Welcoming Newborn Kittens — The First Hour

Finding a litter of orphaned kittens can feel overwhelming. Take a breath. The first hour is mostly about three things: warmth, calm, and assessment.

1. Make them warm before anything else

Cold kittens cannot digest food. Before you even think about feeding, wrap them gently in a soft towel and place them on a covered heating pad set to low, or use a bottle of warm (not hot) water wrapped in fabric. Aim for 85–90°F (29–32°C) in their nest.

2. Keep them together

Siblings regulate each other's temperature and comfort. Place them in a small box lined with soft towels — close enough to touch, but with room to wriggle.

3. Assess gently

While they warm up, take a quick look:

• Eyes closed? They're under two weeks old.
• Ears folded or unfolding? Newborn.
• Umbilical cord still attached? Just a day or two old.
• Cold, limp, or unresponsive? Skip ahead — warm them immediately and call a vet.

4. Resist the urge to feed right away

Feeding a cold kitten can be fatal. Wait until they feel warm to the touch (about 30–45 minutes) before offering kitten milk replacer (KMR) — never cow's milk, never water alone.

You've got this

The first hour sets the tone. Warm, quiet, and patient — that's the whole assignment. Once they're stable, move on to supplies and feeding.