The orphan kitten

Orphaned kittens, defined as those kittens who have been or must be separated from their dam during the neonatal period (the time period from birth to weaning) represent a particularly vulnerable population that necessitates specialized attention and immediate care to ensure their survival and healthy development. Kittens may be orphaned for a variety of reasons, including maternal death or illness, inadequate or disturbed lactation, abnormal maternal behavior leading to neglect, aggressiveness, or even cannibalism.1 Abnormal maternal behavior can be affected by many factors, such as the breed and bloodline, age and parity, health conditions, and stress.2 In stray queens, concomitant infectious diseases, undernutrition, and stress can also influence the efficiency of the placenta and in turn, the weight and development of the kitten at birth. Colostrum and milk quality also influence kittens’ growth, development, and health. The neonatal stage is critical for kittens as they are dependent on maternal care for nutrition, immunologic protection, and socialization. Orphaned kittens face not only a lot of challenges including nutritional deficiencies and infectious diseases but also impaired social skills, which amplify their risk of developing issues and high mortality rates. To help face these challenges, there is a growing body of literature outlining effective care strategies for orphaned kittens; management options can vary based on the specific circumstances of the abandonment or maternal issues. Ideally, pairing orphaned animals with a foster mother is the best option; however, such circumstances are rare. More commonly, kittens must be hand-raised, which is a time-consuming effort requiring adequate tools, an appropriate environment, and skilled caregivers.3 Effective care for orphaned kittens requires a holistic approach that includes feeding, excretion, warmth, protection, grooming, socialization, and sensory stimulation. Caregivers must also monitor weight and development, maintain strict hygiene, control environmental conditions, and provide age-specific feeding and excretion management to ensure the kittens’ overall health and development. Additionally, medical treatment should be tailored to the kittens’ specific needs, especially when underlying health issues are present. Orphans from pet or breeding queens may have better health conditions compared to those found in shelters. The subsequent management protocols must be adapted accordingly, as the orphans’ backgrounds can influence their resilience and response to caregiving strategies. By consolidating current research and advocating for best practices, this review aims to inform veterinarians, animal caregivers, and shelter staff about effective strategies for nurturing orphan kittens. Ultimately, such efforts are essential for improving the life outcomes of orphaned kittens and ensuring their healthy transition into adulthood. By fostering awareness and implementing evidence-based protocols, caregivers can significantly mitigate the adverse effects of maternal absence on orphaned kittens.