Caring for a newborn kitten is a delicate and crucial task, especially in their first few weeks of life. Ideally, newborn kittens should receive all their nourishment from their mother (queen). This natural feeding method is vital until they gradually transition to solid food, typically around four weeks old, during the weaning process.
The Indispensable Colostrum
The very first milk the queen produces is called colostrum, and it’s liquid gold for newborn kittens. Colostrum is exceptionally rich in antibodies, acting as a natural shield to protect kittens from various diseases. These protective antibodies can last for six weeks or even longer, providing crucial immunity during their vulnerable early life. Importantly, kittens can only effectively absorb colostrum within the first 16 to 24 hours after birth, making it essential for them to feed within the first two hours of life. Receiving colostrum is paramount for disease prevention. If you suspect a kitten hasn’t received this vital first milk, it’s crucial to contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance.
Newborn Kitten Feeding Schedule and Needs
In their initial days, newborn kittens need to feed frequently, approximately every two to three hours. When kittens are effectively suckling and receiving sufficient milk from their mother, they will naturally sleep contentedly between feedings. In such cases, they generally don’t require any additional nutrition until they reach three to four weeks of age. However, if a kitten isn’t receiving enough nourishment from the queen, they may exhibit signs of distress such as constant crying and restless searching for the mother’s teats. If you have concerns that a kitten is not getting adequate milk, it’s important to seek advice from your veterinarian.
Recognizing Distress Signals in Newborn Kittens
Distressed newborn kittens can display several concerning behaviors. These may include restlessness, excessive crying, prolonged periods of wakefulness, straying away from the queen and the designated kittening area, appearing neglected by the mother, or a noticeable decrease or cessation of feeding accompanied by a weakened sucking reflex. Observing these signs warrants immediate attention and veterinary consultation.
Monitoring Weight: A Key Indicator of Health
If the mother cat is relaxed and comfortable with handling, gently weighing the kittens at birth and then daily is a valuable practice. This allows you to monitor their growth and ensure they are gaining an appropriate amount of weight – typically around 10-15 grams each day. A healthy growth indicator is kittens doubling their birth weight by two weeks of age. At birth, kittens generally weigh between 90 and 110 grams. Consistent weight gain is a positive sign of healthy development.
When Hand-Feeding Becomes Necessary
In situations where kittens are rejected by their mother for various reasons, or if the queen is unable to nurse her kittens adequately due to health issues or insufficient milk production, hand-feeding becomes a necessary intervention. Hand-rearing kittens is a demanding but rewarding process. For detailed guidance on hand-rearing techniques, consult veterinary resources and specialized guides to ensure the kittens receive the proper nutrition and care they need to thrive in the absence of their mother’s milk.
