HELOISE Special care needed for orphaned kittens

Dear Readers: If you find a tiny kitten or a litter that has become orphaned, you will want to know the following in order to give the cats the proper care and nutrition for them to survive:
There are some organizations that care for orphaned kittens. Call a veterinarian's office or even a wild-animal refuge for information on how to contact them. It's a tough job, because a kitten under 1 week old should be fed around the clock, at least every three hours. You can get kitty formula at pet-supply stores (follow directions on the label for the proper amount for the age of the kitty) and use a tiny bottle or syringe.
Don't rush feeding -- take your time and have patience. After feeding, burp the kitten as you would an infant -- put it over the shoulder or chest and gently tap its back or rub in circular motions. After 1 week old, you can stop the night feedings.
Since the kitten's mother helps it eliminate, now you will have to do the job. Moisten a cotton swab with warm water and gently swab the abdomen and genitals to stimulate them (do this a few times a day).
When a kitten is 2 or 3 weeks old, you can put a little formula on its mouth to teach the kitten to lick its face, and soon after, it will learn how to drink from a dish. Also, at about a month old you can teach it to use the litter box. A small, shallow aluminum pan is a good size for a tiny kitten. Put the kitten in, scratch around, and in time it will learn to use the box by itself.
Call a veterinarian for his or her advice for further care as the kitty gets older. Good luck! Heloise
Dear Readers: Doris and Merv Eppler own a sheltie named Robbie. The photo they sent shows him standing outside in a raincoat. Even though it looks like it is sunny, he hesitates to venture outside unless he has his special rain outfit on.
Visit my Web site, www.Heloise.com, to see Robbie all dressed up. Send your favorite, unusual photo to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279. Heloise
FYI: If you are thinking about getting a canary as a pet, there are a few things you should know. Canaries are quite delicate and should be kept stress-free. Bright lights and loud noises can startle them.
Keep the cage covered at night. It should be in a draft-free area and not in the kitchen. Put it in a quiet room away from noise if there is a lot of activity at night. Canaries should be kept on a strict schedule -- sleeping at night and waking up with the sun.
Don't let a bird fly around the house (any pet bird) for exercise. There are too many things that can harm it. Get a cage large enough for a bird to fly from one perch to another with ease. Heloise
King Features Syndicate