Keep them warmKittens under four weeks old can’t regulate their body temperature, so it’s important to keep them warm. You can provide a heat source, such as holding them close to your body, until they are four to six weeks old.
Provide food and water
Kittens need fresh water at all times, and you should provide a separate bowl for their meals. Bowls with a rubber base can help prevent them from slipping. You should also make sure to feed your kitten kitten food, which has more calcium and protein than adult food to support their growth. You can ask your veterinarian how often and how much to feed your kitten. For example, most vets recommend feeding kittens three times a day when they are three to six months old.
Litter box training
Cats aren’t born knowing how to use a litter box, so you’ll need to help train your kitten. You can let your kitten examine the box to get familiar with it.
Grooming
Regular grooming is important, especially for kittens with medium to long hair. You should start grooming early so your kitten can get used to it.
Socialization
Provide opportunities for your kitten to socialize with people and other animals.
Veterinary care
Schedule a health check-up with a veterinarian so they can administer vaccinations, deworming, and flea prevention.
Caring for Kittens from Birth to Eight Weeks
5 Requirements for Kitten Care:
Keep kittens warm.
Ensure that kittens receive sufficient hydration and nourishment.
Keep kittens clean.
Encourage interaction with both people and fellow foster animals.
Make every effort to shield them from infectious diseases.
Body Warmth
The importance of a heat source for orphaned kittens cannot be overstated. A mother cat would have kept them in a warm environment of approximately 100 – 103 F (38 – 39 C). Ensure that a heat source is available for these kittens until they are between four to six weeks old. Kittens older than four weeks might start avoiding a warm bed, but if the room temperature is low, even older kittens will seek warmth. Therefore, it is advisable to pair single kittens of the same age for both warmth and socialization, reducing the risk of hypothermia.
Ensure the kittens are in a cozy, draft-free room. Line the bottom of their cage with a blanket and include a bed, which can be made from a small litter box or cardboard box, as well as a litter box. Covering the crate or front of the cage with a towel helps to prevent drafts and keeps kittens younger than 4 weeks warm. Ideally, the temperature in the kitten’s room should be around 85°F (29°C), although this isn’t always feasible. Kittens older than 6 weeks just need access to a warm and snug spot.
Since kittens under four weeks old cannot regulate their own body temperature, it’s essential to assist them in staying warm. One way to do this is to use a heated Snuggle Safe a disk at the entrance of the cage or crate. This disk maintains the required warmth for up to 8 hours. Instructions for the heating duration are also provided. Snuggle Safe The wattage information for the microwave is indicated on each disk. If you’re unsure of your microwave’s wattage, heat the disk for 5 minutes and then feel its temperature with your hands. Ensure it doesn’t feel too hot before covering it with a soft blanket and placing it in the cage or crate, making sure the kitten can’t come into direct contact with the disk. If a heating disk is unavailable, use a heating pad set to low under the crate or at the bottom of the cage, and place a soft folded towel or blanket between the kitten and the pad. Avoid using terrycloth towels for unattended kittens under 6 weeks old, as they can’t retract their claws and may get their claws caught, potentially causing a shoulder dislocation. Alternatively, consider using a pet heating pad wrapped in a soft blanket. Most pet stores sell pet heating pads that only reach a low temperature and do not have an automatic shut-off, which are ideal as long as there’s a nearby electrical outlet.
Regularly monitor the heat source to ensure it maintains an appropriate temperature, avoiding extremes. Ensure part of the cage remains without a heating disk or pad, allowing the kittens to escape the heat if necessary. Kittens appreciate a cozy nest in their enclosure, so provide them with a soft fleece blanket where they can snuggle in and out as they please.
Kitten Feeding
Just like people, each kitten is unique. They will consume varying amounts of food, gain weight at different rates, and have personal food preferences. Any daily weight gain signifies that their diet is fulfilling their nutritional requirements. It’s essential to weigh kittens at the same time each day and under similar conditions (such as before or after feeding and stimulation). Typically, kittens should gain about ½ ounce (14 grams) per day or around 4 ounces (113 grams) per week. Remember, these figures can differ from one kitten to another depending on available resources. The most crucial indicator of a healthy diet is consistent weight gain. Younger kittens, just separated from their mother, are more used to smaller, more frequent feedings through nursing.
When we bottle-feed kittens, we provide them with larger amounts of milk at a much quicker pace compared to a mother cat nursing them.Healthy kittens don’t need to be fed every two hours. Let them sleep for longer stretches and avoid waking them up to feed. Over a few feedings, their stomachs will expand to accommodate more milk per feeding, thus reducing the frequency of feedings compared to the former practice of feeding them every two hours.
Instructions for feeding kittens with a bottle:
Kittens need to be kept warm because they cannot digest food properly if their body temperature is too low.
Prepare kitten milk replacer following the instructions on the package. (NEVER give them cow’s milk and use the same formula consistently).
Typically, kittens need to consume around 2 tablespoons or 30 ccs of formula for every 4 ounces of their body weight each day. If a kitten is consistently gaining weight, this indicates that their nutritional requirements are being met.
Kittens that have just been weaned from their mother will require some time to adjust to eating less frequently.
After the initial few feedings, even the youngest kittens shouldn’t need to be fed every two hours.
Feed weak, sick, or underweight kittens more often, as they are at a higher risk of hypoglycemia.
Do not wake a sleeping kitten for feeding unless a substantial amount of time has passed. Uninterrupted sleep is crucial for the development of young kittens.
Kittens usually sleep more soundly and for longer periods at night when there are fewer vibrations and disturbances.
General Feeding Guidelines
Check the temperature of the formula before feeding to make sure it is warm (approximately 100 F or 38 C), but not too hot. You can warm the bottle by placing it in hot water for a few minutes or by microwaving it until it reaches the ideal temperature.
A short duration in the microwave is acceptable, but it can heat too rapidly, so it’s better to be cautious and not overheat. When using the microwave, ensure you stir gently to prevent bubbles and to eliminate any hot spots that may form in the liquid. After shaking the microwaved formula, test it on your wrist before feeding.
Ensure that you always position a kitten correctly for feeding. NEVER When feeding a kitten, avoid placing them on their back as this can cause them to inhale the formula, leading to potentially fatal pneumonia. Instead, mimic the natural nursing position by placing the kitten on their belly, using a towel or cloth for them to grip and knead instinctively. If the kitten is frantic, try wrapping them in a towel while feeding. To bottle feed, gently open the kitten’s mouth with your finger and insert the nipple. They’ll soon recognize and eagerly seek the nipple, creating a vacuum effect during suckling. Bubbles in the bottle and wiggling ears indicate successful feeding. Hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle to prevent air from entering the stomach. Let the kitten suck at their own pace. If the kitten refuses the nipple, stimulate them by rubbing their forehead or back, similar to a mother’s touch, or using a toothbrush to mimic the mother’s tongue. If bottle feeding fails, use a syringe to ensure proper nutrition, administering milk from the side of the mouth to prevent aspiration.
If syringe feeding is required, ensure there is a designated contact person for foster parents to reach out to. Refer to the “Kitten Weight Gain and Developmental Milestones” section for guidance on syringe feeding.
When feeding several kittens, it’s usually most effective to let each one have a full go at the bottle, drinking until they push the nipple out. After that, stimulate the kitten and let it rest while you feed the others. Once every kitten has had a turn, start again with the first one and repeat the steps. This method helps make sure each kitten gets properly fed, leading to longer breaks between feedings.You can’t give a kitten too much food at once, but you can feed it too frequently.Forcing a kitten to eat when it’s not hungry or requesting food can cause it stress and lead to diarrhea. When held up by its front legs, a well-fed kitten should have a pear-shaped belly.
Kittens that appear too weak to nurse might have an underlying health problem. If a kitten continuously refuses to nurse after the initial attempts, it could be a sign of illness and requires a veterinary examination. Ensure there is a plan for foster parents on whom to contact in such situations.
After every feeding, gently wipe each kitten’s entire body using a slightly damp, warm washcloth. Mimic their mother’s short, grooming strokes. This practice not only keeps their fur clean but also helps them learn grooming habits and encourages social bonding. Ensure the kitten is fully dry before returning them to their cage. Cover the cage with a blanket.
We strongly advise using a warm cotton pad to gently wipe a kitten’s eyes twice daily. This area is the first entry point for bacteria as kittens grow and their eyes start to open. Mother cats maintain this region very clean, so we must also be vigilant in order to minimize the chance of eye infections.
Kittens instinctively suckle to comfort themselves. Occasionally, they may start suckling on each other before or after a meal, which could indicate that they need more frequent feedings or are experiencing stress. If this behavior becomes problematic, specifically if it involves the genital area, you should temporarily separate the kittens as soon as possible, as it can develop into a dangerous habit. Examine each kitten’s genitals to ensure the suckling is not causing issues like redness, irritation, or an exposed penis. Suckling on genitals can cause the urethra to swell and close, potentially requiring surgical intervention. If any problems arise, have a plan in place for foster parents on who to contact. Kittens separated from their littermates should still have supervised play sessions and sleep nearby to maintain the familiar scent of their siblings. Usually, temporary separation is needed for about a week until the kittens mature and the suckling reflex diminishes.
Weaning
A kitten is prepared for the weaning stage when it has been trained to use the litter box and frequently bites the nipple aggressively. It’s important to keep bottle-feeding during weaning to make sure the kittens receive enough nutrition and remain stress-free.
The initial stage of weaning involves teaching the kitten to lick formula or gruel/pate off your finger and then a spoon. Once the kitten learns this, place formula in a shallow dish. To transition to solid food, mix warmed canned kitten food with prepared kitten formula to create a thin gruel. Gradually decrease the amount of formula mixed into the canned food until the kitten is consuming only the solid food.
Place the food in a shallow dish. Some kittens may start lapping it up immediately, while others might prefer to lick the gruel from your fingers. Let them do this, gradually moving your finger towards the dish. The kittens may nibble on the edge of the dish or step into the food. It might require several meals for them to understand the process. If a kitten isn’t interested in the gruel, try gently opening its mouth and rubbing a small amount of food on its tongue or teeth. Be patient, as the weaning process takes time. Once the kittens start to get the hang of it, you can make the gruel thicker. When they are eating thicker gruel, always ensure they have fresh water in a low, spill-resistant bowl.
Kittens frequently step in their food. Ensure the kittens are kept clean and DRY Before placing them in their cages, it’s important to note that most weaning kittens tend to be messy when they eat. Consequently, you might not be able to leave gruel or water in their cages initially. Additionally, wet kittens can quickly get cold.
Some kittens may outright reject wet food. It’s important to have a small and highly aromatic kibble option like Royal Canin Babycat on hand. Its appealing scent and manageable size can entice kittens to eat. Make this kibble accessible throughout the weaning period. Additionally, provide shallow water bowls in the same area. If a kitten prefers dry food over wet, ensure they have enough water since their hydration needs will be higher.
Stimulation for Urination and Defecation
Mother cats groom their kittens to help them urinate and defecate regularly. If you are fostering kittens, you will need to take on this essential task. Very young orphaned kittens cannot urinate and defecate on their own, making this an important part of their care. Gently rub their lower abdomen, genitals, and rectum with a cotton round or toilet paper dipped in warm water, or use a fragrance-free baby wipe before and after each feeding. Ensure the item you use for stimulation is white so you can monitor the color of their waste. Ideal urine color is pale yellow; darker urine indicates possible dehydration, and you may need to add more water or Pedialyte to their formula. Rub only enough to induce elimination, as overstimulation can cause irritation. Watch for chafing and dirt, and ensure the kitten does not become chilled. Kittens should urinate with each stimulation and defecate at least once daily. It is common for a new kitten in your care to not defecate for up to 48 hours due to the stress of transitioning, which can delay bowel movements.
General guidelines are:
Kittens require stimulation until they are approximately three weeks old.
Kittens need to be stimulated both before and after every feeding.
Kittens need to urinate regularly and should have at least one bowel movement each day.
When kittens reach 3 to 4 weeks of age, they can eliminate waste on their own. At this stage, you should place a litter box in their crate or cage, filling it with either non-clumping litter or shredded newspaper.
While introducing a litter box, you might also need to provide some dry kitten food to prevent the kittens from chewing on the litter. To help a kitten learn to use the litter box, try placing their feces in the box so they can smell it there. If a kitten defecates on its towel instead of in the box, move the feces to the box rather than entirely cleaning it out of the cage.
Watch this video from Maddie’s Institute for instructions on how to encourage a kitten to urinate and defecate.
Kitten Weight Gain and Developmental Milestones
Kittens should grow by approximately half an ounce (14 grams) daily or 4 ounces (113 grams) weekly.Weigh the kittens at the same time every day using a kitchen or small postal scale. If there is no weight gain in 24 hours, it is a sign for concern. Start syringe feeding the kitten and have a contact plan in place for foster parents. To syringe feed, prepare the formula as usual and draw it into a syringe. Position the syringe at the side of the kitten’s mouth—never directly in front. Place a drop of milk on the kitten’s tongue, ensuring that the kitten swallows it completely to prevent aspiration. Alternatively, if you use a nipple on the syringe, you can enter through the front of the mouth, encouraging the kitten to pull the milk through the nipple. Ensure the kitten swallows the formula before pushing more into their mouth.
Developmental Milestones of a Kitten
Age
Weight
Milestones
Birth
3–3.7 ounces
85–105 grams
Eyes and ears are closed.
Sleep 90% of the time.
Minimal handling.
2 – 5 days
3.5–6 ounces
90–140 grams
Umbilical cord falls off.
Can begin to purr.
10 – 14 days
8 ounces
227 grams
One should keep their eyes and ears open.
Healthy kittens typically have a round, warm appearance, pink skin, and they seldom cry.
2 – 3 weeks
12 ounces
340 grams
Deciduous incisors come through, and they can start to fall out on their own.
Will begin to crawl, stand, and interact with siblings.
Begin regular handling.
Ready for deworming.
4 weeks
1 pound
454 grams
Deciduous canine teeth emerge; they start walking but lack good balance, begin grooming themselves, and can regulate their body temperature.
Continue daily handling.
Ready for their 1 st vaccine.
Ready to try gruel and possibly prepared for the introduction of dry kitten food.
6 weeks
1.5 pounds
680 grams
Deciduous premolars erupt.
Engaging in activities like running, playing, using the litter box, and grooming themselves.
It is recommended to feed primarily dry kitten food, with some canned food added as a supplement.
Prepared for surgery and eligible for adoption, pending the veterinary team’s approval.
8 weeks
2 pounds
907 grams
Prepared for surgery and available for adoption (if not already completed at 6 weeks).
0 – 1 Week of Age
Feeding: If the kittens don’t have a mother to nurse them, they should be bottle-fed more frequently, roughly 6-8 times a day. If a kitten isn’t gaining weight, increase the number of feedings. Avoid waking sleeping kittens; instead, feed them once they are awake to ensure they receive all their daily feedings. Keep in mind,You cannot give a kitten too much food at once, but you can feed them too frequently.Making a kitten eat when they’re not hungry or not seeking food can cause them stress and result in diarrhea. A well-fed kitten should have a pear-shaped belly when lifted by their front legs.
If the mother cat is with her kittens, they should actively nurse and vie for the nipples. Newborn kittens can nurse for up to 45 minutes at a stretch. If the mother allows, be sure to weigh the nursing kittens at least once a day. Ensure that each kitten is properly positioned and feeding. A lot of movement and crying might suggest issues with milk flow, quality, or supply. When the mother returns to the box, the kittens should only fuss for a few minutes before they settle down to nurse earnestly.
Environment: The nest box should be kept pleasantly warm, ideally between 85-90°F, to ensure the safety of newborn kittens. Hypothermia poses the greatest risk to their health.
Development: At one week old, kittens should each weigh approximately 4 ounces and should be handled as little as possible to ensure they get enough sleep. They will spend about 90% of their time sleeping and the remaining 10% eating.
1 – 2 Weeks of Age
Feeding: Continue bottle-feeding the orphaned kittens 4-6 times a day until they are satisfied but not overly full. If the kitten is not putting on weight, include an extra feeding session.
Environment: The temperature of the nest box floor should be comfortably warm, around 80-85°F.
Development: At 2 weeks old, kittens typically weigh about 8 ounces. Their ear canals begin to open between 5 and 8 days after birth. Their eyes start to open between 8 and 14 days, gradually opening from the nose outward. Every kitten is born with blue eyes, and initially, their pupils aren’t visible, making their eyes look uniformly dark blue.
Healthy kittens are typically plump and warm, with pink-tinged skin. Their skin should quickly return to normal if you gently pinch them. When you lift a kitten, it should squirm actively, and if placed near its mother, it should crawl back to her. Kittens that are well-fed and healthy rarely cry.
To identify the sex of the kittens, gently place a kitten on its back in your hand. In female kittens, the vulva appears as a vertical slit located directly above the anus, and the two are very close together. In male kittens, the opening of the penis is above the anus as well, but is separated by a noticeable scrotal sac, making the distance between them seem larger. It’s most effective to observe and compare all the kittens to clearly see the differences between sexes.
2 – 3 Weeks of Age
Feeding: Keep bottle feeding the kittens 4-5 times daily until they are satisfied but not overly full. If you notice that a kitten isn’t gaining weight, include an extra feeding session.
Environment: The temperature of the nest box floor should be comfortably warm: between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Development: When there’s a queen, she will start spending more time outside of the nest, though she won’t stray too far from it. The kittens will weigh approximately 10–12 ounces. Their ears will become upright. Around day 18, kittens start crawling and by day 21, they can stand. Before their teeth appear, kittens will begin playing with each other by biting ears, tails, and paws. They also learn to sit and touch objects with their paws.
Kittens enter a crucial socialization stage, during which their mother’s behavior greatly impacts them for the next six weeks. Enhancing their social skills involves increasing the amount of handling and getting them used to human interaction. It is essential to avoid exposing them to anything that might scare them; children, who might appear intimidating, should be carefully supervised to ensure they handle the kittens gently.
3 – 4 Weeks of Age
Feeding: Keep bottle feeding 3-4 times daily and initiate the weaning process. At this point, kittens might start drinking from a bowl. If they show an interest in solid food, provide it and let them eat, but also maintain bottle feeding.
Environment: From this point forward, the floor temperature of the nest box should be maintained at 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Development: Kittens typically weigh between 13 and 16 ounces at this stage. Their adult eye color will start to emerge, although it might not fully develop for another 9 to 12 weeks. They will begin to see more clearly, with their eyes starting to resemble and function like those of adult cats. While kittens will start grooming themselves, their mother will still handle most of the thorough cleaning.
4 – 5 Weeks of Age
Feeding: By the time they are 4 weeks old, they can typically start drinking and eating soft food from a shallow dish. Weaning should be a gradual process, continuing bottle feeding twice daily as they get accustomed to solid foods. Begin to introduce dry food and water. Please note that some kittens may not prefer wet food and will only transition to eating when dry kibble is provided.Strongly aromatic tiny pelletsRoyal Canin Babycat might be the sole option for transitioning a kitten that doesn’t like wet food. If this is true, continue giving a bottle to ensure their nutritional needs are met, until their teeth are fully developed.
Development: Start litter training your kittens at around four weeks old. When you see them moving away from their sleeping area to relieve themselves, it’s a sign they’re ready to use a litter box. Choose a low-sided box with about an inch of litter or shredded newspaper inside. After each meal, place the kitten in the box and gently guide its paw to scratch the litter. Be patient, as the kitten might not remember to use the box every time and could forget its location. Offer plenty of praise when they do use it correctly. While most kittens will get the hang of it quickly, a few accidents are normal. To help them learn, keep them in a smaller space, as a larger area may make it harder for them to remember where the litter box is. Always keep the litter box clean and place it away from their food.
5 – 6 Weeks of Age
Feeding: Feed the gruel to your kittens 3-4 times a day, increasing the thickness gradually. Always have dry food and water available. Some kittens might prefer wet food while others might favor dry food. Ensure that you cater to the specific tastes of your kittens. If you are fostering a litter along with their mother, continue the weaning process. For kittens that don’t like canned food, you can try mixing meat-flavored human baby food with a little water, as the meat flavor tends to be more appealing. Make sure the baby food doesn’t contain onion powder, as it can be harmful to kittens.
Development: Around five weeks old, kittens can begin to explore the room under supervision. They will weigh around 1 pound, and male kittens’ testicles will become noticeable. The most robust and inquisitive kitten will first discover how to leave the nest, with the others soon following suit.
Make sure to spend time playing with your kittens every day!Wearing long sleeves and pants is a smart choice, as kittens can play roughly and have sharp claws. If you sit on the floor, they will play “King of the Mountain,” using your knees and shoulders as climbing points. This game provides them with fun and exercise. Some kittens might initially be scared; don’t force interaction. Instead, get them accustomed to your presence by sitting in the room and making phone calls, allowing them to hear your voice without feeling threatened. Integrate them into your daily household activities, exposing them to the sounds of the TV, vacuum cleaner, and other common noises. Make sure to introduce the kittens to various people to aid in their socialization and ease their transition into their future homes.
6 – 7 Weeks of Age
Feeding: Kittens should be comfortably eating both wet and dry food. It’s important to feed them at least three times a day. If you notice one kitten being possessive over food, provide an additional dish and ensure there’s ample food available for all. Remember, a kitten’s stomach at this age is about the size of an acorn, so while they may not consume a lot at once, they prefer to eat frequently throughout the day.
Development: At this stage, you have “miniature cats.” They can groom themselves, use scratching posts, engage in play with one another, their toys, and with you, and many will respond when you call them. Make sure to remind them about their litter box after meals, during playtime, and after their naps, as these are the common times when kittens usually need to use it.
Adoption: It’s time for their spay/neuter surgery and adoption! Healthy and strong 6-week-old kittens can be safely spayed or neutered at the discretion of a veterinarian and placed up for adoption. This recommendation comes from the Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ guidelines on high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN). Be sure to review your state and local animal regulations to determine if your facility is allowed to adopt out kittens at this age. It’s not recommended to test and vaccinate healthy kittens for retroviruses in the shelter; instead, adopters should be encouraged to discuss the kittens’ future medical care with their veterinarian.
7 – 8 Weeks of Age
Feeding: Provide wet food to the kittens 2-3 times daily (each kitten will consume slightly more than one 3 oz can per day). Keep a bowl of dry kibble and water available for them to eat and drink whenever they want. If there’s a mother cat with the litter, she should permit only short nursing sessions, if any at all.
Development: By the conclusion of the eighth week, kittens should each weigh between 1.5 and 2 pounds and resemble tiny versions of adult cats.
Adoption: They can be spayed or neutered and adopted anytime.
Socialization and Bathing
Starting at approximately 3 weeks old, kittens require exercise to help develop their muscles and circulation, as well as to learn social skills. They will start to interact with their littermates and pick up lessons from their mother if she is around. Introducing daily handling at this stage is beneficial for getting them accustomed to human contact. Playtime is the most effective way to aid in their physical and social growth.
If kittens lack a mother to groom them regularly, it’s essential to teach them grooming habits and keep them clean yourself. After each feeding, gently wipe them all over with a slightly damp, warm washcloth, mimicking the short strokes a mother cat would use. Kittens can get dirty between cleanings, so it’s okay to rinse the necessary areas with warm water under a sink faucet. Usually, a quick “butt bath” is sufficient. After the bath, wrap the kitten in towels or blankets and use a heating pad on a low setting to keep them warm. Remember, your body heat alone is not enough to warm a cold kitten. Ensure the kitten is completely dry before leaving them.
Socialization
Socialization is the process through which kittens form connections with other living creatures in their surroundings. It’s been demonstrated to be crucial for avoiding behavioral issues, particularly for those acclimated to living alongside humans and other animals.
It’s a tough task, but someone needs to interact with the kittens to make sure they’re properly socialized by the time they’re ready for adoption.
Kittens naturally interact with their mother and siblings if they are present. Pairing single, same-age kittens can also provide a valuable opportunity for socialization.
The crucial socialization phase for kittens spans from 2-3 weeks old to 10 weeks old.
Kittens begin to engage in play and exploration around four weeks old. Ensure they have toys and stimuli available in their enclosure. Items like pipe cleaners, cardboard rolls from toilet paper and paper towels, along with traditional kitten toys, are excellent for play.
In a foster home, it’s important for the foster parent to dedicate some time daily to spend in the foster room with the kittens, engaging in playtime. In a shelter setting, ensure that the kittens receive some in-cage socialization time with their caregivers. According to the AAFP feline life stages, “Ideally, kittens should have enjoyable interactions with people for 30–60 minutes each day.”
Remember, it’s crucial to introduce kittens to a diverse range of people (varying in gender, size, age, etc.), so make this a priority for kittens both in foster homes and at the shelter.
Introducing new foster kittens to the resident pets of foster parents is not advised during the first two weeks. Allow the kittens to familiarize themselves with their new environment before they meet other animals. After this initial period, introducing the foster kittens to the adult cats and dogs in the household can be beneficial for their socialization. However, this should be done cautiously and always under supervision.
Steps to Bathe an Underage Kitten
Prepare a small sink or basin with warm water. If the kitten is particularly dirty, you can add a small amount of Dawn dish soap or baby shampoo to the water. Ensure the water is comfortably warm, similar to the temperature you would use for a bath.
To prevent the kitten from getting cold, prepare towels in advance to dry them off quickly. If you can, warm the towels in the dryer beforehand.
To protect yourself, consider wearing long sleeves and gloves, as kittens can become frightened and start scratching. To help keep the kitten calm and manageable, gently support it by holding it under its front legs with one hand while supporting its body with your other hand.
Give the kitten a brief but thorough bath to remove any food or feces. If only their bottom is dirty, just dip the bottom instead of the entire kitten.
Gently rinse the kitten with warm water and quickly wrap them in a towel.
Rub the kitten vigorously to dry it off. If the towel you’re using gets soaked, switch to a fresh, dry one.
Keep the kitten with you until it’s completely dry. If necessary, wrap a heating pad around the towel while the kitten dries.
Taking Care of Kittens – The First Six Months
One of the most frequently asked questions about kitten care is how to properly look after a kitten, although it’s also one of the broadest inquiries. Here are some fundamental guidelines for caring for a kitten during the first six months of its life:
Under 4 Weeks of Age: Kittens are classified as newborns from birth up to 4 weeks old. At this stage, they are developing their motor skills and coordination, as well as learning to regulate their body temperature. They rely on their mother for warmth during this period. If the mother cat is present, human caregivers need only to provide a warm, clean, and safe environment, along with good nutrition and veterinary care for the mother. However, if the mother cat cannot care for her kittens, significant care from humans becomes necessary to ensure the kittens grow and thrive. It’s important to schedule an immediate visit with us to assess the kittens’ needs, particularly regarding feeding and monitoring their growth. Comprehensive orphan kitten care includes bottle feeding every 2-4 hours, maintaining a warm and safe environment, and assisting the kittens with urination and defecation. Ensure they are kept warm with blankets, especially if they are separated from their mother or siblings. Dr. Lacie and many staff members at Cat Care Center have personal experience with orphan kitten care and can provide specialized guidance for these young kittens’ needs.
5-11 Weeks of Age: At this point, newborn kittens should have transitioned from their mother’s milk or bottle-feeding to a diet rich in protein and energy. Their motor skills and coordination should also be improving. Be cautious, as your kitten will become increasingly bold and adventurous during this stage! Taking care of a kitten at this age involves close supervision to make sure their curiosity and bravery don’t get them into trouble.
2-4 Months of Age: This phase marks a time of swift development for kittens. You can anticipate your kitten having significantly more energy compared to an adult cat, and you might be awakened at night by a playful kitten. Proper care during this stage involves plenty of playtime to build a bond, as well as providing 3 to 4 high-protein meals each day.
4-6 Months of Age: Your kitten is approaching adolescence and sexual maturity, which will lead to increased energy and some behavioral changes reminiscent of a human child entering puberty. It’s now the right time to consider and plan for spaying or neutering your kitten. Puberty typically occurs around 6-8 months old, so it is advisable to spay or neuter before this stage. It’s crucial to maintain hands-on, bonding-based playtime and incorporate behavior modification techniques if needed. There are numerous ways to enhance your cat’s environment, which is particularly important for indoor kittens. During your next visit, we should discuss methods to create a stimulating environment that meets your kitten’s natural instincts.
Have you come across a kitten that requires rescuing?Learn more about what steps to take if you come across a kitten and how to provide proper care for it.
Nutrition Tips for Kittens
As mentioned earlier, appropriate kitten nutrition involves adjusting their diet to make sure they receive the necessary nutrients. during each stage of growth.
During the first four weeks of a kitten’s life, the mother cat should nurse them. If the kitten is not with their mother, you need to feed them a special commercial milk replacement formula every 2-4 hours.
Between the ages of 3 to 5 weeks, gradually transition kittens from bottle feeding by introducing milk replacement formula in a shallow dish. Additionally, provide a soft and easily chewable diet made by mixing the warmed milk replacement with high-quality canned or dried kitten food, feeding them 4-6 times daily.
By the time your kitten is 5-8 weeks old, it should be able to eat solid food on its own. It’s important to give your kitten a diet high in protein and energy, feeding it 3-4 times a day. There are various kinds of kitten food on the market, and we are eager to talk about these nutritional choices with you during your next visit to the vet. Often, we suggest canned food because it closely resembles the natural diet in texture and ingredients. However, a balanced diet can also include a mix of both canned and dry cat foods.
Once they reach 6 months old, kittens should be fed two to three times a day.
Ensuring that kittens receive the appropriate food, in the correct quantities, and at the proper times during the day is crucial for their happiness, health, and growth. Our veterinary team would be delighted to talk about the optimal feeding routine for your kitten during your upcoming veterinary visit.
A significant aspect of a kitten’s growth involves familiarizing them with human family members and any other pets in the home. Contrary to the common belief that dogs and cats don’t get along, most dogs can coexist with cats; however, some dogs possess a strong hunting instinct and may mistake a cat for a smaller prey. Therefore, ensuring appropriate behavior and interactions between different species necessitates active, careful, and ongoing social development that includes:
Litter box training
Frequent petting and cuddling
Toy introduction
Exploration with boxes, paper bags, etc.
Rewarding good behavior with treats
Redirection from biting or scratching
Introducing new people and animals in a controlled setting.
Weekly combing and grooming and handling
Nail trimming
Kitten development is an enjoyable experience, but it does demand your active participation. It’s essential to recognize the time commitment required to support proper growth and development in kittens. For more information,Click here to learn more about our Kitten Kindergarten class.
What Can Go Wrong with Kittens
Newborn kittens, especially those aged 0-4 weeks, require considerable care and attention. One of the most crucial aspects to consider is the potential problems that can arise with them. Here are some warning signs to watch out for when caring for newborn kittens:
Refusing to eat, particularly for young kittens that have been abandoned or separated from their mothers.
Delays or difficulties in motor coordination skills
Lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting
Kittens that are older than 4 weeks have surpassed the critical stages where maintaining proper feeding and body temperature is crucial. In this new phase, while you should continue monitoring for those warning signs, your focus should begin to shift towards other aspects of their care. behavioral issues such as:
Litter box usage
Signs of aggression and play-biting
Concerns and other behaviors that need to be addressed while they are still moldable and open to change
If you notice any unusual or worrisome behaviors while your kitten is growing, don’t hesitate to arrange an extra visit to the vet. This would be in addition to the regular preventive check-ups that should already be scheduled. kitten vaccinations .
Preventive Care for Kittens
Preventive care plays a crucial role in giving your kitten the best chance at a healthy life. Preventive kitten care It all starts with selecting the right veterinarian and collaborating with them to establish a solid plan for checkups, kitten vaccinations, and preventive care. At Cat Care Center, we recognize subtle indicators that your kitten might not be entirely healthy. Through an in-depth conversation with you and a physical examination, our veterinarian can detect any health or behavioral problems your kitten may face.
When to Schedule Your Kitten’s First Veterinary Appointment
Regardless of when you acquire your kitten, it is important toArrange a visit with the veterinarian.During the first week, make sure to visit the vet early and often. These frequent visits will aid in socializing your kitten with the vet and help set an informed benchmark for your kitten’s health and well-being.
Intestinal Parasites, Fleas, and Heartworm Disease in Kittens
All kittens need a regular a deworming initiative that involves administering drugs to eliminate the majority of intestinal parasitesFurthermore, we will need to examine your kitten’s stool for any rare but potentially dangerous parasites. Apart from intestinal parasites or worms, cats are also susceptible to heartworms. There is no cure if a cat develops heartworm disease, so we strongly advise regular heartworm prevention measures for all cats.
One of the most frequent dangers to your kitten is parasites, particularly fleas. It’s crucial to have a conversation about your cat’s habits and the appropriate measures for flea and tick control as part of comprehensive kitten care. We advise against using over-the-counter sprays, powders, or collars because they tend to be less effective and more harmful to your kitten. During your next visit, we would be pleased to discuss a reliable flea/tick prevention program and broader parasite control strategies.
Schedule for Kitten Vaccinations
Vaccinations play a crucial role in ensuring your new kitten’s health and well-being. At Cat Care Center, we adhere to the AAFP vaccination guidelines. As such, your kitten will receive a series of booster vaccinations spread over three visits, each spaced 3-4 weeks apart. This schedule may be adjusted by your veterinarian based on your kitten’s age and previous vaccination history.
Administering 3 to 4 FVRCP vaccines will protect your cat against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (feline Parvovirus) until they are at least 16 to 20 weeks old.
Two FeLV vaccines, which safeguard your cat against the Feline Leukemia Virus.
1 Rabies vaccination
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)/Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Testing in Kittens
When Should You Spay/Neuter Your Kitten?
By the time they are 4-5 months old, kittens begin to enter a stage of mature adolescence, also known as “kitty puberty.” As a result, it becomes important for you toGet your kitten spayed or neutered.Here are some reasons for spaying and neutering:
Steer clear of undesirable behaviors such as marking territory with scent, females in estrus, and aggressive actions.
Avoiding unplanned litters
A reduced likelihood of developing breast or testicular cancer in the future.
If your kitten is interacting with other kittens or cats of the opposite gender, it is crucial to have them spayed or neutered by the time they are 4-5 months old, or even earlier.
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