New Born Kittens

Question
Hi, my cat gave birth to four kittens the other day and is somewhat ignoring them. I am worried for their well-being. She nurses them, but after a very short time of them cuddling with her, she will move around and ignore them. I have been told not to touch the kittens much, but how do I get the mother/queen to bond with them? I haven't been able to find any helpful information anywhere on the internet.

Sincerely,
Haley

Answer
Hi Haley,

Keep an eye on the kits. Make sure she is cleaning them. Some mom cats will feed and wash them then leave for period of time. You don't have to worry about touching the kits. Just be gentle with them. This will help them get used to you and being handled. Mom cat trusts you otherwise she wouldn't leave her kits with you like that. Just be careful. If mom cat shows signs of anxiety when you are handling the kits reassure her and leave the kits for a bit. I am attaching my recipe for kitty glop. You can feed this if Mom cat stops feeding them. And here's a link about taking care of orphan kits if she stops taking care of them.

http://www.kittenrescue.org/pages.php?pageid=15


Good luck and take care.

Ciao, Karen

KITTY GLOP

INGREDIENTS:
1 can goat milk or evaporated milk(not sweetened condensed#. Walmart carries canned goat milk near the evaporated milk
2 tbsp. plain yogurt #not low or non fat#. Plain Greek Yogurt is best.
2 tbsp. mayonnaise #real not light or No-Fat#
1 tbs. Karo Syrup #light#
1 pkg. Knox unflavored gelatin
1 egg yolk #beaten#
1 cup Pedialyte #unflavored#
1- 2 jars Stage One Baby food #chicken or turkey#
1 can Kitten food, same flavor as baby food

INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix milk, yogurt, mayonnaise, baby food, kitten food and syrup together well. Bring 1 cup pedialyte to boil and mix in Knox gelatin. Set aside. Mix egg yolk with small amount of milk mixture and beat well.

Add gelatin and pedialyte mix to milk mixture and beat well. Add in egg yolk mixture and beat well. Remember to not use egg substitute and keep egg white to a minimum.

Using a blender works really good for mixing everything together.

Pour into bowl #with cover# and set in refrigerator. Glop will last for two weeks covered in refrigerator. Try freezing the mixture in ice cube trays and store the cubes in the freezer. Thaw as many as needed.
Always warm glop to room temperature ,#milk form), or a little warmer, before feeding.