It takes time and careful planning, preparation, and care to raise healthy kittens. Their increased fragility at this age, with 9% of babies dying before they are 8 weeks old, reflects this. Knowing how to take care of them will guarantee that they develop into strong adult cats.
Despite how cute new kittens may seem, this is a dangerous time for both the babies and the mother cats. Infections and issues that affect kittens include Fading Kittens Syndrome, which affects 20 to 40% of all domestic cats.
This is why it's crucial to follow all the procedures to ensure the health of the mother and the infants.
1.pregnant cats being fed
A good pregnancy depends on the mother cat receiving the appropriate care. Cats typically give birth after 63 to 65 days of gestation. Cats require higher levels of certain nutrients during this time that aren't found in typical adult cat diet.
Kittens who are malnourished may be born with lower birth weights and be more susceptible to other illnesses later in life. It's crucial to give the pregnant cat more energy to ensure that the kittens are delivered healthily.
This can be given to pregnant cats and kittens in the form of a special meal that contains a wealth of vital nutrients that encourage development. A constant supply of pure water is also essential.
2.Socialization of the mother and kitten
It's crucial to socialize the mother and kittens with people as soon as they are born. This will ensure that they develop a sense of trust for people and become sociable, assured kittens. Just keep in mind that young kids shouldn't be left unattended with kittens.
A kitten should interact with people throughout its first few weeks of life, but until it can walk by itself, try to hold off on introducing it to other animals like the family dog.
You might begin by handling kittens and weighing them daily as a socialization regimen. You should handle them gently, and you should rejoin them if either the mother or the kittens exhibit signs of anxiety. When it's best to put them back together, your cat and kittens will give you cues.
Around four weeks old, a kitten's eyes and ears will be fully developed. The ideal moment to expose children to novel experiences, such as noises, smells, and feelings, is now.
You can start giving older kittens toys, scratching posts, and cozy bedding when they are still young.
3.the diet of kittens
You will need to be more proactive in a kitten's nutrition in situations where a mother may be absent or has stopped feeding the kittens too early. This calls for the usage of a kitten milk substitute like Di Vetelact.
Essential nutrients are provided by kitten milk replacement in a form that is simple to digest. Most likely, a syringe will need to be used to manually administer this to a kitten.
At about 4 weeks old, a kitten starts to wean itself from its mother and start eating solid food. They should now be given premium kitten food in proportions that are suitable for their age and weight. Cat food specially formulated for kittens from companies like Advance aids in promoting healthy growth and gives them the finest start in life.
4.keeping kittens hygienic and clean
Human cleanliness is one of the most crucial aspects of parenting newborn kittens. Before touching any kittens, you should always wash your hands with soap and water.
It's crucial to maintain the environment clean and provide a litterbox for the mother and kittens to use. These materials are also advised to make your kitten's nesting environment as pristine as possible:
Newspaper
Heavy-based water and food bowls to prevent tipping
Clean towels
Newspaper
Big litter box for mother and a small litter box for kitten
Non-clumping for kitten litter box
Heavy-based water and food bowls to prevent tipping
Heating pad
Clean towels
These materials will give kittens a clean and secure environment in which to develop.
You can use a warm, damp cloth to clean the kittens if the mother is not present to do so. Observe their eyes and behind because this is where dirt can collect and become unhygienic.
5.temperature where kittens should be
It's critical for kittens to have a warm area to sleep and cuddle at all times. Keeping the kitten warm during the day and night will take precedence if the mother is absent. The ideal room temperature is between 25 and 27 °C. The easiest way to keep a kitten warm is to provide a cozy nesting spot with bedding and a heating mat for colder days and nights. In case a kitten chooses to rest on a cooler surface, heating pads should always be left with one side unheated and on a low setting.
The most crucial thing to keep in mind is to constantly be on the lookout for symptoms of disease, discomfort, stress, or malnutrition. Kittens require your help if they tremble, sob, or display unusually lethargy.
The tips above are simply meant to serve as general guidelines; it is always preferable to speak with your veterinarian about how to care for your particular kittens and mother cat.
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