How Often Do I Need to Wash My Orphan Kitten?

Warmth

Kittens depend on their mothers and litter mates for warmth. If the animal is cold, it won't eat, becomes lethargic, falls into a coma-like state and dies. When you find an orphan kitten, the first thing you must do is keep it warm. Put the kitten under your clothes next to your skin until you can transfer it to a 12-inch high box or animal carrier lined with an absorbent cloth such as a towel. Cover the box or carrier with a flannel or fleece blanket to keep the kitten's body heat trapped in. Keep the box away from drafts.

Pet nursers, also called a nursing bottle are specially designed bottles for young pets, available from veterinarians, pet stores and online retailers. These usually work best for feeding orphan kittens. You can also use an eyedropper, but be sure to allow the kitten to suck the kitten formula from the device at is own pace. If you force feed it, you may get the food in its lungs, which could result in pneumonia. Feed the kitten approximately every three to four hours. Also, warm the formula before giving it to the feline.

Orphaned kittens need help going to the bathroom. A mother cat licks a kitten's belly to stimulate urination and defecation. You can do this for the kitten by moistening a cotton ball with warm water, and gently rubbing it across the kitten's abdomen, as well as urinary and anal areas. Often the animal urinates first and then defecates. Immediately clean the kitten's genitals with a cotton ball. If the kitten has diarrhea, immediately call the veterinarian. Diarrhea can quickly dehydrate a kitten.

Bathe your orphan kitten whenever it begins to smell unpleasant, becomes caked in feces or is treated with a flea spray. Use warm water and one or two drops of a gentle soap, such as baby shampoo or surgical soap. Only wash the animal's hind quarters. Never dunk the kitten under water and avoid getting its head or face wet. Kittens drown easily and can come down with a case of fatal pneumonia if they get water in their lungs. Once clean, immediately pat the kitten dry with a warm towel, then blow dry its fur. Set the blow dryer to its lowest setting and keep it at least 6 to 8 inches from the kitten so as not to burn the animal.

After feeding, bathe the kitten with a moist towelette using short strokes that resemble a mother cat's licking. This not only cleans the animal but teaches it to clean itself. Return the kitten back to its box once it is completely dry. If you do not completely dry the kitten, it might become chilled and sick.