted to comment on every single step in this guide because it just kept getting better. Shame on the people who just throw kittens away like that, it's despicable. It's not just cruelty, it's an insult to the human race. I understand that we exploit animals. We eat them and we use them for entertainment (dog racing) and so much more... And despite all we take from them, we still often don't give them the respect they deserve. For all those cooing at this guide saying how wonderful it is.. Ask yourself, do you have an intact male cat that's roaming about creating kittens that others will throw in the trash? Do you correct friends when they say they're letting their cat have litter before they spay her because they think its healthier? Please, do your part to stop this. And finally, thank you, Trisha, for helping when many people would've turned a blind eye. You and your family are amazing (...and ridiculously cute.)

H42EL - 5 months ago

You are REALLY sweet. You saved the kitten's life!🐱

Lilah Sherr 5 months ago

She's lovely! You're such a good mum to her :)

Sadie Thornton 6 months ago

Thanks for sharing this remarkable story, best guide I've seen on this app!

Diana Benson 6 months ago

So cute!!!!!!

Emma O 6 months ago

Awww, how adorable is that?

Elmo K.S 7 months ago

Simba is now named lily she is a GIRL!!! Yay! And so big now you can check her out through my Instagram just search Patriciagladding

Trisha Ann Gladding (author) 7 months ago

In the dumpster!!!?? OMG ur so nice for taking him in. So adorable :)

Elizabeth Z 7 months ago

I am so jelly right now! Awwww!!!

Lacoda Owens 9 months ago

Thanks. Extremely helpful guide.

Imran Mussani 9 months ago

Oh God, SO CUTE

j Castro 9 months ago

Very human and kind of u :D it's even more fantastic with your own kids one day maybe :)

Sue Janeway 9 months ago

I raised 2 boy cats when very tiny. One is still small but meows a lot. The brother is big and quiet. They are now 3 and we have a special bond!🐱

Karen Poreda 9 months ago

You should start a blog or an Instagram page for the little guy so we can see his growth. I'm a big fan of both of you. You really are his mother and it's a beautiful thing to watch him develop into a strong, happy and healthy kitty. Hugs and kisses to u both xox

Lisa Bennett 9 months ago

So cute and getting bigger

Anna Lee 9 months ago

Awwweee

Coco Chanel 9 months ago

Love!!!! Super Cute!!! Thank u for sharing:)

Lindi Edge 9 months ago

Well done xx

Al Hughes 9 months ago

Omg sooo cute!

Leah Johnstone 9 months ago

Bless your heart for stepping up and and saving baby Simba's life. I raised abandoned kittens before and this is a good guide.

Karen Lachner 10 months ago

i remember doing this for my kitty she was so cute :) especially when burping her after each feeding; sounds like a little person burp! shes almost 2 now! found her lost on the side of the road, little angels are found in all kinds of places.

Reniais Seighart 10 months ago

This guide made my heart melt. Thx for the smile.

Anna Jasso Casey 10 months ago

Enjoyed,thanks

Barbara Goldsmith 10 months ago

omg this is so adorable! you are such a star for doing this! x

Zaynub Qayoom 10 months ago

so beautiful, not just the cat!

Ryan Ties 10 months ago

Beautiful!!

Luz Lopez Lugilde 10 months ago

Simba is so cute! I want a kitten now

Melanie  10 months ago

Awesome job!!!!!!! My daughter come home with a young kitten from school several years ago. He was older than the one you found but still had to be feed around the clock and slept with heating pad and blankets. He turned out to be the best cat. I do think they end up with a special bond with you when you've had to care for them like this. Good job keep updated. :-)

Nora Lyons 10 months ago

Mother. She recently passed away & I truly do miss her😔!

Dawn D. 10 months ago

I had to do this years ago when my kitten was given to me as a pet from a friend WAY too soon! They had her for a bit before I got her & they tried to feed her tuna. I brought her home right away & went to Walmart & got everything I needed there. As she grew older, she clang to me as if I was her real

Dawn D. 10 months ago

Patricia, you are just AWESOME!! Thank you for making the world a better, safer and more loving place by your actions of kindness and compassion. Such an informative guide. Hope I never have to rescue any kitties from bins but if I ever have to I know I'll be prepared. Many thanks and lots of love to you and kitty 😘🐱❤

Lisa Bennett 10 months ago

You're so awesome for rescuing him, he's such a cutie!!

Ashley Trotter 10 months ago

Omg he's so adorable he makes me wanna cry! 😚🐱

Mathilda Flores 10 months ago

Aww!!! So glad with the Simba update! :)

Athena M 10 months ago

Glad to hear that!

Trisha Ann Gladding (author) 10 months ago

Omg those are the cutest videos EVER! Several years ago I found a teeny tiny kitten in a garbage can on a city street. Thank God I somehow heard her tiny voice! She was a little bit older than Simba was when u found him so her eyes were open, but she needed bottle feeding too. She turned out to be the most wonderful pet!! You look like a pretty young girl, so I'm very proud of how u for saving his life. And you did a fabulous job! My baby is sadly no longer living, but we shared many wonderful years. I hope u & Simba do the same!! Good luck!! By the way--I had another kitty named Simba too. Great name from such a great movie!!

Andrea K💋 10 months ago

Beautiful. Loved the videos. Made me smile

Martha Carnes 10 months ago

You are a kitty angel!

Lini D 10 months ago

Update on Simba, found out he is a little boy today, I had my suspicions because of the smell but. Yup. He's talkin a lot too. Meow this meow that and, VERY curious

Trisha Ann Gladding (author) 10 months ago

I recently found 2 baby kittens abandoned in a box on the side of the road and so my dad said we could take them.we did and now they are healthy and happy.one is deaf though:(

Emily Vento 10 months ago

Beautiful! Thank you for saving that little baby doll.

Sharon Cook 10 months ago

This is pretty cool :) I have a cat that we bottle raised after his mother died. He is 2 years old now and is by far the most prettiest and biggest cat I have ever seen, so I think there is really no need to worry about malnutrition. Keep it up! You guys are good people. But I'm hoping that this baby is not going to replace the other one you were hoping for ;)

SingO Bird 10 months ago

I have a cat his name tigger he is one years old in human years but in cat years I don't know he's big and I wonder what my cat would to your cat?? :) ;) <3

Anna Lee 10 months ago

So cute!!!

Inna Inna 10 months ago

:) Keep her forever! I've had my cat since she was born, we have a bond if that makes sense.

Johnney King 10 months ago

Awwwww! So cute!

Taylor Jost 10 months ago

Cute kitty!

Goi Haru 10 months ago

You're such a good mommy :)

Michelle Liberty 10 months ago

That was just the sweetest thing ever I'm a cat person and I love other cat people

Daniel Skinner 10 months ago

Awww she's your little baby for the time being ! I'm so glad to see that there's loving people like you stepping up to act as her mother - she is absolutely adorable ! :D

Kailee Cross 10 months ago

Awww! That's adorable! Good luck

Elmo K.S 10 months ago

Simba? LION KING!!!! Sorry about my excitement, I saw lion king again today for the millionth time

Elmo K.S 10 months ago

Soooooooooooooo lucky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anna Lee 10 months ago

Oh and what's the kitty's name??

Anna Lee 10 months ago

I feel so sorry for that kitty it was in a dumpster like come on

Anna Lee 10 months ago

Ahhh she's so cute :)

ƙℜɬՏɬaℓ Տɬⅇ℘ℋaℕⅈⅇ aℜaⅈʑa🎀 10 months ago

She is THE cutest thing I've seen in my life!

Holly 🐢 10 months ago

@heather Thomas - Thanks for that I left a very important part out!!! Updated it.

Trisha Ann Gladding (author) 10 months ago

Whaaaat? How did you find this adorable kitten in the dumpster?

Nahida Ahad 10 months ago

She is a very fortunate kitty to find such a wonderful Mommy. The love and compassion you have shown will return a thousand times over.

Vivienne deLamperiere 10 months ago

Your guide is great and informative but please add in about stimulating the kitten to urinate and defecate...kinda yucky but SO important for people to know!!

Heather Thomas 10 months ago

She is so precious!!! You're doing such a wonderful job! I hope you keep us updated. :)

Athena M 10 months ago

Awww I'm so glad u found each other she's so precious! I wish everyone was as nice to animals as u r

Selina J 10 months ago

Her name is Simba! :)

Trisha Ann Gladding (author) 10 months ago

Patricia that's a really sweet thing you are doing. Good karma good karma. Wishing you both limitless love!

S A 10 months ago

I love this guide!

Maria T 10 months ago

Good for you, for taking on a baby kitty. Any baby animal isn't easy to read and it's so sad he got that start in life. You have a great heart.

dmulisha . 10 months ago

I love this! I am glad you posted. Name? Are you keeping her? Please post kitty's progress, I love to hear about how she is!

Laurie Kulusic 10 months ago

I will keep everyone updated. She's getting bigger everyday! Thank you all so much :)

Trisha Ann Gladding (author) 10 months ago

Well done you!! It's so nice to see there are still caring & awesome people like you in the world!! Enjoy your little buddy - you'll receive nothing but unconditional love from her!

Tanya Hayes 10 months ago

Please keep us posted as to how she is doing. She is a cutie, and let's hope people stop abandoning little kittens in dumpsters. X

Cat Lima 10 months ago

Great job! Wish I'd known this 15yrs ago! Thanx for posting...she's cute!

Y P 10 months ago

Thanks! I try hard she's doing so good!

Trisha Ann Gladding (author) 10 months ago

Looks like you are doing a wonderful job. Well done!

Caz Draven 10 months ago

Be first to comment on Step 1.

Awwww

Bella Shine last month

God bless

Ck K 5 months ago

Aww so cute...

Ck K 5 months ago

Be first to comment on Step 3.

Awww!🐱

Bella Shine 3 weeks ago

So cute

Layla Cavalcante 4 months ago

Wow! U must have been very tired!!! Once my mom found a baby kitten in the bushes near our house, and it was so young it had no fur and its eyes were not even open yet!! She didn't know what to do, and she couldn't take it cuz she is highly allergic to most fur bearing animals. She called animal control and say with the kitten until they came.

Maxine Sparrow✌ last month

Absolutely. When she was one week old every two hours I had an alarm set to feed her. At two weeks old it was about every 4 hours. And so on. :)

Trisha Ann Gladding (author) last month

Love the guide!!! The kitten is SO cute! One question though, what about durring the night.? Do u have to wake up to feed them or not?

Maxine Sparrow✌ last month

Ok :)

Murat Ozdemir 10 months ago

It's kitten milk replacement formula, relax I know what I'm doing!

Trisha Ann Gladding (author) 10 months ago

Half milk half water please ! Just milk is sick the kittens .

Murat Ozdemir 10 months ago

Be first to comment on Step 6.

Be first to comment on Step 7.

Be first to comment on Step 8.

You must be extremely careful with this step as if your kitten overheats it can be deadly. Make sure your kitten has enough room to move off and away from the heat source. A more controlled heating method is a hot water bottle placed under towels to control the heat. This should be checked every couple of hours which is easy when you are feeding every couple of hours :)

Janice Jensen 5 months ago

Be first to comment on Step 10.

Cute

Sultan Khalifa 4 months ago

The baby is so lucky because you are a very nice and careful mother.

Jie Li 5 months ago

So tiny and so precious!

Alyson Hames 10 months ago

Be first to comment on Step 12.

So precious!!!!

Raquel Thomas 2 months ago

She looks like a cutie

Sultan Khalifa 4 months ago

Cute!!

Sultan Khalifa 4 months ago

Very nice

Jason Bernardino 5 months ago

Thanks again to everyone :)

Trisha Ann Gladding (author) 10 months ago

You're so sweet!

Allyssa D 🍓 10 months ago

OMG. AWESOME

Sam Tzanetakos 10 months ago

Aaaaaawwwwwww❤❤❤❤❤😂❤💗

Cole Carpenter 10 months ago

Yes thank you so much for taking your time and energy to help a little one

Daniel Skinner 10 months ago

You are a kind person to do this!

Shayne 🎨 10 months ago

She's so tiny! Aww ❤

chloe stylinson 10 months ago

So precious! How could u not love this kitten

Selina J 10 months ago

Cute!!

Melissa Brown 10 months ago

Toooo cute...

So Demented Swaqqer 10 months ago

Yes my dog that was on the bed, steps in once in awhile and cleans her and lays with her

Trisha Ann Gladding (author) 10 months ago

Do your dogs get along with ur cat??

So Demented Swaqqer 10 months ago

And you.. Don't know what's going on. XD haha!

Allyssa D 🍓 10 months ago

You and your boyfriend or husband moment was really cute! Ahaha and the baby takes after c(; but it's seriously so good what you did. I would love to be able to do something like that but I don't live alone yet and my mom would never let me :/

Melissa Malik 10 months ago

You are both sickeningly ADORABLE. your kitten is so cute.

Sam Tzanetakos 10 months ago

Chiwawa

Camille Moody 4 months ago

so .. cute! ❤

pim plankton 10 months ago

Be first to comment on Step 16.

How adorable!! He's grown up a lot more ! I've been following his story ever since I saw this guide! I was just telling my brother about it! God bless you for taking care of it :))

Reem Molokhia 9 months ago

Be first to comment on Step 18.