First, let me just say that taking care of a newborn kitten that’s just a day or two old takes a lot of time and responsiblity. Make sure that you’re willing to devote yourself 24/7 to his care before taking on this project. If you can’t it’s best to give it to someone who can.

Second, Earmites. All kittens are born with earmites. They are a nuisance and can be bothersome. You can purchase the drops usually at Walmart or a store such as Tractor Supply. Put two to three drops in each ear and repeat the next day and that will clear them up.

Third, Warmth. Make sure to keep your newborn warm and away from cold. Being sure he feels secure and warm will ensure that your kitten will sleep for longer periods through the night. The more restful sleep he receives the quicker he will grow and you’ll enjoy your kitten more.

Fourth, Bedding. Make a simple bed using a small container such as a plastic tub/wash basin. Take a small theraputic corn bag/bean bag and heat it in the microwave for approximately 3 minutes. Place bag in a plastic grocery bag for cleaniness. Place covered bag in basin and cover with clean newspaper. Then place a soft towel on top of that. The theraputic bag will be well insulated by all the layers and will stay relatively warm for 6-8 hours and will stay clean.

Fifth, Security. Your newborn will also need to feel a living presence with him for security and comfort. Place a small windup clock in his bed to mimic a heartbeat. Also place a small stuffed animal with him to cuddle, preferably one that you don’t want back. You’ll then want to place the basin in a closed in area like a clothes basket in case he can crawl out of his basin he won’t get far. You can place papertowels or a cloth in the clothes basket in case this happens so he has something soft to lay on and in case of an accident. Now his bed is complete and ready.

Sixth, Food. You can purchase powdered kitten formula and kitten bottle at the same store as the earmite medicine. Mix according to the directions, mixing well to stir out the lumps as they will clog the nipple. Feed your kitten as often as he desires, wiping his face with a wet papertowel as it is sticky. Also before or after each feeding you must wipe his bottom with a wet paper towel to stimulate him to urinate and poop. Newborns cannot go to the bathroom without this stimulation. You can feed them all the formula they will eat, but if they don’t go to the bathroom they’ll get sick and die. Remember whenever you’re holding your new kitten be sure to have a towel or something on your lap, he will have accidents! You can expect your kitten to wake at least once or twice during the night to be fed during the first two weeks. If necessary rewarm his bean bag. To ensure he sleeps for longer periods, encourage him to stay awake for at least an hour prior to your going to bed and feed him as much as he will drink just before you put him down for bed. Even if he cries when you put him down, leave him in his bed. Rest assured he will cuddle with his teddy and go to sleep.

Seventh, Litter Training. By four-five weeks start introducing your kitten to the litter box. After each feeding and after wiping his bottom place him him the box. Even if he doesn’t do anything keep repeating this step and eventually he will start to scratch and do his business there. By the end of five weeks you shouldn’t have to wipe his bottom anymore and he should know what the box is for. After he gets the hang of it, let him try to get in and out on his own. Just be sure you leave the litter box in the same place so that he’ll always be able to find it.

Eight, Solid Food. At the end of five weeks you can introduce kitten food. Try a little soaked up with his formula and offer it more often each day at feeding time. By the end of six weeks he should be eating more solid food than formula. Also at this time offer your kitten water in his bottle from time to time and also from a dish. At the end of seven weeks put his formula in a bowl and offer it only in the morning and always keep a dish of water available next to his kitten food.

Nine, Shots. By eight weeks he is ready for his first checkup with your vet and first shots.

By now your kitten will be playful and independent and well on his way growing into a happy and healthy companion for life.

• How Do I Take Care of Newborn Kittens?
• How To Take Care Of A Kitten