How to Care for Kittens

kitten care 

Here are some ways to care for kittens: 

Kittens less than four weeks old are unable to maintain their body temperature on their own, making it crucial to keep them warm. Providing a heat source, like holding them close to your body, is essential until they reach four to six weeks of age.

Provide food and water

Kittens require access to fresh water at all times, and it’s important to use a different bowl for their food. Bowls with a non-slip rubber base are beneficial to prevent sliding. Make sure to feed your kitten food specifically designed for kittens, as it contains higher levels of calcium and protein necessary for their development. Consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate feeding schedule and portion sizes for your kitten. Typically, veterinarians advise feeding kittens three times daily between three and six months of age.

Litter box training

Cats aren’t innately equipped with the knowledge of using a litter box, so you’ll need to train your kitten. Allow your kitten to explore the box to become accustomed to it.

Grooming

Regular grooming is essential, particularly for kittens with medium to long fur. It’s important to begin grooming early on so your kitten becomes accustomed to the process.

Socialization

Give your kitten chances to interact with people and other animals.

Veterinary care

Book an appointment with a veterinarian for a health check-up to ensure your pet receives vaccinations, deworming treatments, and flea prevention.

Caring for Kittens from Birth to Eight Weeks

5 Requirements for Kitten Care:

1.  Keep kittens warm. 
2. Make sure that kittens get enough fluids and proper nutrition.
3.  Keep kittens clean. 
4. Foster interaction with both humans and other animals in foster care.
5. Do your utmost to protect them from contagious illnesses.

Body Warmth

The significance of providing a heat source for orphaned kittens is paramount. A mother cat would normally maintain a warm environment of around 100 – 103 F (38 – 39 C) for her kittens. It is crucial to ensure these kittens have access to a heat source until they are four to six weeks old. Kittens older than four weeks may start to avoid a warm bed, but if the room temperature is cool, even older kittens will seek out warmth. For this reason, it’s recommended to keep single kittens of the same age together, both for warmth and socialization, which helps minimize the risk of hypothermia.

Make sure the kittens are in a warm, draft-free room. Use a blanket to line the bottom of their cage and provide a bed, which can be fashioned from a small litter box or cardboard box, along with a litter box. Covering the crate or the front of the cage with a towel helps shield from drafts and keeps kittens under 4 weeks old warm. Ideally, the temperature in the kittens’ room should be around 85°F (29°C), though this isn’t always possible. Kittens older than 6 weeks just need access to a warm and cozy place.

Due to their inability to control their body temperature, kittens under four weeks old need help to stay warm. You can aid them by using a heated  Snuggle Safe a disc placed at the entrance of the cage or crate. This disc can keep the necessary warmth for up to 8 hours. Instructions for how long it can heat are also included. Snuggle Safe The microwave’s wattage details can be found on each disk. If you’re uncertain about your microwave’s wattage, heat the disk for 5 minutes, then check its temperature with your hands. Make sure it’s not too hot before wrapping it in a soft blanket and placing it in the cage or crate, keeping the kitten from direct contact with the disk. If you don’t have a heating disk, use a heating pad on a low setting under the crate or at the bottom of the cage, and place a soft, folded towel or blanket between the kitten and the pad. Avoid using terrycloth towels for unsupervised kittens younger than 6 weeks, as their claws might get caught, risking shoulder dislocation. Another option is to use a pet heating pad covered with a soft blanket. Pet stores often carry heating pads designed for pets that maintain a low temperature and don’t have an automatic shut-off, ideal as long as there’s a nearby electrical outlet.

Frequently check the heat source to make sure it stays at a proper temperature, avoiding too hot or too cold extremes. Make sure that part of the cage does not have a heating disk or pad, so the kittens can move away from the heat if they need to. Kittens enjoy a cozy nest in their space, so offer them a soft fleece blanket for snuggling as they like.

Kitten Feeding

Just like humans, every kitten has its own individuality. They will eat different amounts, grow at different speeds, and develop their own food preferences. Any daily weight gain indicates that their diet is meeting their nutritional needs. It’s important to weigh kittens at the same time each day and under similar conditions, such as before or after feeding and stimulation. Generally, kittens should gain about half an ounce (14 grams) per day or approximately 4 ounces (113 grams) per week. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary from one kitten to another based on available resources. The most important sign of a healthy diet is consistent weight gain. Younger kittens, recently separated from their mother, are more accustomed to smaller, more frequent feedings through nursing.

 When we feed kittens with a bottle, we give them more milk at a faster rate than they would receive from nursing with their mother.Healthy kittens do not require feeding every two hours. Allow them to sleep for extended periods and refrain from waking them for feeding. Gradually, their stomachs will adjust to hold more milk per feeding, which will decrease the number of times they need to be fed, as opposed to the previous method of feeding them every two hours.

Guidelines for Bottle-Feeding Kittens:

• Kittens must be kept warm since they can’t digest food correctly if their body temperature drops too low.
• Follow the instructions on the package to prepare kitten milk replacer. (Make sure to never give them cow’s milk and always use the same formula consistently).
• Kittens usually require approximately 2 tablespoons or 30 ccs of formula per 4 ounces of their body weight daily. Consistent weight gain in a kitten signals that they are receiving adequate nutrition.
• Kittens that have recently been weaned from their mother will need some time to get used to eating less often.
• After the first few feedings, even the very young kittens shouldn’t require feeding every two hours.
• Feed weak, sick, or underweight kittens more frequently, as they are more susceptible to hypoglycemia.
• Avoid waking a sleeping kitten for feeding unless a significant amount of time has elapsed. Continuous sleep is essential for a young kitten’s growth.
• Kittens tend to sleep more deeply and for extended durations at night when there is less noise and fewer interruptions.

General Feeding Guidelines 

Before feeding, ensure the formula is at an appropriate warm temperature (around 100°F or 38°C), but not overly hot. You can achieve this by placing the bottle in hot water for a few minutes or microwaving it until it reaches the desired warmth.

A brief time in the microwave is okay, but it tends to heat things up very quickly, so it’s best to be careful and avoid overheating. When microwaving, be sure to stir gently to prevent bubbles and remove any hot spots that might develop in the liquid. After shaking the microwaved formula, test it on your wrist before giving it to your baby.

Make sure to always place the kitten in the right position when feeding it.  NEVER When feeding a kitten, avoid placing them on their back as this can lead to inhalation of the formula, potentially causing fatal pneumonia. Instead, place the kitten on their belly in a natural nursing position, and use a towel or cloth for them to grip and knead. If the kitten is frantic, try wrapping them in a towel while feeding. To bottle feed, gently open the kitten’s mouth with your finger and insert the nipple. They will soon recognize and seek out the nipple, creating a vacuum effect during suckling. Bubbles in the bottle and wiggling ears are signs of successful feeding. Hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle to prevent air from entering the stomach. Let the kitten suckle at their own pace. If the kitten refuses the nipple, stimulate them by rubbing their forehead or back, similar to a mother’s touch, or use a toothbrush to mimic the mother’s tongue. If bottle feeding is unsuccessful, use a syringe to provide proper nutrition, administering milk from the side of the mouth to prevent aspiration.

If syringe feeding is necessary, make sure there is a specific contact person for foster parents to get in touch with. Consult the “Kitten Weight Gain and Developmental Milestones” section for instructions on syringe feeding.

When feeding multiple kittens, it’s generally best to allow each kitten to drink from the bottle until they naturally detach by pushing the nipple out. After that, stimulate and let the kitten rest while you feed the others. Once every kitten has had a chance, begin again with the first kitten and repeat the process. This approach ensures that each kitten is adequately fed, resulting in longer intervals between feedings. You can’t give a kitten an excessive amount of food in one go, but you can feed it too often. Compelling a kitten to eat when it isn’t hungry or asking for food can result in stress and cause diarrhea. When lifted by its front legs, a well-nourished kitten should have a belly that resembles the shape of a pear.

Kittens that seem too frail to nurse may have an underlying health issue. If a kitten persistently refuses to nurse after the first few tries, it might indicate illness and should be checked by a veterinarian. It is essential to have a plan in place for foster caregivers that outlines who to contact in these circumstances.

After each feeding, use a warm, slightly damp washcloth to gently wipe the entire body of each kitten. Imitate their mother’s short grooming strokes while doing this. This routine keeps their fur clean, helps them develop grooming habits, and promotes social bonding. Make sure the kitten is completely dry before placing them back in their cage, and cover the cage with a blanket.

We recommend gently cleaning a kitten’s eyes twice a day with a warm cotton pad. As kittens grow and their eyes begin to open, this area becomes the primary entry point for bacteria. Mother cats keep this area very clean, so it’s essential for us to do the same in order to reduce the risk of eye infections.

Kittens naturally suckle for comfort. Sometimes, they might suckle on each other around mealtime, signifying a need for more frequent feedings or indicating stress. If this behavior becomes problematic, especially if it involves the genital area, it is critical to temporarily separate the kittens immediately to prevent it from becoming a harmful habit. Check the genitals of each kitten for signs of issues like redness, irritation, or an exposed penis, as suckling on genitals can cause the urethra to swell and may necessitate surgery. If problems occur, ensure that foster parents know whom to contact for help. Separating kittens from their littermates should still allow for supervised play and nearby sleeping to keep the scent of their siblings. Typically, this separation should last about a week until the kittens mature and the suckling reflex reduces.

Weaning 

A kitten is ready for the weaning stage once it has learned to use the litter box and often bites the nipple forcefully. During the weaning process, it’s crucial to continue bottle-feeding to ensure the kittens get sufficient nutrition and stay relaxed.

The first step in the weaning process is to get the kitten to lick formula or a gruel-like mixture from your finger and then from a spoon. Once the kitten has mastered this, you can start offering the formula in a shallow dish. To help the kitten adjust to solid food, blend warmed canned kitten food with prepared kitten formula to make a thin gruel. Slowly reduce the amount of formula in the mixture until the kitten is eating solid food alone.

Place the food in a shallow dish. Some kittens may start eating right away, while others might prefer to lick the gruel from your fingers first. Allow them to do so, gradually guiding your finger towards the dish. The kittens might nibble on the edge of the dish or even step into the food. It may take several meals before they fully understand the process. If a kitten isn’t interested in the gruel, try gently opening its mouth and placing a small amount of food on its tongue or teeth. Be patient, as the weaning process takes time. Once the kittens begin to get the hang of it, you can thicken the gruel. When they are eating the thicker gruel, make sure they always have fresh water in a low, spill-resistant bowl.

Kittens often end up stepping in their food. Make sure to keep the kittens clean and  DRY Prior to putting them in their cages, it’s crucial to understand that most weaning kittens can be quite messy while eating. As a result, you may not be able to leave gruel or water in their cages right away. Moreover, wet kittens can easily become cold.

Some kittens might completely refuse wet food. It’s crucial to have a small, highly aromatic kibble option like Royal Canin Babycat available. Its enticing scent and easy-to-handle size can attract kittens to eat. Keep this kibble accessible during the weaning phase. Also, place shallow water bowls nearby. If a kitten chooses dry food over wet, make sure they get enough water, as their hydration requirements will be greater.

Stimulation for Urination and Defecation 

Mother cats groom their kittens to help them with urination and defecation. If you’re taking care of kittens, you’ll need to perform this crucial task, as very young orphaned kittens can’t urinate or defecate on their own. To assist them, carefully rub their lower abdomen, genitals, and rectum using a cotton round or toilet paper dipped in warm water, or a fragrance-free baby wipe, both before and after each feeding. Make sure to use a white item for stimulation so you can observe the color of their waste. Ideal urine should be pale yellow; darker urine may indicate dehydration, suggesting the need to add more water or Pedialyte to their formula. Only rub enough to trigger elimination, as too much stimulation can cause irritation. Monitor for any signs of chafing and dirt, and ensure the kitten stays warm. Kittens should urinate with each stimulation and have a bowel movement at least once a day. It’s normal for a newly fostered kitten to not defecate for up to 48 hours due to the stress of the transition.

General guidelines are: 

• Kittens need stimulation until they reach around three weeks of age.
• Kittens require stimulation both prior to and following each feeding.
• Kittens should urinate frequently and have a bowel movement at least once daily.

When kittens are 3 to 4 weeks old, they can start to eliminate waste by themselves. At this point, it’s advisable to put a litter box in their crate or cage, filled with either non-clumping litter or shredded newspaper.

When introducing a litter box, it’s a good idea to offer some dry kitten food to stop the kittens from eating the litter. To teach a kitten to use the litter box, place some of their feces in the box so they associate the smell with it. If a kitten goes to the bathroom on its towel instead of in the box, put the feces into the box instead of completely cleaning it out of the cage.

 Check out this video from Maddie’s Institute for guidance on how to stimulate a kitten to urinate and defecate. 

Kitten Weight Gain and Developmental Milestones 

Kittens should gain about half an ounce (14 grams) every day, or 4 ounces (113 grams) each week.Weigh the kittens daily at the same time using a kitchen or small postal scale. If there is no weight gain within 24 hours, it indicates potential health issues. Begin syringe feeding the kitten and establish a communication plan with foster parents. To syringe feed, prepare the formula and fill a syringe with it. Position the syringe at the side of the kitten’s mouth, never directly in front. Place a drop of milk on the kitten’s tongue and ensure it swallows completely to avoid aspiration. Alternatively, if using a nipple on the syringe, you can feed from the front, helping the kitten to suck the milk through the nipple. Make sure the kitten swallows the formula before administering more.

A Kitten’s Developmental Stages
Age	Weight	Milestones
Birth	3–3.7 ounces   85–105 grams	Eyes and ears are closed.   Sleep 90% of the time.   Minimal handling.
2 – 5 days	3.5–6 ounces   90–140 grams	Umbilical cord falls off.   Can begin to purr.
10 – 14 days	8 ounces   227 grams	A person should stay alert and attentive. Healthy kittens generally appear round and warm, have pink skin, and rarely cry.
2 – 3 weeks	12 ounces   340 grams	Deciduous incisors emerge and may begin to fall out naturally. Will start crawling, standing, and engaging with their siblings.  Begin regular handling.   Ready for deworming.
4 weeks	1 pound   454 grams	Deciduous canine teeth come in; they begin to walk, although their balance isn’t great yet, start grooming themselves, and are able to control their body temperature.  Continue daily handling.   Ready for their 1   st  vaccine.   Prepared to try gruel and possibly ready to be introduced to dry kitten food.
6 weeks	1.5 pounds   680 grams	Deciduous premolars erupt.  Participating in activities such as running, playing, using the litter box, and grooming. It is advised to primarily feed dry kitten food, with some additional canned food as a supplement. Prepared for surgery and ready for adoption, subject to approval by the veterinary team.
8 weeks	2 pounds   907 grams	Ready for surgery and eligible for adoption (unless adoption has already taken place at 6 weeks).

0 – 1 Week of Age 

Feeding: If the kittens do not have a mother to nurse them, they need to be bottle-fed more often, around 6-8 times a day. Should a kitten fail to gain weight, up the frequency of the feedings. Do not wake sleeping kittens; rather, feed them when they are awake to make sure they get all their daily feedings. Remember,You cannot overfeed a kitten in a single serving, but you can provide them with food too often.Forcing a kitten to eat when they’re not hungry or not looking for food can lead to stress and cause diarrhea. A properly fed kitten will have a belly that looks pear-shaped when you lift them up by their front legs.

When the mother cat is with her kittens, the kittens should be actively nursing and competing for the nipples. Newborn kittens can nurse for as long as 45 minutes at a time. If the mother cat permits, make sure to weigh the nursing kittens at least once a day. Verify that each kitten is correctly positioned and feeding properly. Excessive movement and crying may indicate problems with milk flow, quality, or supply. Upon the mother’s return to the box, the kittens should quiet down and start nursing earnestly within a few minutes.

Environment: To ensure the safety of newborn kittens, the nest box should be kept comfortably warm, ideally maintaining a temperature between 85-90°F. Hypothermia is the most significant health risk for them.

Development: At one week old, kittens should weigh around 4 ounces each and should be minimally handled to ensure they get adequate rest. They will spend about 90% of their time sleeping and the remaining 10% eating.

1 – 2 Weeks of Age 

Feeding: Keep bottle-feeding the orphaned kittens 4-6 times daily until they are satisfied, but make sure not to overfeed them. If a kitten isn’t gaining weight, add an extra feeding session.

Environment: The floor of the nest box should be kept at a comfortably warm temperature, roughly between 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Development: At the age of 2 weeks, kittens usually weigh around 8 ounces. Between 5 and 8 days after being born, their ear canals start to open. Their eyes begin to open between 8 and 14 days, gradually opening from the nose outward. All kittens are born with blue eyes. Early on, their pupils are not visible, making their eyes appear uniformly dark blue.

Healthy kittens tend to be chubby and warm, with a pinkish hue to their skin. Their skin should promptly revert to its normal state when gently pinched. An active kitten will wriggle when picked up and will instinctively crawl back to its mother when nearby. Well-nourished and healthy kittens seldom cry.

To determine the sex of the kittens, carefully lay a kitten on its back in your hand. Female kittens have a vulva that looks like a vertical slit situated directly above the anus, with the two being very close together. In male kittens, the penile opening is also above the anus, but it is separated by a distinct scrotal sac, creating a larger gap between them. Comparing all the kittens side by side can help you clearly distinguish the differences between males and females.

2 – 3 Weeks of Age 

Feeding: Continue bottle feeding the kittens 4-5 times a day until they seem content but not overly stuffed. If you observe that a kitten isn’t putting on weight, add an additional feeding session.

Environment: The nest box floor should be kept at a comfortably warm temperature, ideally between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Development: When there is a queen, she will begin to spend more time outside the nest, although she won’t wander far from it. The kittens will weigh about 10 to 12 ounces. Their ears will become upright. Around the 18th day, kittens start crawling and by the 21st day, they can stand. Before their teeth come in, kittens will start playing with each other by biting ears, tails, and paws. They also learn to sit and touch objects with their paws.

Kittens go through an important period of socialization where their mother’s behavior significantly influences them for the following six weeks. To improve their social abilities, it is important to handle them more and get them accustomed to interacting with humans. Avoiding any frightening experiences is crucial; children, who may seem intimidating, should be closely monitored to ensure they are gentle with the kittens.

3 – 4 Weeks of Age 

Feeding: Continue to bottle-feed the kittens 3-4 times a day while beginning the weaning process. At this stage, they may start drinking from a bowl. If they show interest in solid food, offer it to them and allow them to eat, but continue with bottle feeding as well.

Environment: Starting now, the nest box floor temperature should be kept between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Development: At this phase, kittens generally weigh between 13 and 16 ounces. Their permanent eye color will begin to show, although it could take an additional 9 to 12 weeks to fully establish. Their vision will start to improve, and their eyes will begin to mimic the appearance and functionality of adult cats’ eyes. Though they will start to groom themselves, their mother will still take care of the majority of the cleaning.

  4 – 5 Weeks of Age 

Feeding: By the time they reach 4 weeks of age, kittens can usually begin drinking and eating soft food from a shallow dish. The weaning process should be gradual, with bottle feeding continuing twice a day as they get used to solid foods. Start to introduce dry food and water as well. Keep in mind that some kittens might not like wet food and will only start eating when dry kibble is offered.Small, highly fragrant pelletsRoyal Canin Babycat might be the only choice for helping a kitten that dislikes wet food transition. If this applies, keep bottle-feeding them to ensure they get the necessary nutrients until their teeth are fully grown.

Development: Begin litter training your kittens when they are around four weeks old. When you notice them moving away from their sleeping area to relieve themselves, it indicates they are ready for a litter box. Select a low-sided box with approximately an inch of litter or shredded newspaper. After each meal, place the kitten in the box and gently guide their paw to scratch the litter. Be patient, as the kitten might not consistently remember to use the box and might forget where it is. Provide lots of praise when they use it correctly. While most kittens will pick it up quickly, a few accidents are normal. To aid their learning, confine them to a smaller area since a larger space can make it more difficult for them to remember the location of the litter box. Always keep the litter box clean and place it away from their food.

5 – 6 Weeks of Age 

Feeding: Feed the gruel to your kittens 3-4 times a day, gradually making it thicker. Always keep dry food and water accessible. Some kittens may prefer wet food, while others might like dry food more. Make sure to accommodate the individual preferences of your kittens. If you are caring for a litter with their mother, continue the weaning process. For kittens that don’t enjoy canned food, you can mix meat-flavored human baby food with a bit of water, as the taste of meat is often more enticing. Ensure that the baby food does not contain onion powder, as it can be harmful to kittens.

Development: When kittens reach about five weeks of age, they can start exploring their surroundings while being supervised. At this stage, they will weigh approximately 1 pound, and the male kittens’ testicles will be visible. The most adventurous and curious kitten will be the first to figure out how to leave the nest, quickly followed by the other kittens.

Be sure to set aside time to play with your kittens daily!Choosing to wear long sleeves and pants is a wise decision because kittens can be quite playful and have sharp claws. When you sit on the floor, they will likely engage in a game of “King of the Mountain,” using your knees and shoulders as climbing spots. This game is both enjoyable and a form of exercise for them. Some kittens may be initially fearful; avoid forcing interaction. Instead, let them get used to your presence by sitting in the room and making phone calls, so they can hear your voice without feeling threatened. Incorporate them into your daily routines by exposing them to the sounds of the TV, vacuum cleaner, and other household noises. Additionally, introduce the kittens to various people to help with their socialization and to make their transition to future homes smoother.

6 – 7 Weeks of Age 

Feeding: Kittens should be happily munching on both wet and dry food. It’s crucial to feed them a minimum of three times daily. If you see a kitten getting territorial over food, offer an extra bowl and make sure there’s plenty of food for everyone. Keep in mind, a kitten’s stomach at this stage is approximately the size of an acorn, so although they might not eat a lot in one sitting, they tend to prefer eating small amounts multiple times a day.

Development: At this point, you have “miniature cats” on your hands. They are capable of grooming themselves, using scratching posts, playing with each other and their toys, and engaging with you. Many of them will even come when you call. Be sure to remind them to use their litter box after meals, during playtime, and after their naps, as these are the times they typically need to go.

Adoption: It’s time for their spay/neuter surgery and adoption! Healthy and robust 6-week-old kittens can be safely spayed or neutered, based on a veterinarian’s discretion, and then made available for adoption. This practice is supported by the guidelines from the Association of Shelter Veterinarians regarding high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN). Make sure to check your state and local animal regulations to see if your facility is permitted to adopt out kittens at this age. It’s not advised to test and vaccinate healthy kittens for retroviruses while in the shelter; instead, new owners should be encouraged to discuss the future medical care of their kittens with a veterinarian.

7 – 8 Weeks of Age 

Feeding: Offer wet food to the kittens 2-3 times a day (each kitten will eat a little over one 3 oz can daily). Make sure they always have access to a bowl of dry kibble and water for eating and drinking at their convenience. If there is a mother cat with them, she should limit the nursing sessions, if she allows any.

Development: By the end of the eighth week, kittens should weigh between 1.5 and 2 pounds and look like miniature versions of adult cats.

Adoption: They can be spayed or neutered and adopted at any time.

Socialization and Bathing 

Around the age of 3 weeks, kittens need physical activity to strengthen their muscles, improve circulation, and acquire social skills. They will begin engaging with their siblings and learning behaviors from their mother, if present. It’s important to start handling them gently every day to get them used to human interaction. Playing with them is the best method to support their physical and social development.

If kittens don’t have a mother to groom them, it’s crucial to teach them grooming habits and keep them clean yourself. After each feeding, gently wipe them with a slightly damp, warm washcloth, mimicking the short strokes a mother cat would use. Kittens can become dirty between cleanings, so it’s alright to rinse specific areas with warm water under a sink faucet. Often, a quick “butt bath” is sufficient. After bathing, wrap the kitten in towels or blankets and use a heating pad on a low setting to keep them warm. Keep in mind, your body heat alone won’t be enough to warm a cold kitten. Make sure the kitten is completely dry before leaving them.

Socialization 

Socialization involves kittens developing relationships with other living beings in their environment. It has been shown to be vital in preventing behavioral problems, especially for those accustomed to living with humans and other animals.

• It’s a challenging job, but it’s essential that someone engages with the kittens to ensure they are well socialized by the time they’re ready to be adopted.
• Kittens instinctively engage with their mother and siblings if they are around. Pairing up lone, similarly-aged kittens can also offer a meaningful chance for social interactions.
• The critical period for socializing kittens occurs between 2-3 weeks and 10 weeks of age.
• Kittens start playing and exploring when they are about four weeks old. Make sure their space is equipped with toys and stimulating items. Things like pipe cleaners, empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls, as well as regular kitten toys, are great for their playtime.
• In a foster home, it’s vital for the foster parent to spend some daily time in the foster room playing with the kittens. In a shelter environment, make sure the kittens get some socialization time in their cages with their caregivers. The AAFP feline life stages guidelines recommend that “kittens should ideally have enjoyable interactions with people for 30 to 60 minutes each day.”
• It’s important to expose kittens to a variety of people (different genders, sizes, ages, etc.), so be sure to prioritize this for kittens both in foster care and at the shelter.
• New foster kittens should not be introduced to the resident pets of their foster parents for the first two weeks. It is important to give the kittens time to get used to their new surroundings before interacting with other animals. Once this initial period has passed, slowly introducing the foster kittens to the adult cats and dogs in the home can help with their socialization. These introductions should be done carefully and under close supervision.

Steps to Bathe a Young Kitten

Get a small sink or basin ready with warm water. If the kitten is especially dirty, you can mix in a little Dawn dish soap or baby shampoo. Make sure the water is comfortably warm, like the temperature you’d use for a bath.

1. To keep the kitten from becoming cold, have towels ready to dry them off quickly. If possible, pre-warm the towels in the dryer.
2. To ensure your safety, it’s a good idea to wear long sleeves and gloves, as kittens might get scared and scratch. To keep the kitten calm and easier to handle, hold it gently with one hand under its front legs while supporting its body with your other hand.
3. Give the kitten a short but comprehensive bath to clean off any food or feces. If only the bottom is dirty, just dip that part instead of washing the entire kitten.
4. Carefully rinse the kitten with warm water and swiftly wrap it in a towel.
5. Rub the kitten energetically to dry it. If the towel you’re using becomes saturated, replace it with a dry, fresh one.
6. Keep the kitten with you until it is fully dry. If needed, you can wrap a heating pad around the towel while waiting for the kitten to dry.

 Taking Care of Kittens – The First Six Months 

One of the most common questions regarding kitten care is how to take care of a kitten correctly, although this is also one of the broadest questions. Here are some basic tips for looking after a kitten in its first six months of life:

•   Under 4 Weeks of Age: Kittens are considered newborns from birth until they are 4 weeks old. During this time, they are developing their motor skills and coordination, and learning to control their body temperature. They depend on their mother for warmth. If the mother cat is present, human caregivers only need to ensure the kittens have a warm, clean, safe environment, good nutrition, and veterinary care for the mother. However, if the mother cat is not able to care for her kittens, intensive human intervention is required to help the kittens grow and thrive. It’s crucial to schedule an immediate visit with us to evaluate the kittens’ needs, particularly in terms of feeding and growth monitoring. Proper care for orphaned kittens involves bottle feeding every 2-4 hours, keeping them in a warm and safe environment, and helping them with urination and defecation. Use blankets to keep them warm, especially if they are without their mother or siblings. Dr. Lacie and many staff members at Cat Care Center have firsthand experience in caring for orphan kittens and can offer specialized advice to meet their needs.
•   5-11 Weeks of Age: By this stage, newborn kittens should have moved on from their mother’s milk or bottle-feeding to a diet high in protein and energy. Their motor skills and coordination are expected to be developing as well. Be mindful, as your kitten will grow more daring and curious during this period! Caring for a kitten at this age requires vigilant supervision to ensure their inquisitiveness and courage don’t lead them into dangerous situations.
•   2-4 Months of Age: During this phase, kittens experience rapid growth and changes. Expect your kitten to be much more energetic than an adult cat, possibly even waking you up at night with its playful antics. Taking good care of your kitten at this stage means ensuring ample playtime to strengthen your bond, along with feeding them 3 to 4 high-protein meals daily.
•   4-6 Months of Age: Your kitten is on the verge of adolescence and sexual maturity, which will bring about an increase in energy and behaviors similar to a human child going through puberty. This is an ideal time to start planning for spaying or neutering. Since puberty usually starts around 6-8 months old, it’s best to perform these procedures beforehand. It’s vital to engage in interactive play that strengthens your bond and to apply behavior modification techniques if necessary. There are many ways to enrich your kitten’s environment, which is especially crucial for those that live indoors. During our next visit, let’s discuss strategies to create a stimulating atmosphere that caters to your kitten’s natural instincts.

Have you encountered a kitten in need of rescue? Find out what actions to take and how to care for it adequately.

Nutrition Tips for Kittens 

As previously stated, proper nutrition for kittens requires modifying their diet to ensure they get the essential nutrients at each growth phase.

• During the initial four weeks of a kitten’s life, the mother cat should nurse the kittens. If the kittens are not with their mother, you will need to feed them a specially formulated commercial milk replacement every 2-4 hours.
• Between the ages of 3 to 5 weeks, start weaning kittens off bottle feeding by offering milk replacement formula in a shallow dish. Alongside this, introduce a soft and easy-to-chew diet by blending the warmed milk replacement with high-quality canned or dried kitten food, and feed them 4-6 times per day.
• By the time your kitten reaches 5 to 8 weeks of age, it should be capable of eating solid food independently. Providing a high-protein, high-energy diet and feeding 3 to 4 times daily is crucial. There are numerous types of kitten food available, and we look forward to discussing these nutritional options with you at your next veterinary appointment. We frequently recommend canned food since its texture and ingredients closely mimic a natural diet. Nonetheless, a balanced diet can incorporate both canned and dry cat foods.
• When kittens reach the age of 6 months, they should be fed two to three times daily.

It is essential for kittens to have the right type of food, in the right amounts, and at suitable times throughout the day to ensure their happiness, health, and development. Our veterinary team would be more than happy to discuss the best feeding schedule for your kitten at your next vet appointment.

An important part of a kitten’s development is introducing them to the human family and other pets in the home. While it’s a common belief that dogs and cats don’t get along, many dogs can actually live peacefully with cats. However, some dogs have a strong hunting instinct and might see a cat as prey. Therefore, fostering proper behavior and interactions between different species requires active, attentive, and continuous socialization efforts, which include:

•  Litter box training 
• Regularly engaging in petting and snuggling
•  Toy introduction 
• Exploration using boxes, paper bags, and similar items.
• Offering treats as a reward for good behavior
• Redirecting from biting or scratching
• Introducing new individuals and animals within a managed environment.
• Weekly brushing, grooming, and care.
•  Nail trimming 

Raising a kitten can be a delightful journey, although it requires your active engagement. It’s important to understand the time and effort needed to ensure kittens grow and develop properly. For additional details, check out our Kitten Kindergarten class by clicking here.

What Can Go Wrong with Kittens 

Newborn kittens, particularly those in the 0-4 week age range, need a significant amount of care and attention. It is essential to be aware of potential issues that may occur. Here are some warning signs to look for when taking care of newborn kittens:

• Refusing to eat, especially in the case of young kittens that have been abandoned or separated from their mothers.
•  Challenges or setbacks in motor coordination abilities.
• Fatigue, diarrhea, or vomiting

Kittens older than 4 weeks have moved beyond the crucial stages where proper feeding and maintaining body temperature are vital. Although you should still keep an eye on these aspects, it’s time to start focusing on other areas of their care, including behavioral issues such as:

•  Litter box usage 
• Indicators of aggressive behavior and playful biting
• Concerns and behaviors that should be addressed while they are still adaptable and open to modification

If you observe any strange or concerning behaviors in your kitten as it develops, make sure to schedule an additional appointment with the veterinarian. This should be done alongside the routine preventive check-ups that are already planned, including kitten vaccinations.

Preventive Care for Kittens 

Preventive care is vital for ensuring your kitten leads a healthy life. It begins with choosing the right veterinarian and working together to create a comprehensive plan for regular checkups, vaccinations, and preventive measures. At Cat Care Center, we are skilled at identifying subtle signs that your kitten might not be in perfect health. Our veterinarian can uncover any potential health or behavioral issues your kitten may have through a thorough discussion with you and a detailed physical examination.

When to Schedule Your Kitten’s First Veterinary Appointment 

No matter when you get your kitten, it’s crucial to schedule a veterinarian visit. In the initial week, ensure you see the vet frequently. These regular check-ups will help your kitten get used to the vet and establish a knowledgeable baseline for its health and well-being.

Intestinal Parasites, Fleas, and Heartworm Disease in Kittens 

All kittens require regular deworming treatment which includes giving them medication to remove most intestinal parasites. Additionally, we need to check your kitten’s stool for any uncommon but potentially serious parasites. Besides intestinal worms, cats can also be affected by heartworms. Since there is no cure for heartworm disease in cats, we highly recommend consistent heartworm prevention for all cats.

A common threat to your kitten’s health is parasites, especially fleas. It’s important to discuss your cat’s behaviors and the right flea and tick prevention methods as part of overall kitten care. We suggest avoiding over-the-counter sprays, powders, or collars since they are often less effective and can be more harmful to your kitten. At your next visit, we can talk about a dependable flea/tick prevention plan and other parasite control options.

Schedule for Kitten Vaccinations 

Vaccinations are essential for maintaining the health and well-being of your new kitten. At Cat Care Center, we follow the AAFP vaccination guidelines. Consequently, your kitten will get a series of booster shots distributed over three visits, each scheduled 3-4 weeks apart. The veterinarian might adjust this timeline depending on the kitten’s age and prior vaccination records.

• Giving your cat 3 to 4 doses of the FVRCP vaccine will safeguard them against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (feline Parvovirus) until they are at least 16 to 20 weeks old.
• There are two FeLV vaccines that protect your cat from the Feline Leukemia Virus.
•  1 Rabies vaccination 

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)/Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Testing in Kittens 

When Should You Spay/Neuter Your Kitten? 

By the time kittens reach 4-5 months of age, they start transitioning into a stage of mature adolescence, which is often referred to as “kitty puberty.” Consequently, it becomes crucial to have your kitten spayed or neutered. Here are some reasons why this is important:

• Avoid engaging in negative behaviors such as scent-marking territory, approaching females in heat, or displaying aggression.
•  Avoiding unplanned litters 
• A decreased chance of getting breast or testicular cancer in the future.

It is essential to have your kitten spayed or neutered by the age of 4-5 months, or sooner if possible, especially if they are socializing with other kittens or cats of the opposite sex.

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