Caring for a newborn kitten can be a daunting task for a new parent, especially if the mother cat isn’t around to care for it. But hope is not entirely lost. There are some basic steps you can take to help your new kitten live a long, healthy life. Let’s look at the most important things a cat owner can do to help their first kitten.
Steps to care for a kitten
1. Keep it warm
A big advantage of having the mother nearby is that adult cats keep the kittens warm. A young kitten needs to maintain a certain body temperature into its four to six weeks of age. If you are caring for multiple kittens at a time, be sure to keep them together in their own kennel. This can help them learn to socialize and maintain their ideal temperature.
2. Pay attention to their weight gain
Steady weight gain is the best indicator of a healthy growing kitten. The numbers may vary depending on the kitten’s current size and how far they are from the weaning stage. If you use cat formula as a milk substitute, keep in mind that bottle feeding is much faster than traditional feeding. Be sure to pace the kitten, maintaining a flexible feeding schedule that accommodates the growth of the kitten’s stomach.
3. Know when to wean
Weaning usually begins when a three- to four-week-old kitten begins aggressively biting the bottle while eating. Start by slowly mixing the kitten food with its high-quality formula until you can completely switch to cat food. Wet food mixed with dry food may be easier on the kitten before he gets completely used to solid food. Be patient throughout the process and remember that this phase can last until the kitten reaches two months of age.
4. Take a bath
Given the absence of the mother, it is necessary to simulate grooming by cleaning the kitten with a warm, damp wipe. Between grooming sessions, you can also bathe him to remove excess dirt that may accumulate after interacting with the litter box or during play by washing him in the sink with warm, clean water. This can also help keep fleas away and encourage good grooming behavior. Be sure to keep them as warm as possible after bathing and don’t leave them until they are completely dry.
5. Other processes to keep in mind
Kittens need to be groomed to stimulate urination and defecation until they are ready for the litter box. Massage your kitten’s abdomen and genitals with a washcloth after eating to help him process the food. You should also keep track of your kitten’s vaccination, deworming, and heartworm screening schedule to ensure his or her health care is up to date. Once the kitten is old enough, pet owners may consider neutering or spaying, as well as microchipping.
How to care for a kitten FAQ
How long can I leave my two month old kitten alone?
You should not leave a kitten, under four months of age, alone for more than four hours. Afterwards, they can spend up to 8 hours alone. If you can’t be with them, consider getting a companion or family member so the kitten can socialize while you’re away.
What are the essential supplies needed for a new kitten?
In addition to the bed and carrier, you should also have a water bowl, a cat toy and a scratching post available for your cat.
What vaccinations should my cat have?
Possibly, your cat should be vaccinated against feline leukemia virus, rabies, feline panleukopenia, feline viral rhinotracheitis, and feline calicivirus. Ask your vet about the right time to vaccinate your cat for each of these diseases.