Kitten Care

Having kittens around the house is a wonderful experience! But, it's important to know everything about newborn kitten care, so that your kitty grows into a healthy and happy cat. In the first few weeks of their life, kittens can't maintain their body temperature. Hence, they cuddle up to their mother for warmth. You can suspend electric bulbs at a safe distance in the maternity box to keep the mother and her litter cozy.

As soon as kittens are born, you must cat-proof your home. You must keep all the toxic and dangerous items away from the kitty's reach. When you bring a new kitten in the house, she needs time to adjust to the new environment. Keep her in a safe and comfortable place, along with the litter box and meal bowl. It's suggested knowing everything about new kitten care BEFORE you bring home a kitten.

It's important to take special care of kitten health. These lovely creatures have small stomach and take 4-5 small meals throughout the day. Do not wean the kittens until they are 8 weeks old. Mother's milk is the best for them. Avoid cow milk. Kittens require a diet loaded with protein, calcium, and other nutrients. Cat food might not suffice their nutritional requirements. Give them food specially designed for kittens. You can give them canned or dry food. It's a good idea to keep a bowl of dry food beside them so that they can nibble throughout the day.

If you notice your kitten avoiding food or being sluggish and sleeping more than usual, you must consult the vet. There might be something wrong with her. When a kitten stops eating, it's dangerous for her. Her liver may stop functioning. You must know about kitten care sicknesses so that you can handle a sick kitty before the vet arrives. Also, you must test your kitten for FIV after 6 weeks of age. Kittens get this disease from their mothers. Feline Leukemia is another deadly disease.

There are certain vaccinations to be administered to your kitty. One of them is the rabies shot. This is given at 4 months of age. Then, another shot is given after a year. After that, you need to give her boosters every 3 years. Besides, feline distemper is a fatal disease. So, get her a distemper shot at 8 weeks of age. You must update yourself with kitten information care regularly. Keep in touch with your vet. And please don't assume things.

A cautious deportment and prompt diagnosis of sickness can save your kitty's life. And remember, if the mother rejects her litter, it'd be your responsibility to bring up the kittens. Sometimes, the mother may get an instinct that her kittens will not survive, and hence, she will stop taking care of them. In such a situation, the kittens will NOT survive, no matter how much you do for them. Don't feel guilty when this happens. These are Nature's ways!