Newborn Kittens How To Care For Them

Orphaned neonatal kittens require around the clock care so you ll want to establish a routine of care every 2 4 hours the younger they are the more frequent the intervals between feedings it s normal for the kittens to sleep just make sure they are in a safe and confined space.

Newborn kittens how to care for them. On the first week of the newborn kittens life they should be fed every two to three hours. At about three to four weeks old they can be offered milk replacer from a bowl and then small amounts of moistened kitten food four to six times a. If the mother cat is still in the picture she can provide most of the kittens needs herself. The first milk produced called colostrum is rich in antibodies and will help protect kittens against diseases.

A kitten with a low body temperature is in danger feeding that kitten can actually be dangerous. Provide blankets a heat lamp or a heating pad to ensure the kittens stay warm. After that it s best to start socializing them by handling them a few times a day picking them up and touching them all over usually between weeks two and seven as this is considered a fundamental time in their social development. Newborn kittens get cold very easily.

You will want to make sure he or she is stable first and given a once over by a doctor. Caring for newborn kittens is hard work. Look at the kittens soon after birth look at the kittens. Chilling is one of the most critical dangers to newborn kittens.

They require attention and care around the clock. A two week old kitten can be fed every four to six hours. These antibodies last for six weeks or more. Your primary concern in caring for your newborn kitten is temperature regulation.

If you have recently taken in some newborn kittens you will have your work cut out for you. This will continue until they gradually transition to solid foods when they are around four weeks old weaning. If the kitten doesn t eat check to make sure the bottle s nipple is not clogged. Use a large enough box to comfortably hold the mother cat and her kittens.

To feed a kitten place the kitten belly down on a towel on your lap. Line the box with layers of newspapers and place the box in a warm dimly lit quiet place such as a closet or a corner where there isn t much activity. For more on kitten care read kitten care stages. If you are using a brand new bottle cut a small hole in the nipple using small and sharp scissors.

Stack clean towels to line it. Newborn to 72 weeks. Newborn kittens may nurse about every 1 2 hours. Gently place the bottle nipple in the kitten s mouth and the newborn kitten should begin to eat.