Things to Know About Newborn Kitten Care

Things to Know About Newborn Kitten Care – A baby kitten is a playful, furry, and adorable little animal with soft fur. They’re popular pets to have in the home or to adopt from shelters. If you are thinking about adopting a new furry family member, make sure you know how to care for one before adding it to your life!

This article has some great tips on what it’s like raising a baby kitten at home and the essential things you need to be aware of when making that decision. Read on – Things to Know About Newborn Kitten Care

How to Take Care Of A Newborn Kitten?

A newborn kitten is born with much shorter fur and cannot see. The eyes will open within the month, and their first few weeks of life will be filled with exploring their surroundings and socializing with other cats. Kittens over 3 weeks can see and hear, but they can’t understand what is being said.

A newborn kitten has basic instincts that help them survive their first few weeks. One thing new kittens need most is warmth and shelter. They can’t fend for themselves, so you must provide them with food, water, and clean bedding to be comfortable. It would be best if you also kept an eye on your kitten’s weight because too much or too little will cause health problems in the future.

Like babies, newborn kittens may have some health issues. In the first four weeks of life, kittens can suffer from diarrhea and, malnutrition, serious health problems. Kittens also lose their mother’s antibodies during birth, so you’ll need to feed them their mother’s milk. Ensure you provide them with the proper food to help their immune systems.

What Can I Feed To A Newborn Kitten?

What you feed your kitten depends on their age. Kittens need to eat more than adult cats because they are still growing, so their stomachs grow quickly and demand more food. The first few days of your kitten’s life are critical because they won’t be able to feed themselves at first.

Within the first 24 hours of life, a baby kitten should be given special milk containing colostrum every 2 or 3 hours because it helps them fight off infection and helps their small bodies grow strong and healthy.

Between 3 weeks and 8 weeks, you should feed your baby kitten with a kitten milk replacement. The nutrients included in the formula are essential and should consist of protein, calcium, and phosphorus. Kittens can consume kitten milk replacement formulas because their bodies were designed for drinking milk from their mother during pregnancy.

After 8 weeks, kittens can eat hard food for adults. It’s recommended that you have well-balanced wet and dry food for the growing kitty to consume so they can grow strong and healthy.

Also, it’s time to start having wet food because kitten milk replacement has fewer nutrients than adult cat milk. Make sure you don’t feed your baby kitten too much food because this can cause diarrhea, flatulence, or even coat loss.

How Much Does A Kitten Sleep?

Newborn kittens sleep 16-18 hours a day, much longer than the average adult cat. For the first two weeks of their lives, kittens will sleep most of the day and wake up only to eat and explore their surroundings. They get tired from all the play and exercise they do and don’t have many of their needs to attend to.

After 2 weeks, your kitten will start sleeping 12-14 hours a day until they reach 1 year old. If you have more than one kitten, make sure you spend time with each one, so they don’t feel left out when it’s time for bed.

Also, ensure you keep your cats’ environment clean because your kittens will get attracted to poop that is left around. Sleep is essential for kittens, so let them take a long nap in the morning and then play and exercise throughout the rest of the day.

How to Clean A Kitten’s Eyes

Your baby kitten will develop a vision as they grow, and their eyes need to be cleaned regularly. As their eyes grow, their eyelashes and eyebrows will start to appear. Cleaning your kitten’s eyes should be done at least 2 to 3 times a week; this is the most effective way to keep your kitten’s eye infection-free. These are the steps to follow to keep your kitten’s eyes clean;

1. Put your kitten on a comfortable flat surface for you to sit on, like a table.

2. Open your kitten’s eyes one at a time and gently wipe the eyelid with an eye cleaner or warm washcloth.

3. Gently massage the area around their eye, avoiding the eye itself.

4. Close their eyes and gently wipe the other lid.

5. Be sure to clean the area between their eyebrows above their eyes where bacteria can grow.

6. Repeat for each of your kittens’ eyes.

Do Newborn Kittens Need To Visit A Vet?

Yes, you should check your kitten’s health to see if they have any symptoms that worry you. A week after they leave their mother’s belly, the kittens’ immune systems will begin working properly. If something feels wrong with them, it is essential to take them to a vet so they can be checked for any infection or disease.

Kittens are cute, adorable, and tiny but still need good care. Taking newborn kittens to the vet for a check-up ensures they’re healthy and ready for the rest of the world.

So, if you’re a new kitten owner, make sure that you take your new kitten to the vet to be checked for any possible health problems. Kittens have delicate bodies and are very vulnerable to disease and illness; therefore, keeping an eye on your kitty’s health from the beginning is essential.

Things to Know About Newborn Kitten Care – Conclusion

Kittens are pretty social and will get used to being around people once they are brought home. They are very playful and love to explore their surroundings. Take care of them by checking their food, water, and litter boxes. If they are comfortable at home, they will be happy and content.