Thinking of adopting a cute cuddly kitten or need advice on raising your own? Pet owners usually have concerns ranging from keeping the kitten warm, feeding consistency, handling the kitten, etc. While all of this is usually known to the mother cat, as pet parents, we require a bit more clarity in welcoming our new pet.
Feeding a newborn Kitten
Let’s get down to the most important responsibility; Nourishment! New kittens are prone to hunger pangs due to their increased metabolism and it’s your duty to ensure the little kitty is getting its daily sustenance.
- Opt for milk replacers, consult your veterinarian for the best products available.
- Use a feeding bottle to feed your kitty if it’s less than 4-weeks old
- After 4-weeks, begin using a bowl to pour the milk replacer
- Begin to introduce more chewable forms of food, as the weeks’ pass
A pet feeding video guide can be found here.
How often do I feed a newborn kitten?
During the first few weeks, it’s optimum to:
- Feed your kitty between an interval of 2 to 3-hours
- After 4-weeks, it’s considered appropriate to offer food 4 to 5-times a day
- Once the kitty begins to grow up past the 10th week, consider feeding it 3 to 4-times a day
This is a pet chart to identify the right age of your kitten.
Keeping the little furry pet warm!
As all newborn babies go, kittens are no different and require warmth for essential growth. There are ways to ensure you kitten is warm such as:
- Pouring warm water in a bottle wrapped in a towel and keeping it next to the kitten
- A heating pad is convenient as well and provides adequate warmth
- Ensure the bottle or the pad is warm and not hot before placing it near the kitty
The pet should also have sufficient sleeping space to move around.
Handling the Kitten
It’s crucial to not play or socialize with the kitty during the first two weeks. During this time your pet is extremely vulnerable to human touch and due to its underdeveloped state, you can risk injuring it.
- After the first couple of weeks, the bonding process begins
- The young feline is generally playful and can be gently carried around
- Prevent kids from handling the pet as they may injure the kitty, unintentionally
Your kitten starts to recognize you as its parent during the bonding stage, it’s important to spend quality time with your pet to ensure its happy.
Up keeping the pet’s hygiene
Newborn kittens are generally messy and require your attention frequently.
- Using a warm washcloth gently wipe the bottom and urinary regions
- As the kitten grows, a litter box can be introduced
- To train your kitty to use the litter box, place the kitty after a meal on top of the box
Kittens don’t require a bath but if you absolutely must clean the pet, lightly wet a lukewarm washcloth and proceed to gently scrub the body.
Regular visits to the Vet
There is only so much that pet parents can accomplish, for a more thorough check-up on your kitten’s progress, it’s essential to visit the vet for:
- Analyzing the body weight to ensure your pet weighs on the healthy side
- Vaccination schedules to ensure both you and your pet are safe
- Medical information on eradicating fleas and potential vermin
Insurance is important for most cat breeds, to ensure a mental freedom from the hassles of enduring costs related to sickness, vet fees, medications, etc.
Kitten Weight Chart
Bringing home a kitten is just the start of a memorable journey that can last through years of affection with the right amount of care.
