Hand-Rearing Kittens

Nervous or first time mothers may reject or abandon some or all kittens. In large litters, some kittens may be pushed out, become chilled and be ignored by the mother. Some mothers reject weak kittens which cannot compete against stronger, more active siblings. If a kitten is continually rejected by an experienced mother cat rearing a small litter, the mother may have sensed an abnormality. If you do attempt hand-rearing, be prepared for the worst.

Prioritize

If you are involved in cat rescue and have limited means (financial or facilities) decide on you priorities.

If the kittens are poorly, you have little time and the overpopulation state is such that homes are few and far between, your only option may be euthanasia in order to save the lives of kittens and cats which are already independent of such intensive care.

If the overpopulation state is such that late abortion of females is necessary, or if physical trauma means a mother must have an emergency caesarian pre-term, agree beforehand what is to happen to the kittens if they are living. Rather than leave viable pre-term/aborted kittens to die, ask your vet to either euthanize them or to provide appropriate emergency care for them until they are passed into your care or, if possible, to their own mother or a feline foster mother. It is better to decide beforehand (or to have a policy) that such kittens cannot be saved than to make rush decisions on an emotional basis.

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