Newborn puppies or kittens, hours or days old, with closed eyes, abandoned in a box or bag in the trash, or without their mother (after verification & confirmation of absence of the mother).

What we need to provide for their survival:

• • Time

• • Patience & calmness

• • Attention to instructions

Hypothermia is the number one risk for newborns, not hunger.

We aim to replace the warmth that the mother’s body would provide. Heating pads with water — careful not to be too hot or in direct contact with the babies — can be used. Towels, old t-shirts, pieces of fleece, or rags can be placed in the box/basin used as a “nursery.” Temperature should be around 36°C (96.8°F) for the first 14 days of life. Do not exceed this.

Keep the temperature stable: 36°C (96.8°F) during the first week 30°C (86°F) during the second week 20°C (68°F) from the third week onward

If no heating pad is available, you can make one using a plastic bottle filled with warm water and wrapped in cloth to avoid direct contact and burns. Place the heat source to one side of the space so babies can move away if they get too warm.

Add a safe toy (soft, clean, fabric, without sharp or plastic parts) for comfort. Keep the toy even after cleaning, as its scent provides security.

Use a sturdy, clean cardboard box high enough so babies cannot climb out. Line the bottom with a waterproof layer, such as a puppy pad or odorless underpad.

Preparing the food

Supplies

• • Special powdered milk for kittens or puppies (from pet shops)

• • Bottles with nipples

• • Small syringes (without needles)

It’s recommended to have these items at home before filling out this form, as newborns may arrive unexpectedly — usually on Sundays, holidays, or nights when pet shops are closed.

• • In emergencies only: use diluted goat or evaporated milk, to be replaced as soon as possible with proper powdered formula. Human baby formula is acceptable; never use pasteurized cow milk.

• • Powdered formulas are more nutritious and suitable for sensitive newborn digestive systems. Mix well before feeding.

Daily quantity: usually 30ml (2 tablespoons) of diluted formula per 100g of body weight (roughly a newborn kitten) during the first week. Feed 8–10 times per day, every 2–3 hours. For example, 3ml per feeding for a newborn kitten.

Second week: kittens ~55ml/day; puppies 15–20ml per 100g body weight, divided into 6–8 feedings.

Usually, the babies will indicate when they are hungry.

Milk temperature: ~38°C (100.4°F, lukewarm).

Feeding method:

do not rush or force-feed. Pressing too hard risks aspiration (milk entering the lungs) and suffocation. Feed slowly, gently, and lovingly.

Warning: bubbles from the nostrils indicate too fast a milk flow. Adjust accordingly and never force the baby to feed.

Assisted elimination (WC)

Newborns cannot urinate or defecate on their own. When the belly forms a small ball, relieve them: Help them burp by placing them on your shoulder and gently pressing. Use a cotton ball, soft tissue, or gauze soaked in warm water to massage the belly and genital/anal area to stimulate elimination. Be very gentle; don’t worry if a feeding doesn’t produce urine or stool. This is necessary until 3 weeks of age.

• • Normal stool: light mustard to dark brown, soft (like toothpaste).

• • White stool: poor absorption

• • Loose stool: feed slower or slightly less

• • Hard stool: increase meal frequency (not total quantity) and dilute formula more

Veterinarians are available for guidance & emergencies.

Weaning (from third week) Gradually introduce solid food (pâté or special dry food for newborns).

Source: www.trihes.gr

Volunteer Form for Infant Care

Care period should be 3 weeks. It may be shorter, but ideally, be close to 3 weeks. The process must be carried out at your home.

Once weaned, the shelter takes full responsibility for care and finding adoption homes for the kittens.