Finding a kitten alone on the street is an emotional and overwhelming situation. Knowing what to do during those first minutes and days could make all the difference between life and death. Here at mybestie.gr, we believe that informed animal friends can be real-life heroes. This guide will walk you step by step through everything you need to know to safely help a kitten in need.

1. First: Is the kitten truly abandoned?

Observe first before intervening: Mother cats leave their kittens alone for a few hours as they go searching for food. They watch from a distance for around 4 to 6 hours. If the kitten is crying nonstop, if the kitten is cold, hurt, or in danger, such as traffic, rain, dogs, then:

Keep the kitten warm

Newborn kittens cannot regulate their body temperature. Hypothermia is the biggest immediate threat.

• Put the kitten into a box lined with towels, preferably soft ones
• Apply a hot water bottle wrapped in cloth or a heating pad on low
• Never place the kitten directly on heat
• Warmth is always provided before feeding.

2. Estimate the kitten's age

• 0–1 week: eyes closed, ears folded
• 1–2 weeks: Eyes open, ears still small
• 3–4 weeks: Walking, commencing to explore

Feeding and care depend on age.

3. Never feed a kitten cow’s milk

Never give cow’s milk — it causes severe diarrhea and dehydration.

What to feed

Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR) e.g. Royal Canin Babycat Milk, Veta pro or Lactopet.

How to feed

• Kitten bottle or syringe (NO NEEDLE)
• Based on the formula, where formula feeding is taken: Newborns feed every 2–3 hours, including at night
• Always feed with the kitten on his belly, never on his back
• If no formula is available, you can temporarily use watered-down goat milk ONLY in an emergency.

4. Helping the kitten pee and poop

Kittens also, below 3–4 weeks, cannot empty their bladder or bowels themselves. After every feeding:

Using a warm, damp cotton pad or tissue, gently rub the genital and anal area with circular motions. Repeat until the kitten urinates or defecates.

This is a very critical step in survival!!!

5. Eyes and nose cleaning

Street kittens usually have eye infections.

• Use saline solution-sterile.
• Gently clean with gauze; never use cotton wool.
• One wipe per eye, from inner to outer corner.
• If eyes are swollen, glued shut, or have yellow/green discharge, seek immediate veterinary care.

6. Over-the-counter medications (with guidance of the veterinarian only)

Do not give human medicine. Contact your vet first!!!

A vet may prescribe

• Tobramycin or Fusidic Acid eye drops for infection
• Fenbendazole or Panacur for intestinal parasites
• Selamectin or Francodex (topical) for fleas (age and weight dependent)

Never give flea products intended for adult cats or dogs!!!

7. See a veterinarian ASAP

First visits to a vet within the first 24–48 hours are highly recommended in order to:

CPS will provide the following on a continual basis. The client will learn how to perform some of them by themselves when they are clinically stable. It is: checking on hydration and weight Cure infection, parasites Estimation of actual age with precision.

What comes next?

If the kitten cannot stay with you, post in Animal Welfare groups and foster networks or web sites such as mybestie.gr to place them with experienced carers into safe temporary homes.

Saving a kitten is demanding; it is also very rewarding. With warmth, proper feeding, hygiene, and timely veterinary attention, you can give a helpless life a good chance. Sometimes, one informed human is all it takes to change everything.

You didn't just find a kitten, the kitten found you.