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Caring for Orphaned Kittens as a RISPCA foster parent Judging age of kittens |
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The need for foster parents varies according to the time of year. During kitten season (early spring through early fall) we need foster parents willing to open their homes to pregnant and nursing mother cats and orphaned kittens who may need to be bottle fed until they’re ready for adoption. This position requires a truly committed individual, as sometimes animals may need to be in foster care for up to eight weeks or longer. |
| 5 Important Areas when caring for new kittens Warmth - They cannot maintain their own body heat and a hot water bottle under a towel near them works well. Food Must be fed by a nursing bottle of KMR formula every 2 1/2 hr to 3 hrs up to 4-5 wks. Shelter Keep in carrier up to about 4 wks of age. Stimulate Until 4 wks they are unable to relieve themselves on their own. They must be stimulated before and after every feeding with cotton ball or guaze. Human Contact Handle them gently and with care. They need plenty of uninterrupted sleep. The RISPCA has detailed handouts about care and feeding available at our shelter. |
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| Judging Age: At birth - eyes closed, ear canal closed 2-3 days _ umbilical cord drops off, body temperature between 92 and 97 F 4 days - start purring while nursing 5-8 days - ear canal opens 7- 10 days - eyes open, blue eyes, body temperature around 98 F 7 days - develop ability to shiver 8- 14 days - ears uncurl and start standing up ( note: short hair cats' ears stand up earlier than Persian or other long haired cats) 14 days - socialization begins - positive human contact is critical to making a good pet 14- 28 days- baby incisors (front teeth) come in 16-20 days - start crawling 3 weeks - start walking, eyes start changing color, ears completely standing up, begin to eliminate waaste without aid of mom or "stimulation" 3 - 4 - baby canine teeth come in, begin eating solid food 4 weeks - start to wash themselves and litter mates, can control urge to eliminate, begin to dig or rake anything that looks like "cat litter" 4 - 5 weeks - start running 4 - 6 weeks -baby premolars come in on lower jaw |
 Rhode Island SPCA 186 Amaral Street Riverside, RI 02915-2223 Phone: 401-438-8150 Fax: 401-438-8154 Email: info@rispca.com Home Contact Adopt an Animal Surrender an Animal Volunteering/Donations Law Enforcement & Cruelty Investigations Report Abuse Humane Euthanasia Marvin Fund.org Humane Education Classes & Seminars Wish List Our Memorial Garden Memorial Garden Tributes RISPCA Lewis Scholarship RISPCA Store Historical Photos Animal Resources/Links Cage Sponsors Toxic Plants Low Cost Spay/ Neuter Programs |