Being a dying orphan kitten can be challenging. These kittens are left alone and have no one to care for them. Their condition is most common among outdoor cats, but can also happen to indoor cats as well.
When you adopt a kitten from a shelter, you go into it knowing there’s a chance that it won’t stay with you forever. There are many reasons why this could happen. Maybe you live in an apartment that doesn’t allow pets, or perhaps your work schedule makes it difficult to give the cat the attention it needs.
Keeping a kitten that has no parents around can be stressful and challenging. You need to make sure they are fed with the right food, given regular checkups, and kept in a clean environment.
Additionally, an old cat may stop eating and start living in a final stage known as “end-of-life.” Even if you do everything right, sometimes things just don’t work out and a cat has to leave its home before anyone expected it.
But even when things take an unfortunate turn, there are steps that can help make things as comfortable for the kitty as possible until the end comes.
The best thing you can do is invest in an orphan kit or kitten so that you know what to do when the time comes. Read on for more details about handling a dying or orphan kitten – part 1
Signs That An Orphan Kitten May Be Dying
Depending on the age and species of your kitten, they may have a different timetable for dying. Kittens that are dying will be in a lot of pain, so you will want to gently hold them while they go. This can take anywhere from a few hours up to a couple of days. During this process, there are a few signs that you can watch for to determine if your kitten might be dying.
–Deterioration – When an organ or part of a kitten’s body starts to die off, it can feel like a horrible cramp. It can cause them to cry out in pain and feel like they need to move around to try and get rid of the sensation. This may be happening if your kitten seems to be in pain and moving around a lot more than usual. If it progresses, it could lead to organ failure and death.
– Loss of appetite – One of the first signs that a kitten is dying is that they stop eating. Kittens are naturally very curious and are often eager to eat. When they start losing interest in food, it’s a big sign that they might be dying.
– Drinking more water – Another sign that a kitten is dying is that they start drinking more water. When a kitten is sick, they are less likely to urinate. This is because they’re retaining water in an attempt to get better. As a kitten gets closer to death, they start to urinate more because the organs are shutting down.
– Loss of motor skills – As kittens get sicker, they start to lose their motor skills. This means they’ll have a harder time walking and climbing. Eventually, they will have trouble moving altogether.
How To Care For A Dying Orphan Kitten
If you have a kitten that is dying, you’ll want to take extra care of them until they pass. This means keeping them warm and giving them extra attention.
If your kitten is still eating and drinking, you’ll want to keep those habits up as best you can. If they’re not interested in food, you’ll want to make sure they are drinking water to prevent dehydration.
When a kitten is dying, it’s important to make sure they don’t get too hot or too cold. You can use special “thermo-regulating” blankets to make sure they are just right.
Keep an eye out for any cuts or scrapes on your kitten as well. These can get infected and be life-threatening. You’ll want to clean them up and apply cream or ointment to prevent infection. You can use a cotton swab or clean rag to apply it.
Keep up with regular care routines
Kittens that are dying don’t need any extra special care, they just need the basics. That means you’ll want to keep up all the normal grooming and medical routines as best you can. This is especially important if your kitten is getting old and dying from “end-of-life.”
During the dying process, your kitten’s organs will shut down one by one. This means that you’ll want to keep an eye on a few things to help them stay comfortable.
– Keep their nails clipped – If your kitty is still walking around, it’s important to keep their nails clipped. This helps to prevent them from accidentally scratching themselves. It can also help prevent them from accidentally scratching you.
– Check for lumps – You’ll want to keep an eye out for any lumps on your kitten’s body. This includes their head, neck, and legs. If you find one, you’ll want to take them to a vet as soon as possible.
– Keep an eye out for ticks – Ticks can latch onto kittens just as easily as they do humans. Keep an eye out for ticks on their body and remove them as soon as you see them.
– Keep up with vaccines – If your kitten is still young, they will need regular vaccines. When they get closer to dying, the vaccines will stop being effective. You’ll want to stop giving them vaccines so that they don’t get sick.
How To Comfort A Dying Orphan Kitten
When your kitten is dying, you may wish to find a way to make them more comfortable. There are a few things you can do to help your kitten get through their last days.
– Give them extra love – One of the best ways to help a dying kitten is to give them lots of love. This can help to ease their pain and help them feel loved in their final days.
– Use a heating pad – If your kitten is dying and you don’t want to pick them up, you can use a heating pad. This will let them get warmth without being picked up.
– Give them a toy – Kittens love to play, so you can give them something to do during their last days. This can help them pass the time and keep their mind off of the dying process.
– Try kitty massage – Kittens love being petted, so massaging them can help them get through the pain. Gently rub their paws, head, and ears.
A final meal
It’s common for kittens to be finicky eaters. You may find yourself struggling to get them to eat. If your kitten is dying, you may have to try a few different foods before they eat.
At some point, your kitten will stop eating completely. This is a sign that they are getting ready to pass. When this happens, you’ll want to provide them with a “final meal.” This will be the last meal that they can eat and enjoy before they die.
A final meal should be something light and easy to digest. You can choose from a variety of foods, but most people recommend feeding kittens chicken or fish. Try mixing in a bit of water to help it go down easier.
